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:
Michael Fanelli
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.
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.
Anchorage women-owned businesses form ‘Outdoor Alliance’ to help each other succeed
Women have been making inroads in the traditionally male-dominated industry, with female leaders apparently concentrated in Alaska.
A tough choice for Heather’s Choice: Anchorage company considers relocating to grow business
Heather’s Choice makes premium dehydrated meals for hikers or anyone on the go, and is continuing to grow its presence in the Lower 48.
Small exodus of doctors leaves Central Kenai Peninsula with recruitment rush, strains on care
“I’m extremely worried about my patients being able to find new primary care,” said Dr. Alexa Rodin, who's among the doctors leaving.
Trident’s new processing plant in Unalaska will be the largest in North America
The plant will focus on automation, renewable energy and on 100% protein capture — being so efficient that not a scrap of fish is wasted.
In the wake of canceled cruise stops, Valdez official says businesses should focus on in-state tourism
A local official said cruise lines have a history of abrupt cancellations, so tourism companies should cater to more reliable Alaskan visitors.
Alaska’s natural gas shortage: How did we get here and what comes next?
Southcentral Alaska is facing a looming energy crisis as natural gas contracts are set to run out. Utilities aren’t sure how to replace it, but foreign imports seem likely.
Anchorage now has the third busiest cargo airport in the world, with plans for growth
Geographic advantage helped Anchorage's airport claim its new title. To keep growing, it needs to market the shape of the Earth.
Statewide income in Alaska grew twice as fast as the U.S. last year, mostly because of PFDs
The state still has fewer jobs than pre-pandemic, but the job market is historically strong and inflation is beginning to ease.
Most people don’t think of rural Alaska as a place to get fresh-roasted coffee. Bob Foster wants to change that.
Foster said his business has grown so fast, it's sometimes difficult to keep up.
Juneau is bracing for its busiest cruise season ever
Alaska's capital city is expecting 1.5 million tourists this summer, 30% more than pre-pandemic levels.
A small but growing group of EV owners in Alaska show electric cars can work in the frigid north
Amid a federal push to limit vehicle emissions, there is a small but fast growing community of electric car owners in Alaska. Drivers say modern EVs can handle the winter conditions just fine.
APU professor finds when it comes to salary, majors matter more than colleges
Professor Dale Lehman built a model to analyze how much colleges contribute to their graduates’ earning potential. His conclusion? Not much.