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.

PFD’s buying power has plummeted since the 1980s, an economist finds

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.

10-02
05:23

What do residents and tourists think of Juneau’s proposed seasonal sales tax?

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

09-25
05:34

Study finds high electricity costs limit heat pump adoption in Anchorage

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.

09-18
05:36

How will Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” impact Alaskans? It’s hard to say.

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

09-04
05:35

As local tanneries shutter, making sea otter crafts becomes more difficult

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

08-28
05:34

In rural Alaska, bypass mail rates are going sky-high

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.

08-21
05:34

Alaska’s economy mirrors national trends, according to regional Fed president

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

08-07
05:34

At the JBER commissary, shoppers say savings go further

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.

07-31
05:37

Trump’s changing tariff policies are causing confusion and uncertainty for Alaska businesses

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

07-24
05:36

New investments aim to bring vibrancy into east Downtown Anchorage

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

07-17
05:36

Alaska spaceport deal draws rocket-launch industry interest

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

07-10
05:36

Advocates worry ‘big, beautiful’ GOP bill would push Alaskans off Medicaid

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

06-26
02:48

Southeast Alaska's economic boom is great, but only if you have a place to live

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

06-19
05:23

Alaska Morning News: June 19, 2025 7am

Alaska Morning News: June 19, 2025 7am

06-19
02:54

Once a male dominated industry, female tattoo artists are on the rise in Anchorage in Anchorage

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.

06-12
04:38

Alaska tourism operators begin the season with one word in mind: uncertainty

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

06-05
05:42

Alaska schools need teachers. They’re hiring them from the Philippines.

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

05-22
05:42

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

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.

05-15
04:22

Alaska Morning News: May 15, 2025 Econ

Alaska Morning News: May 15, 2025 Econ

05-15
05:42

The Trump administration’s conflicting goals: unleashing Alaska’s resource potential while driving down oil prices

Trump's day-one executive order called for expanded Alaska drilling, but his simultaneous push for lower oil prices has industry experts concerned.

05-01
05:34

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