Alaska Economic Report

“This is going to be a slow grind to get back to pre-pandemic levels."

The census is about understanding the country’s population, but it’s also about money. There are billions of federal dollars at stake. Yet, less than half of Alaskans have responded so far, with the lowest self-response rate of any other state in the country.

In Skagway, the city is distributing a large portion of its federal CARES Act funding directly to residents. City officials hope this unique action will save the town.

Home prices have remained surprisingly high during the pandemic, which may be a result of fewer people moving out.

Like many other things in the past few months, Alaska Department of Labor Economist Jenna Luhrs says unemployment numbers were unprecedented.

But, unlike other periods of significant job loss in Alaska’s history, this one may be short lived.

"Farmers are selling everything they can get slaughtered right now," said Schade."

Alaska’s economy and it's businesses are facing great uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And the non-profit industry is no exception.

In 2020, the state is expected to continue adding jobs, but more slowly.

This summer, many Alaskans have seen long gaps in service. In some communities, it is still uncertain when boats will return.