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KSKA: Tuesday, January 9, at 2:00 p.m. A very dense and well-informed discussion regarding the facts and trends for the high healthcare costs we have here in Alaska. This event features original findings from financial analyst Mark Foster, commentary on those findings from Assistant Professor of Economics Mouhcine Guettabi, followed by questions from the audience. Listen Here

Monday, December 11, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. The United States spends far more money, per capita, on health care than other countries. Alaska has some of the highest healthcare costs in the country. Please join the discussion on the possible reasons for Alaska’s high healthcare costs, their effects, and some possible solutions when co-host Dr. Thad Woodard interviews Cliff Groh, Chair of Alaska Common Ground, on the next Line One program. LINE ONE

KSKA: Tuesday, October, 24 2017, at 2:00 p.m. Addressing Alaskans, this week, is taking a look into Alaska’s fiscal options by discussing facts, frequently discussed approaches and the dollars attached to the state’s very real budget issues. LISTEN HERE

KSKA: Tuesday, May 16 at 2pm. This week we’re featuring another panel discussion on transportation entitled “What we have and what we would like: Public and non-motorized or active transportation”. This is the second in a series of discussions being held on local transportation issues titled “From Here to the Future: Transforming Anchorage/Mat-Su Transportation”. LISTEN HERE

KSKA: Tuesday, May 02, at 2:00 p.m. Join Alaska Common Ground as they host a series of panels of local experts and citizens exploring transportation issues and solutions. In this panel discussion titled: How does transportation planning work and how do I engage? they'll take on issues that affect us locally and what it takes to make changes, both through policy and government collaboration. LISTEN HERE

KSKA Tuesday, November 29 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Seven storytellers share personal stories of fiscal Alaska in the style of Arctic Entries. LISTEN NOW

With the price of oil hovering around $40, Alaska's state government faces a catastrophic loss of revenue that could cause loss of critical services and an economic crash. The day we've talked about for years is coming closer rapidly. Are there real solutions available? And what will Alaska look like without the free services we've become accustomed to for a generation? KSKA: Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Listen Now:

Heathcare costs are rising, and things here are already more expensive in Alaska than they are in the Lower 48. How does the cost of healthcare affect the state’s fiscal future? That’s up for debate at a forum hosted by Alaska Common Ground. KSKA: Tuesday, May 26, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Download Audio:

A cocktail of plummeting oil prices and declining production on the North Slope means some tough challenges ahead for the state of Alaska. Hear economist Gunnar Knapp review the numbers -- revenue, expenditures and more -- at a talk jointly hosted by UAA's Institute of Social and Economic Research and Alaska Common Ground. KSKA: Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen Now:

The price of oil has gone down so far that it’s likely state revenues this fiscal year will be less than the forecast. And the forecast was already down more than $7 billion from the year before. The question the Governor and the Legislature are asking now is not whether there will be a deficit but just how big will it be and where will the money come from to fill it. APRN: Tuesday, 1/6 at 10:00am Download Audio

Alaska has had an interesting fiscal ride through the decades. From a time when the purchase of the territory from Russia was called "Seward's Folly" to the discovery of the rich oil resources of Prudhoe Bay -- which made the state very cashy, fairly quickly. Alaskans have enjoyed the benefits of oil revenues for decades, but production is in decline and that means the state must ramp up production or slow down expenses. We're in deficit spending now but the population and demand for services continues to ramp up. What should be done to help Alaska get out of deficit mode. KSKA: Friday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 11 at 6:00 p.m. KAKM: Friday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 11 at 4:30 p.m. Download Audio

Ballot Measure 4 would require the Legislature's approval for any large-scale, metallic sulfide mine plans in Bristol Bay. It's being put to a vote in November. Alaska Common Ground brings four panelists together to debate what's being called the "Bristol Bay Forever" initiative, two in favor and two opposed. Listen now: KSKA: Tuesday, September 2, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m.

Alaska voters have the opportunity to say 'yay' or 'nay' on a higher minimum wage. Ballot Measure 3 would raise the state's minimum wage from $7.75 per hour to $9.75 over the next two years, and then adjust the minimum wage for inflation each year after 2016. What are the potential effects to Alaska's economy? Is this a win for businesses and for workers, or does one side benefit at the other's expense? Hear the minimum wage initiative debated at a public forum hosted by Alaska Common Ground. KSKA: Tuesday, August 5, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Taxes from oil production pay for a hefty chunk of Alaska's state government. Last year the Legislature narrowly passed Senate Bill 21, which offers tax cuts to encourage more drilling in the wake of declining oil production statewide. On August 19, voters will have the chance to repeal those cuts. Alaska Common Ground brings panelists from both sides of the debate to hash out the details of the oil tax referendum on the table. KSKA: Tuesday, July 29, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Download Audio

Both Alaska Common Ground and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce have public forums planned to discuss both sides of important issues coming before Alaska voters this election season. Join host Kathleen McCoy and representatives from both groups to learn about the style of their public forums and ambitions to develop informed voters. KSKA: Wednesday, June 25, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m.  Listen now:

Most of us understand that Anchorage has broad mix of people from around the world, but do we understand the challenges they face and how they enrich our community and schools? Learn more.

Let's Talk Anchorage is pleased to offer its first community dialogue: The Occupy Movement: What is it?. The dialogue will take place at the Mt. View Community Library on Saturday, December 17 from 1 - 4 PM. If you are concerned, curious, or committed, this is your opportunity to engage in respectful, facilitated conversations with fellow citizens. More details.