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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Read More
The Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) faculty, including Brett Watson, Bob Loeffler, and Mary Kopriva, showcased their expertise as panelists at the Alaska Resource Development Council annual conference held in Anchorage on No
Read More
Dr. Jennifer Schmidt and Dr. Brett Watson, faculty at the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), have been named to tenure-track positions in the College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP), where ISER is located.
They will continue their research at ISER and will teach courses within CBPP’s Departments of Economics and Public Policy and Administration (MPPA).
Read More
A new generation of ISER researchers discuss the questions that fascinate them and the challenges of conducting social science and policy research in Alaska. Lee Gorsuch, ISER director between 1976 and 1994, joined to provide a perspective from the past.
Read More
New research from Bob Loeffler and Brett Watson examines the economic potential for Alaska's mineral industry.
During an online overview of their research, Loeffler and Watson discussed Alaska's mining status in 2019, and then explained how they used an if-then framework to look ahead 20 years, rather than making predictions about specific projects.
Read More
Register for a March 14 noontime webinar on the Economic Potential of Alaska's Mineral Industry, presented by Bob Loeffler and Brett Waston, ISER researchers.
Read More
In a presentation on changing demographics in Alaska, Dr. Ralph Townsend highlighted a concerning downward trend in Alaska's labor force participation that could have long-term impacts on the economy. The presentation is part of a broad initiative, "Investing for Alaska's Future," generously sponsored by Northim Bank.
Read More
Dr. Ralph Townsend presented information about Alaska's demographics and highlighted an ongoing downward trend in labor force participation. How long has this been happening, is Alaska different from the rest of the U.S., and what can the state do to address it?