Economy

All Alaska economy and business news, including the Alaska Economic Report.

A man in a green jacket waves to fans on a street in downtown Anchorage Alaska.

In fundraising pitch, Iditarod planners say financial woes could jeopardize epic sled dog race

The message comes at a time when major Iditarod sponsors have dropped out, and inflation has increased the cost of participation.
a meat vending machine

Soldotna butcher’s meat vending machine earns its chops

Although Echo Lake Meats' vending machine has only been in operation for about a month, staff have seen more people use it than expected.
skiffs

Alaska fishermen and processing plants are in limbo as a state-backed seafood company teeters

"We are all sort of on pins and needles," said a local official in King Cove waiting to learn the fate of Peter Pan Seafoods’ shuttered plant.
the Cannery Loop natural gas storage station

Lots of ideas, but not much time, to address Cook Inlet gas crunch

Lawmakers are trying to figure out the best way forward — and utilities say they have months, not years, to settle on a plan.
Easter bunnies

Pricier Easter bunnies and eggs. Half-dipped Kit Kats. What’s up with chocolate?

As cocoa prices surge faster than bitcoin and exceed those of precious metals, some candy makers have raised prices while others use less chocolate.
Woman in committee room

Lawmakers clash over Permanent Fund dividend amount as House debates budget

The PFD is one of the most hotly-debated issues in the Legislature every year — and it’s not necessarily a party-line issue. 
Five Alaska Airlines planes parked at gates

Anchorage airport officials hope incentive program encourages airlines to test new routes

The Alaska Department of Transportation introduced a program this year called the International Passenger and Cargo Service Incentive Program which aims to encourage airlines to try new routes.
Eielson Air Force Base

Work on Eielson microreactor project may resume this summer

State Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, urged the Air Force to move ahead with the small nuclear power plant after a presentation last week.

GCI customers can keep email accounts set to be shut down – for a fee

A once-temporary $4.99 monthly fee for email accounts will now be permanent, company officials said in a statement.
a ship

New Coast Guard alert system aims to reduce the number of whales hit by vessels

The Coast Guard is stepping up to help improve one of the most used whale report apps, WRAS, which also forms the basis for Canada's alert system.
a road

Unalaska to pursue geothermal energy project with new partners

For the city’s plan to work without Chena Power’s involvement, the Ounalashka Corp. would likely have to break ties with Chena.
A man smiling with glasses

New development center will connect Alaska businesses with AI tools

The Alaska Small Business Development Center has a new resource center aimed at familiarizing businesses with AI tools. 
A man on a ladder installs a piece of equipment on the upper part of a wall.

Alaska creates climate plan to reduce statewide emissions and fund a wide range of sustainable energy projects

The state identified almost a billion dollars in need for projects that would help lower energy costs for an EPA grant program. 
Anchorage City Hall

Bronson vetoes new rules for Anchorage Airbnbs

The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday had approved the ordinance that would’ve required short-term rental owners to locally license their operations.
filmmakers

Locally written film to be shot on Kenai Peninsula

“Chasing Rainbows,” written by Aaron Gordon specifically to be shot in Alaska, is a fantasy story about a teenage girl in a strange land.
seaweed farming

Alaska aquaculture is growing quickly, but faces roadblocks

A new study's author says the growing industry has encountered a few “fundamental bottlenecks,” many of them involving Alaska logistics.
a building

Alaska development authority signs contracts with ex-Dunleavy aides, paying up to $295/hour

Rex Rock and John Moller, both former rural affairs advisors to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, were hired by AIDEA through a competitive procurement process.
a polar bear

Federal appeals court declines to ‘criminalize’ Beaufort Sea oil and gas work

A divided three-judge panel concluded that a federal agency failed to justify a regulation that allows some oil and gas work.
a man

Amid salmon crash, Alaska’s Yukon River residents say a new pact with Canada leaves them behind

In villages along the river, Tribal leaders say the state has cut them out of the process and they want federal oversight.
a sign on a building says airbnb

Divided Anchorage Assembly to vote on new requirements for short-term rentals

The vote on the measure was postponed from the Assembly's last meeting so an absent member could cast a potentially decisive vote.