Commonwealth North is Alaska's premier non-partisan public policy forum.
Join us to learn more about critical policy issues facing Alaska.
At a forum co-hosted by ISER and Build Alaska’s Future, three University of Alaska economists sized the federal government’s grip on the state economy. The engine they described is now running in reverse on the one side we can actually measure. ANCHORAGE (06/23/26) — Forum Summary by Ross Johnston, Executive Director Online forum, June 23, […]
A federal contracting program most Alaskans have never heard of moves a massive amount of money into Alaska’s economy. Four speakers explained why its future is suddenly uncertain. ANCHORAGE (05/21/26) — Forum Summary by Ross Johnston, Executive Director, Commonwealth North $13.5 billion. That is the combined 2022 revenue of Alaska’s twelve Native regional corporations, according […]
The Hidden Cost of Alaska’s Oil Tax Dependence: Fiscal Volatility Threatens Economic Growth Research shows petroleum taxation creates economic instability that stifles business investment, even as direct impacts appear minimal. ANCHORAGE (2/12/26) — Alaska policymakers have long grappled with a deceptively simple question: How should the state raise revenue to close its persistent budget deficit? […]
Alaska’s Fiscal Crossroads: Three Perspectives on the State’s Future Legislative leaders and a former senator dissect Governor Dunleavy’s State of the State address, revealing deep divisions over taxation, spending, and the Permanent Fund Dividend Commonwealth North Policy Forum, February 5, 2026 ANCHORAGE — In a virtual forum that drew 50 participants, Alaska’s legislative leaders offered […]
This summary is a recap of the information presented by the speakers and the responses provided during the Q&A session. It is not an official record, transcript, or position statement. The content reflects only the views and statements made by the individual presenters and participants at the time of the forum. It should not be […]
Can a New Pension Plan Stem Alaska’s Talent Exodus? Forum Summary by Ross Johnston, Executive Director. Stay informed with the latest briefs by signing up for our email list. A roomful of policymakers, constituents, economists, educators and public servants grappled with a ghost from Alaska’s past: reviving a once-robust pension system. The stakes couldn’t be […]
Alaska’s Fiscal Rollercoaster: From Deep Deficits to Razor Thin Surpluses Imagine a state blessed with endless natural resources—vast oil fields, pristine wilderness drawing millions of tourists, and a sovereign wealth fund that’s the envy of the nation. Alaska boasts the seventh-highest GDP per capita and ranks third in households earning over $100,000. It’s the lowest-tax-burden […]
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — For decades, Alaska’s economy has rested on a “three-legged stool” of petroleum, private industries like mining and fishing, and federal spending. But as oil revenues wane and federal policies shift, economists warn that the state’s reliance on Washington’s largesse is growing — and with it, new vulnerabilities. At a virtual economic forum […]
Executive Director and CEO, Deven Mitchell of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation addressed Commonwealth North following the September meeting of the Board of Trustees. Mitchell looked at the corporation’s performance and outlook, discussed the Board of Trustees recommendations for creating a true endowment structure for the fund, and responded to audience questions. You can view […]
Alexei Painter, director of the Division of Legislative Finance, provides an analysis of the Governor’s FY2024 operating and capital budgets. Painter responds to questions from the study group and references possible amendments to the governor’s proposed budget.