Alaska Economic Report

Needs have settled down after the early spike, but many Alaskans are still dealing with the financial impacts of the pandemic, which are expected to linger in the months ahead.

The change is small -- a 1.1% decline in prices.

The American Rescue Plan, which includes another round of federal relief money for Americans impacted by the pandemic.

The housing market’s upswing doesn’t account for thousands of Alaskans who are struggling to make ends meet.

Alaska lost 27,000 jobs in 2020. And, while the whole state suffered, regions that depend on tourism were hit especially hard.

In the last year, employees at Salmon Berry Tours delivered groceries, plants and Christmas Trees. They also took on a new role in Hatcher Pass.

Alaska is expected to add jobs in 2021, but at a slow pace.

Jon Bittner, with the Alaska Small Business Development Center, says without a second round of relief money, businesses will continue to suffer.

"The number of web orders we’re receiving right now is at least ten times the volume we have received typically in the past," Janet Gregory, who owns Over the Rainbow Toys, said about their new online platform.

Government relief money has helped fishermen, and the state is finalizing a plan for how to spend another $50 million in federal dollars for the industry.