Alaska Economic Report
Alaska Economic Report is a weekly look at the trends, policies and issues that impact your wallet in Alaska. From local businesses, to fiscal policy to big industries like fishing, tourism and oil & gas, we cover the high-stakes economic issues that matter to Alaskans all over the state.
Hosted by:
Ava White
Contact us:
news@alaskapublic.org
Listen to Alaska Economic Report on KSKA FM 91.1 in Anchorage, AK.
Thursdays at 7:45 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 4:45 p.m.
Copper River fishing kicks off salmon season marked by fewer buyers and more uncertainty
Every year, more than 2 million fish return to the Copper River delta, and crews benefit from strong marketing, as well as being the first on the water.
Red Dog’s dwindling ore is forcing the entire region to consider its future
The mine — an economic engine in Northwest Alaska — could close as soon as 2031.
Anchorage sisters tap readers’ rapture for romance with new bookstore
Beauty and the Book Alaska specializes in the romance genre- a growing trend in Alaska and around the country.
Downtown Anchorage businesses are stressed. Advocates hope new projects will revitalize the area.
Between a rise in homelessness and a hit to the economy, several business owners say they’re fighting to stay afloat.
Sundown festival organizers say event can boost Anchorage economy, grow music scene
Festival organizers say it’s drawing a bigger crowd each year and can provide a significant boost to the local economy.
A Juneau inventor wants to bring ocean energy to your outlets
Tidal power could be an alternative to burning fossil fuels like diesel and natural gas, which is driving human-caused climate change.
Klawock hopes for an economic boost as it welcomes cruise ships for the first time
The ceremony was the result of 18 months of planning by tribal leaders, who are hoping to revive the town’s flagging economy with tourism.
New report questions business model of British Columbia gold mines
The report says mines are allowing day traders and Canadian taxpayers to assume most of the financial risk, while a much smaller group of shareholders reaps the rewards.
Car wash companies expand in Anchorage amid national boom
According to Bloomberg, there are about 60,000 car washes in the country, and some forecasts show that number could double by 2030.
King Cove braces for salmon season with no seafood processor amid historic price slump
Less than 2 months before salmon season, King Cove's seafood processor announced it will cease operations.
This farm is the only Grade “A” goat dairy in Alaska
“I kind of joked that I started a Grade “A” dairy with a “C” team,” said Kelli Foreman who runs Kodiak's Heritage Farm and Ranch.
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.
Home bakers in Alaska find sweet success on Instagram
A growing group of Alaska home bakers can legally sell their goods, thanks to the state's cottage food laws.
3 seafood processors announce closures, selloffs following historic price collapse for Alaska fishing industry
Three major seafood processors in Alaska have announced plans to sell off their plants or temporarily close for the upcoming fishing seasons. Trident, Peter Pan Seafood Company and most recently OBI Seafoods – just last month – have all cited turbulent market conditions for their decisions.
Workforce woes? Invest in Anchorage’s quality of life, experts say
Anchorage’s economy has lots of positive signs and job growth ahead, but not enough people for its anticipated job openings.
Reality TV crews bring economic boost to Petersburg, but many locals wonder if it’s worth it
In 2023, three reality TV shows and a documentary were shot in the remote Southeast town, a small windfall for many local businesses.
No longer a ‘bagel desert,’ new business is among several bringing bagels back to Anchorage
Wooden Spoons Alaska recently started selling New York-style bagels. Like her competitors in town, the owner often can't keep up with demand.
Alaska’s harbors grapple with rusty pilings and rising costs
The climbing price of docking a boat in harbors across the state has Alaskans questioning their future on the water.
Juneau’s Mendenhall Valley has a new year-round food truck park
Many Juneau restaurants rely on summer tourists, which can leave fewer options for locals in the winter.
Alaska tourism industry expecting another strong year, led by cruise passengers
An Alaska tourism industry advocate expects last year’s record-breaking cruise passenger numbers to repeat in 2024.
Fewer restaurant workers translates to lower profits for seafood processors
Worker shortages are driving restaurants to serve fewer tables. Some seafood processors say that’s hurting their bottom line.
Anchorage small businesses see a strong holiday season, despite winter storm challenges
An industry advocate sees encouraging signs from holiday shopping, but says local businesses are still recovering from November’s snow storm closures.
Ripping open the world of pull-tabs, Alaska’s most popular form of charitable gaming
All legal gaming in Alaska benefits nonprofits, and the most popular form, pull-tabs, is played at more than 1,000 locations statewide.
Alaska hemp producers sue state, saying new ban on products is illegal
Alaska recently banned hemp products with intoxicating THC. The hemp industry says its products are protected under federal law.
Alaska crabbers get creative with pop-up sales, but industry’s fate uncertain
With the Bering Sea snow crab fishery closed for a second year, crabbers are trying to find ways to make up for lost income.