Date

Study

Overall Summary

12/07

At A Crossroad: The Permanent Fund, Alaskans and Alaska's Future

The report, based on a nine-month study, contains suggestions on management and governance of the Fund. It reviews and critiques past efforts to achieve a statewide consensus for use of non-dividend Fund income. The
report explores various suggested uses of non-dividend income including the community
dividend and education.

8/06

A Study of the Proposed Contract Between the State of Alaska and Major North Slope Producers

This study is continuing in 2007, see Gasline Study Group

The Governor, his staff and consultants have worked over two years to negotiate a contract with the major gas producers to bring the North Slope gas to market. Agreements included in the proposed contract raise several major public policy issues for the State of Alaska. This study reviews this proposed contract. It does not purport to examine all provisions of the contract or all points of view about the contract. It does attempt to identify several very important provisions of the contract and to present contrasting points of view about those selected provisions.

6/05

This report is the result of a 9-monthlong study of the primary health care system of Alaska. It details current issues surrounding the cost, access and quality of primary health care in Alaska and makes many suggestions for improvement. It was chaired by Board members Marvin Swink and Dr. Tom Nighswander. The report is meant to be a fluid document, constantly being updated with new information. If you have any comments, please contact Duane Heyman, Executive Director of the Alaska Health Care Roundtable at heyman@alaskaroundtable.org.

1/05

Commonwealth North: The Next 25 Years

This report is a blueprint for the future of Commonwealth North. It was chaired by Board members James Linxwiler and Jan Fredericks. It also enjoyed the active participation of 16 CWN members. As the name implies, the purpose of the report is to ensure that your organization remains an active, vital contributor to research and education on crucial Alaska public policy issues, and assist in their resolution.

1/04

Putting Alaska's Assets to Work for Alaskans

This study followed up on a 1998 study on how well Alaska was managing its land and resource wealth. It addressed four questions:

"Can Alaska's return on assets be enhanced?"
"To what extent can more effective management of Alaska's assets contribute to a sustainable revenue stream and fiscal plan?"
"Can managing Alaska's business assets as a coordinated portfolio further enhance returns?"
"How is this to be accomplished?"

6/03

The Report
(pdf file)

At the request of Governor Murkowski, through Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Greg O'Claray, Commonwealth North produced a workforce development study, co-chaired by Dr. Alice Galvin and Jeff Staser.

1/03

The University of Alaska: A key to Alaska's future, a time for ALL to invest

Identifies, analyzes and makes statewide policy-level recommendations about the University of Alaska in the form of general principles--not specific campus or departmental management directives. Key UA role is improvement of quality of life for Alaskans by offering educational opportunities for self-fulfillment. Learning is primary purpose of UA, supported by research and engaged service. State needs to maintain funding while other income sources are developed. Each major campus needs "centers of excellence" with research and Ph.D. degrees. Board of Regents responsible for strategic planning.

9/02

Shall there be a constitutional convention?

(pdf file)

Objectively analyzes reasons for and against convening a Constitutional Convention. Presents facts about the ballot issue. Presents results of statewide surveys of government officials and organizations as to any constitutional changes they would recommend. This issue was on the November 5, 2002, ballot as currently required every ten years by the Alaska Constitution.

9/01

Bringing Alaska's North Slope Gas to Market: Framing the Issues

(pdf file)

Richard Barnes and Lee Gorsuch co-chaired a study group formed to identify issues associated with Alaska's interests in North Slope gas commercialization. The study group focused on significant public policy issues within the power of the State of Alaska to address. The Group avoided making specific “how to” recommendations.

 8/01

Subsistence Report

The Subsistence Committee grew out of the Urban Rural Unity Study.  The committee concluded that the issues are very complex and not subject to a simple solution and it did not formulate any single solution. Instead, it offered several suggestions.

10/00

Urban Rural Unity Study

Final Report
(3-megabyte pdf file)

Addresses the question: How can Alaska effectively address the increasing tension between its urban and rural populations?

Materials prepared in the course of the URUS study include A Timeline of Alaska; Federal Subsistence Management Map of Alaska (313 k); Various Definitions of "Rural"; Alaska Humanities Forum Visioning Statement; North Foreland Facility and Trans-Alaska Gas Pipeline, Powerpoint presentation; Economic Analysis of the opportunities, obstacles and possible solutions impacting Alaskan Urban/Rural Unity, Powerpoint presentation; Report on Kotzebue Economic Summit; Private Land Wildlife Management in Alaska, Powerpoint presentation: and Summary of Responses to Candidate Questionnaire.

05/99

Permanent Fund Earnings--Phase II: A Cornerstone for Fiscal Certainty

The full study
Summary

Recommends uses of Permanent Fund earnings in the context of total state fiscal needs.

12/98

Alaska's Asset Portfolio: Managing for Maximum Return

The full study
Summary

Alaska' assets were examined to identify the management principles which, if consistently applied, would improve their financial return and enhance Alaska's economic stability.

06/97

Agenda 2000: Alaska's Future in a New World

Summary

An analysis of the condition of Alaska's economy, quality of life, educational systems and government at a pivotal point in its history.

06/97

Economic Stability in the 21st Century: Realities and Aspirations

This analysis examines Anchorage's role in the context of the Alaska economy as a whole. It identifies economic engines of Anchorage with potential global competitive edge potential and makes recommendations for the State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage.

06/97

Quality of Life

This report recognizes that the greatest strength of our state, and our community, lies within the citizens of Alaska and Anchorage. Any action that improves our quality of life as a community will improve our competitive edge in the global community.

