Economy

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

Norton Sound

Record-low Bering Sea ice conditions of 2018 expected to be repeated in coming years

As the Northern Bering Sea ecosystem emerges from extraordinary warmth, a study warns of likely future occurrences.
People walk on a construction area in fornt of some suburban houses and a snow covered mountain.

Alaska’s state-backed housing lender relaunches $10K rebate for new energy-efficient homes

The Alaska Housing Finance Corp. will offer a $10,000 credit for roughly 650 new homes that receive a five-plus or six-star energy efficiency rating.
a plant

How a hydroponic garden at Angoon’s high school is cultivating food sovereignty

The facility is a way for the community to have more control over its food, much of which is barged or flown in.
Newtok

Newtok shuts down its critical infrastructure

On Sunday, local tribal leadership decided to shut down the power and water plants in the tiny Bering Sea coastal community.
a rendering

Kodiak and Nome property tax cases could have ripple effects statewide

The Kodiak Area Native Association and Norton Sound Health Corp. cases both concern nonprofits' property tax exemptions.
a store

Most Black Friday shoppers bagged their deals online this year, with record spending

As many opted against facing crowds the day after Thanksgiving, shoppers spent a record $10.8 billion in online purchases.
Various Giftshops in downtown Anchorage

Alaskans encouraged to shop local this holiday season 

When you shop locally, 63 cents stays in the local economy, compared to 22 cents when you buy at a national chain. 
a man and a woman in a warehouse sorting brown packages

3 million packages and counting: Amazon’s Anchorage delivery station hits the 1-year mark

The retail giant says the new facility has reduced the average delivery time for customers in the Anchorage area from two weeks to two days, but residents report mixed experiences.
a Carl's Jr sign

Slight increase in Alaska’s minimum wage coming ahead of larger, voter-approved increase

The state’s minimum wage will increase by 18 cents to $11.91 an hour at the start of the new year.
a store

More deals, more spending: What Black Friday has in store

This holiday shopping season is poised to break spending records. A new survey finds people plan to spend $771 on average.
a man speaking to a crowd

Company looks to build state’s largest solar farm in Nikiski

The independent power producer behind some of Alaska’s biggest solar farms is planning its largest plant yet in Nikiski.
a shipping pallet

Dirt-cheap toys imported into U.S. can be dangerous, group says. Here’s what to know.

"You should not do this," consumer advocate Teresa Murray says, warning against the lure of rock-bottom prices from unfamiliar sellers.
a care facility

Recently unionized home care workers in Alaska approve first contracts

Home care workers, whose services are needed more as Alaska's population ages, have negotiated for better pay and other benefits.

A fish plant fueled King Cove’s economy. Without it, can the community survive?

In rural Alaska, the barriers to participating in the electoral process can be much greater than in urban areas.

The Outlook for Alaska’s seafood industry | Alaska Insight

A convergence of factors are challenging Alaska fisheries. Climate change, fluctuations in markets and more are all putting pressure on the industry.
mountains and water

Japanese smelting giant pulls out of major Southeast Alaska mining project

The Palmer project has for years fueled political divisions in the town of Haines. Now it’s getting a new owner, raising questions about its future.
a seafood plant

Alaska seafood processing workers made more money in 2023, but there were fewer of them

The processing employment data, which also shows a higher percentage of nonresident hire, points to difficulties with worker shortages.
a newscast

Fairbanks region loses last local TV newscast

NewsCenter Fairbanks went dark Saturday, as owner Gray TV consolidates broadcasts from Alaska's News Source in Anchorage.
an oil field

Arctic Bitcoin? Hilcorp, tech firm aim to test North Slope data center

A Hilcorp oil field in Alaska’s Arctic is set to host a tech firm that wants to use natural gas-fired power to mine digital currency.
A picture of a building with it's sign out front

Alaskans, tell us about your experience with Amazon. 

Company officials say a new facility in Anchorage has sped up delivery times. But we want to hear from you.