Alaska Economic Report

Can Anchorage leaders convince their tax-wary residents to adopt a sales tax? 13.11.2025 5:23 ↓

Getting voters to approve the tax may require addressing what UAA economist Kevin Berry calls “the Anchorage disconnect.”

State moves forward with controversial ferry project, despite community concerns 06.11.2025 5:23 ↓

The terminal would complicate travel for residents trying to access the hub-community for healthcare and air travel.

Military families are anxious about the shutdown. Alaskans are stepping up to help. 30.10.2025 5:23 ↓

Even though soldiers are still getting paid, nonprofit groups that serve military members around the state say they’re seeing increased need for essentials and assistance with bills.

From ski slopes to ice cream shops, teens are a growing share of Alaska’s workforce 23.10.2025 5:23 ↓

Teens make up almost 4% of the state’s workforce, the highest share since 2008.

St. Paul still relying on costly charter flights three months after losing Ravn 16.10.2025 5:23 ↓

As of Oct. 1, a change in the Essential Air Service program means the city of over 400 people have no regularly scheduled commercial flights.

For this pizza joint, hikes in bypass mail is threatening the dough 09.10.2025 5:23 ↓

Outside of Bethel, there’s only one official restaurant in the entire Y-K Delta, and hikes in bypass mail are making it tougher to break even.

PFD’s buying power has plummeted since the 1980s, an economist finds 02.10.2025 5:23 ↓

University of Alaska economist Brett Watson analyzed the buying power of this year’s $1,000 dividend — and found it’s worth less than ever when compared to housing, gas, and other essentials.

What do residents and tourists think of Juneau’s proposed seasonal sales tax? 25.09.2025 5:23 ↓

Juneau voters will decide in this year’s municipal election whether the city should implement a new seasonal sales tax system.

Study finds high electricity costs limit heat pump adoption in Anchorage 18.09.2025 5:23 ↓

The study showed heat pumps could extend Cook Inlet gas supplies. But they cost Anchorage residents an average of $2,300 more annually than natural gas heating.

How will Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” impact Alaskans? It’s hard to say. 04.09.2025 5:23 ↓

Some elements don’t take effect for a while, but an economist says that doesn’t necessarily minimize the bill’s impacts.

As local tanneries shutter, making sea otter crafts becomes more difficult 28.08.2025 5:23 ↓

Access to tannery services is just one of many barriers facing sea otter hunters.

In rural Alaska, bypass mail rates are going sky-high 21.08.2025 5:23 ↓

At Elim’s ANICA grocery store, a 10-pound bag of sugar already costs $29.65, over three times as much as the same bag in Anchorage.

Alaska’s economy mirrors national trends, according to regional Fed president 07.08.2025 5:23 ↓

Mary Daly is the President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, which represents Alaska.

At the JBER commissary, shoppers say savings go further 31.07.2025 5:23 ↓

The commissary won a national award in June. Customers say the significant savings the store offers are especially appreciated in an expensive state like Alaska.

Trump’s changing tariff policies are causing confusion and uncertainty for Alaska businesses 24.07.2025 5:23 ↓

Trump signed an executive order earlier this month to extend the 90-day “reciprocal” tariff deadline to August 1.

New investments aim to bring vibrancy into east Downtown Anchorage 17.07.2025 5:23 ↓

There's a nationwide shift towards mixed-use downtowns, where people can live, work and shop in one place.

Alaska spaceport deal draws rocket-launch industry interest 10.07.2025 5:23 ↓

The UAF Geophysical Institute-Alaska Aerospace partnership will relieve 'traffic jam' at U.S. rocket-launch facilities.

Advocates worry ‘big, beautiful’ GOP bill would push Alaskans off Medicaid 26.06.2025 2:48 ↓

Here's what we know so far about the Republican mega bill making it's way through Congress

Southeast Alaska's economic boom is great, but only if you have a place to live 19.06.2025 5:23 ↓

Reversing the outmigration of young people is becoming a regular refrain of economists and others who keep an eye on trends.

Alaska Morning News: June 19, 2025 7am 19.06.2025 2:54 ↓

Alaska Morning News: June 19, 2025 7am

Once a male dominated industry, female tattoo artists are on the rise in Anchorage in Anchorage 12.06.2025 4:20 ↓

If you got a tattoo in Anchorage a few decades ago, you likely visited a male owned shop. But that’s changing. Now, female tattoo artists are easy to find in the state’s largest city.

Alaska tourism operators begin the season with one word in mind: uncertainty 05.06.2025 5:23 ↓

From a decline in advanced bookings to low sales, businesses are bracing for a disappointing summer that “could have been great.”

Alaska schools need teachers. They’re hiring them from the Philippines. 22.05.2025 5:23 ↓

To keep schools running smoothly, many districts are looking abroad — namely to the Philippines.

A startup in Fox wanted to help fix Alaska’s housing shortage. Then federal funding freezes got in the way. 15.05.2025 4:03 ↓

The company’s goal is in line with President Trump’s attempt to bring manufacturing back to America. But the White House is also freezing and cutting key federal grants.

Alaska Morning News: May 15, 2025 Econ 15.05.2025 5:23 ↓

Alaska Morning News: May 15, 2025 Econ