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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.