Alaska Economic Report

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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

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.

a group of students standing around an EV engine

New study aims to fill in the data gaps on EV use in rural Alaska

The study doesn’t promote EVs, but aims to better understand their usage in rural Alaska and clarify misconceptions about them.
a map

A new study touts the economics of building the Alaska LNG Project, but some lawmakers have doubts

If it’s built, the full pipeline project would move natural gas from the North Slope to Nikiski, where it'd be prepared for shipment overseas.
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 man in a plaid blue and orange shirt stands outside.

Meet the new head of the UA Center for Economic Development

Jared Reynolds says the state’s biggest economic challenges are infrastructure and a lack of affordable housing.
a six-unit apartment complex

An Anchorage housing expert says it’s time for builders to get creative to solve the housing crunch

Alaska’s largest city is facing a significant housing crunch. At least one expert wants to get creative to solve the problem.
a man looking at fishing gear

Pollock trawl closure sends economic ripples across Kodiak as fishermen adapt

Fishermen like Cole Hockema would normally be out on the water until early November, when the Gulf of Alaska’s pollock B season typically closes. But this fall season ended just three weeks into fishing.
A sign that reads help wanted

Alaska businesses are divided over a ballot measure that would raise minimum wage and mandate sick leave

Ballot Measure One would raise the minimum wage and allow workers to accrue sick leave. Many business owners say it makes sense, while others believe it’ll drive up high operating costs even further.
a large industrial building with high walls next to a road

NOAA economists report plunging revenues for Alaska commercial fisheries

2023 in particular marked one of the worst years for commercial fishermen in modern history.
a boardwalk

A spectacular trail in Petersburg gets an upgrade thanks to a federal-tribal-borough partnership

The Petersburg Indian Association is paying for it with money from the federal Tribal Transportation Program.
People stand in line, inside, where a sign reads: Permanent Fund Dividend.

Here’s how 3 Alaskans are spending their PFD

The dividend landed in bank accounts across the state Oct. 3. The total amount includes a normal dividend of $1,403.83 plus a $298.17 energy relief payment.
several Alaska Airlines planes parked at airport gates

The Alaska-Hawaiian acquisition is complete. What does it mean for Alaskans?

The deal could have some benefits for travelers, but some worry that could come at the cost of jobs and service, especially in Hawaii.
a woman looking at a phone

OOTD from Alaska? Anchorage influencers describe challenges and opportunities

Alaska’s isolation makes it harder for content creators to make a living off their social media. But the state’s unique fashion and landscapes can help too.
an empty Ravn alaska counter

Ravn pulled out of the Aleutians in August. Here’s how residents are coping.

Regional airline Ravn Alaska announced recently it was stopping service to the Aleutian Islands. That means there are limited options for travel in the region.
The sign for Alaska Pacific University stands in front of pine trees surrounded by snow.

Alaska Pacific University is offering a new scholarship with money from a student-managed investment fund

The fund grew from $200,000 to nearly $2 million since it started in 2001.
dogs

A dog camp atop a Juneau glacier keeps mushing afloat during Alaska’s summer tourism season

Mushers say the sport has become more expensive. Many of them are turning to tourism to pay the bills.
A couple holding an "Alaskan jalapeno popper"

For this local food stand, the Alaska State Fair is a whole lot of work and a massive opportunity

For many, the Alaska State Fair is a time to relax and have fun. But for this couple, it’s also a massive opportunity.
Woman reaches for canned food on shelf

These local meal delivery services are trying to help Alaskans save time 

Americans have embraced meal kit services — where all of the ingredients for a tasty dinner are delivered to your doorstep. But most national options aren’t widely or easily available in Alaska.
a man

Where some see trash, others see treasure at the ‘Walmart of Bethel’

At the Bethel landfill, residents push back against the challenging economic reality of life in rural Alaska.
a smiling girl

For Anchorage teens in search of summer work, odd jobs are a profitable niche

A Facebook group called Alaska Teens for Hire is a hub for 13 to 19 year olds looking for work and adults who have an odd job to offer.
tourists

With cruise traffic booming, Alaska’s travel industry looks to boost independent traveler numbers

This summer, some remote communities welcomed their largest cruise ships in history– while others turned thousands of tourists away due to wildfires.
Two boats in Cordova

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.
the Red Dog Mine

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.
A woman in a pink sweater welcomes in people to her store.

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.
two men pose

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.
A crowd at a music festival

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.