News and Announcements
ISER Analysis of State Fiscal Options Webinar, Wednesday, Feb 4th at 4 p.m. AKST
Researchers from the UAA Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) will discuss Alaska’s fiscal options on Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Any fiscal option adopted by the state will have short- and long-term economic effects. Join ISER researchers to learn how various budget decisions may impact Alaska wages, employment, and outcomes by demographic. The presentation builds from ISER’s recent evaluation of 11 primary fiscal options, along with three variations, that assessed the economic impacts of various budget options for Alaska. A summary of the 2026 report is now available on ISER’s website. ISER released a similar study in 2016. Dr. [...]
Alaska’s Fiscal Options
The State of Alaska faces persistent budget challenges resulting from declining oil prices and production. Because current major revenue sources—petroleum and the Permanent Fund (POMV)—are not explicitly tied to internal economic activity, there is an "Alaska disconnect" between state growth and public revenue. ISER researchers evaluated 11 primary fiscal options + three variations. These included changes to state spending, broad based taxes, and businesses taxes. Nine of these options were selected to match those ISER evaluated in 2016. In addition, ISER modelled two new options related to business taxes. ISER also evaluated three variations of these options. Any options implemented [...]
Project USMARTT: Business Surveys
Project USMARTT: Business Surveys The UAA Institute of Social and Economic research is conducting a National Science Foundation-funded project on how historic snowfall seasons (2022-2024) affected Anchorage businesses, particularly their buildings and roofs. They are conducting brief (5-10 minutes) surveys with Anchorage businesses to gather information about: how businesses perceived roof snow load risks, actions businesses took to address roof snow loads, and obstacles that made it difficult to remove snow from roofs. The information collected will help inform future policies and programs that help Anchorage businesses respond to heavy snow events. Link to the survey: https://bit.ly/businesssnowloads [...]
Federal Spending Shifts Reshape Alaska’s Economic Outlook
On May 1, 2025, Commonwealth North, ISER, and Build Alaska’s Future co-hosted a virtual economic forum featuring ISER economists discussing Alaska’s economic trajectory in light of federal policy changes by the current administration. Titled “How Shifting Federal Dollars Impact Alaska’s Economy,” the event underscored the state’s heavy reliance on federal funds, the growing role of the Alaska Permanent Fund in state revenue, and the challenges posed by ongoing federal policy shifts. After opening remarks by Dr. Scott Goldsmith, former ISER Director and economist, Drs. Brett Watson, Mike Jones, and Brock Wilson presented perspectives on the impact of shifting federal dollars on [...]
BERING STRAIT VESSEL TRAFFIC: The Forefront of Change in the Arctic
BERING STRAIT VESSEL TRAFFIC: The Forefront of Change in the Arctic When: May 9, 2025 12PM-1PM Where: Rasmuson Hall: Room 220 3416 Seawolf Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508 Or via Zoom: http://bit.ly/4im5GQ3 The Arctic is warming at a rapid pace, and the reduction in sea ice has allowed for increased maritime interests and activity. With the Bering Strait serving as a bottleneck to both vessels and maritime mammals, there are heightened risks to the environment and for local communities. Ms. Block will discuss how policy can affect how vessels transit within the Bering Strait, current geopolitical tensions within the Arctic, and opportunities [...]
Virtual Economic Forum: How Federal Dollars Impact Alaska’s Economy
HOW SHIFTING FEDERAL DOLLARS IMPACT ALASKA'S ECONOMY What happens in D.C. doesn’t stay in D.C. — it directly affects Alaska’s economy. Join us for a fast-paced and fascinating Economic Forum that dives into the outsized impact of shifting federal dollars on Alaska’s economy. From workforce and infrastructure to natural resources and supply chains, hear from the experts tracking how federal spending affects every corner of the state. Whether you’re in the public sector, private industry, or simply passionate about Alaska’s future — this is the event for you. Program Highlights Opening Remarks: Dr. Scott Goldsmith Professor Emeritus, Institute of Social and [...]