06/97

Balancing Responsibilities: The Role of State Government

A study group reports makes recommendations regarding what services state government should provide, and what services it should not, given the growth of the state's private sector and declining state revenue from Prudhoe Bay.

09/95

Partners in Alaska's Future: Team Alaska Phase II

Summary

Define partnering techniques and show how such alliances have worked in the past. Propose partnering arrangements of cooperative decision making as a policy of structural process. The state should have partnering legislation and establish a partnering council and mediation panel.

10/94

Breaking the Fall: Budget Recommendations for Alaska

Summary

Development of a long-term financial plan that will compensate for declining oil revenues. This plan would be developed by a citizen-based commission. Recommendations: cut spending, increase revenues, get a plan via the creation of an Alaska Finance Commission.

08/94

Health Care: Finding an Alaskan Prescription

Summary

Discussion of the adequacy of the current health care system. Focus on the unique issues in Alaska and discuss Alaskan's needs on the individual and state levels.

10/93

Commonwealth North Budget Conference: Closing the Gap

Summary

Proceedings and conclusions of Commonwealth North's budget conference held October, 1993. Issues discussed included: fiscal gap, spending regulation, use of liquid reserves, taxation, Permanent Fund and economic development.

08/92

Shall There Be a Constitutional Convention?

Summary

Originally studied in 1982, the issue of the necessity of a constitutional convention is revisited. The report concludes that there is little need to change the 1982 findings and that the subject merits serious study.

03/91

Fire Island: A North Pacific Maritime Center

Summary

A study of the viability of a major maritime center at Fire Island. The study concluded that a maritime center will attract new facilities and services which will stimulate industrial growth.

05/90

Going Up in Flames: The Promises and Pledges of Alaska Statehood Under Attack

Summary

Examination of the legal underpinnings of statehood and a discussion of the growth of federal powers in general. Areas of federal interference with Alaska's goals are identified. Success stories reveal ways in which many obstacles can be overcome.

10/89

An Alaskan View of ANWR

Summary

Position paper proposing immediate development of oil and gas reserves in ANWR.

10/88

The Alaska Development Board

Summary

Statement of the need for in-state investment in revenue-generating projects to diversify the economy.

06/88

Fire Island: A Maritime Center for the North Pacific

Summary

With expansion of the Port of Anchorage limited by its geography and year-round traffic restricted by mid-winter ice, Fire Island is an ideal location for a maritime center in the North Pacific. This center will replace the dependency on Seattle-area support services.

04/88

Redesigning the Front Door to Anchorage through the Relocation of the Anchorage Railroad Yard

Summary

Proposal to move the central railway yard from Anchorage to Eagle River. This relocation will allow for a redesign of the port area and will add to the economic viability of the Eagle River area.

04/88

The Alaska Railroad and its Future

Summary

Proposed development of the Alaska Railroad to provide a transportation system that will aid the economic stability of Alaska.

02/88

Using the Permanent Fund as a Positive Counter-cyclical Force in the Alaskan Economy

Summary

Meant to be considered in conjunction with the Alaska Development Board proposal, this study states that the earnings of the Fund should be used in two ways. First, in good times, the earnings should be placed back in the Fund. Second, in the event of a fiscal need, the earnings should be appropriated directly into municipal and state government expenses.

12/86

Alaska's Budget Crisis: Facing the Facts -- Closing the Gap

A special task force on the state budget was charged by Commonwealth North directors to review and make recommendations as to how to address the State of Alaska's immediate budget gap and to address issues concerning the general direction and philosophy of state spending.

02/85

Compass North - Five Challenges for Alaska

Summary

Discussion of Alaska as an "owner state" in which the state owns a substantial amount of land and resources. As the owner, Alaska has an obligation to provide its residents with a sustainable economy. To do this, the state must use its land and capital to preserve and enhance the private enterprise system.

01/84

The New Alaska Railroad

Summary

The issue of the State's purchase of the Alaska Railroad is the question this study answers. The study recommends that the State purchase the railroad and operate it like private business.

10/82

Shall There Be a Constitutional Convention?

Summary

A thorough discussion of the pros and cons of convening a constitutional convention.

01/82

The Transfer of the Alaska Railroad

Summary

Initial study of the feasibility of purchasing the railroad from the federal government and railroad line expansion.

11/81

Moving North Slope Natural Gas to Market: A Positive Alternative

Summary

A study of the proposed natural gas pipeline. Both the cross-Canada and all-American plans are discussed. This study re-examines the issues raised in the 11/81 natural gas study.

06/81

Investing in Alaska's Future: The Capital Investment Fund

Summary

A second fund, like the Permanent Fund, should be created to provide stability to Alaska's economy. This fund would provide investment in an infrastructure designed to broaden Alaska's economic base.

05/81

The Promise and Pitfalls of Alaska's State Loan Programs

Summary

An examination of the State's loan agencies. State loan programs need to be regulated and, where necessary, consolidated to insure that the State does not overwhelm private lending agencies.

12/80

Alaska's Golden Opportunity: Resource Revenues and State Spending

Summary

An analysis of the best ways to invest Alaska's resource revenues for the long-term benefit of the state.

North Slope Natural Gas: Transportation Alternatives and the Promise of a World Scale Petrochemical Industry

Summary

Intended as an interim statement on the issue, this report examines the difficulties in getting Alaska's natural gas to market.

Solutions to the National Energy Crisis: Why Not Alaska?

Summary

An answer to dwindling domestic energy production and foreign oil dependency. Development of Alaska's ample natural resources would provide a solution to the energy gap of the 1980's.

06/79

America's Winning Hand

Cards presented to President Carter during his stopover in Anchorage en route to an economic summit in Tokyo.