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.
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.
A Petersburg family is trying to change Alaska’s workers’ comp laws in honor of their daughter
The family wants to hold employers more accountable for negligence, which could affect thousands of Alaskans working dangerous jobs.
Report says Alaska’s labor shortage isn’t going away, and employers need to do more to retain workers
State economist says as retention becomes increasingly difficult, good employers have an advantage. And technical trades are in high demand.
Census seeks sound evidence of music’s economic impact in Alaska
A group of independent musicians hopes their census will spark a new conversation on how best to support the state’s vibrant music scene.
With new Anchorage waste center, city hopes to help residents minimize trash
The transfer station is a central point for the city’s garbage trucks and residents to dump trash, but also offers opportunities to divert landfill waste.
New AEDC president focused on making Anchorage more attractive to workers
Jenna Wright, the Anchorage Economic Development Corp.'s new head, says the city needs to become more desirable and affordable to workers.
Alaska heading toward fiscal ‘brick wall’ that could force end to PFD formula debate
Alaskans are set to receive $1,312 payouts, but the Legislature still can’t agree on how to determine that number in the long term.
Alaska politicians remain optimistic about AK LNG even as overseas market cools
Politicians are still confident in the pipeline project, even as a long timeline has export buyers looking for other options.
A large increase in trash shipping costs in Southeast Alaska has leaders exploring solutions
Petersburg's new trash contract comes with a 34% price hike, which would pile onto the community's already sky-high living expenses.
A salmon glut has sent prices plunging, and economists don’t know when they’ll recover
Processors recently announced a base price of just 50 cents per pound – the lowest price in decades, when adjusted for inflation.