We took a walk through what’s now being called the Suzanne LaFrance Autonomous Zone (SLAZ) in Anchorage, Alaska. There’s been a lot of talk about it recently, and many people are unsure about what it really is, how it started, and what it feels like to actually be there. So we decided to go see it for ourselves—and what we found was both surprising and eye-opening.
First, let’s clear up what this “autonomous zone” means. It’s not an official term recognized by the government. Instead, the people supporting this area—mostly activists and supporters of mayoral candidate Suzanne LaFrance—have taken over public spaces to express their political views. They’re demanding change, more community control, and less government interference. Some also see this as a protest against how the city has been handling safety, public services, and local decisions.
As we entered the zone, the atmosphere changed immediately. There were hand-painted signs, slogans on walls, and small groups of people talking or handing out leaflets. Some of the signs were supportive and hopeful—things like “Power to the People” or “Let Anchorage Breathe”—while others were strongly critical of local authorities.
The energy in the air was mixed. Some people were calm and welcoming, offering food and water to anyone who came by. Others were suspicious and didn’t want cameras around. Still, it was clear that everyone there had strong opinions and felt like this space was important.
It wasn’t just about protests, though. There were makeshift tents and small setups where volunteers offered free meals, first-aid, and even free books and clothes. One group had organized a sort of “free market” where people could take what they needed without paying anything. It reminded us of mutual aid groups that popped up during the pandemic, where people came together to support one another when the system fell short.
At the same time, there were also signs of disorganization. Some areas looked a bit chaotic—trash piled up in corners, random items lying around, and not much structure in how things were arranged. There were loud arguments between some participants. A few people appeared to be just hanging around without a clear purpose. It felt like the community was trying to create something meaningful, but also struggling to keep things together.
One of the more surprising parts of the walk was the wide range of people inside SLAZ. There were young activists, older residents, students, veterans, and even a few parents with their children. Everyone had their own reason for being there, but most said they felt like they weren’t being heard by the city, and this was their way of speaking out.
We also saw heavy police presence around the area, although not directly inside it. Patrol cars circled the nearby streets, and officers stood at a distance. It seemed like they were staying out unless something went wrong, but their presence was definitely being watched closely by those inside the zone. Some protesters viewed the police as a threat, while others said they were just trying to avoid conflict.
It’s important to mention that not everyone in Anchorage agrees with SLAZ or supports it. We spoke to a few local residents outside the zone, and their opinions were very different. One man said he thought the whole thing was dangerous and made the neighborhood feel unsafe. Another person said she supported the cause but didn’t like how it was being handled. She worried it would hurt the campaign of Suzanne LaFrance rather than help it.
As for Suzanne LaFrance herself, she hasn’t claimed the zone or asked people to form it. In fact, she’s made statements asking for peaceful action and respect for public spaces. Still, her name is being used by those inside, and that’s made things complicated politically. Supporters see SLAZ as a form of grassroots power. Critics say it’s an example of things getting out of control.
In the end, walking through SLAZ showed us just how divided and passionate people are in Anchorage right now. It’s more than just a protest—it’s a reflection of deep feelings about leadership, fairness, and what kind of community people want to live in. Whether you support it or not, the Suzanne LaFrance Autonomous Zone has become a symbol of something bigger. It shows how far some people are willing to go to be heard. And maybe, whether through this or something else, that voice will push the city to listen more carefully to what its people are trying to say.
