Commonwealth North is Alaska's premier non-partisan public policy forum.
Join us to learn more about critical policy issues facing Alaska.
Wednesday, April 21
Online via Zoom
Noon-1:00pm
As shareholders of “Alaska Inc.”, the citizens of Alaska have a vested interest in how their state’s assets are performing. On April 21, CWN will host a panel of experts to report on the status of Alaska’s finances. This is especially critical now as the state faces critical budget challenges and may make decisions that will affect Alaska’s future.
Energy Policy Study Group
Tony Izzo
General Manager, Matanuska Electric Association
Friday, April 2
noon-1pm
online
Tony will give an update on the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric project and SQ transmission line that was damaged in the recent summer fires.
The program is free of charge but please register to receive login details.
The seafood industry is a major component of the Alaska economy.* This program features an overview of the economics of Alaska Seafood, a look at the harvesting and processing sectors, and discussion of industry status and and outlook for 2021. Speakers have also been asked to identify any issues or policies the industry may seek or anticipate in light of a new administration and current circumstances.
Speakers:
Seafood Industry – An Economic Snapshot:**
During the November 2020 general election, Alaska voters approved Ballot Measure Two. The effect of that measure will significantly change how elections are funded as well as how elections are administered.
Maine implemented ranked choice voting in June 2018 following a citizens’ initiative in 2016. What can Alaska learn from Maine’s experience? How have Maine voters adapted to RCV? What lessons can Mainers provide Alaska as we consider how RCV will alter our elections?
Speakers:
Matthew Dunlap, former Maine Secretary of State – confirmed
Kyle Bailey, Maine State Representative – District 27 – confirmed
Lt. Governor Kevin Meyer, State of Alaska – confirmed
Gail Fenumiai, Director – Alaska Division of Elections – confirmed
The program is free to members, $10 for non-members, and $5 for students.
How to Zoom
You can join us from any computer, smart phone, or tablet by clicking the link emailed to you after registration. If you plan to connect by tablet or smartphone, I recommend visiting Zoom.com prior to the program to download the app. You can watch this tutorial for more information.
CWN Launches New Website
Alaskans asked their choices to close the budget gap
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new website to assist Alaskans in better understanding the State’s fiscal challenge. The web site www.akbudget.com offers Alaskans the opportunity to make revenue and spending choices to address the projected $1.3 billion dollar shortfall in the State of Alaska’s fiscal year 2022 budget.
The web site was developed by CWN’s Fiscal Policy Study Group. Since last May, the group has been working to flesh out the most likely options for balancing the state’s budget. Click below for a brief introductory video and visit the website.
We look forward to your budget solutions and thank the Fiscal Policy Study Group for their hard work!
Energy Policy Study Group
Creating a Railbelt Reliability Council:
Reducing Cost, Increasing Efficiency
Friday, March 12
The Railbelt Reliability Council was created as a result of state legislation (SB123)The RRC provides a forum and structure for the six interconnected Railbelt utilities, along with six non-utility stakeholders, to work together to address Railbelt-wide regional electric system issues in order to ensure grid resilience and reduce long term costs.
Speakers:
Julie Estey, MEA
Chris Rose, REAP
The program is free of charge but please register to receive login details. How to Zoom You can join us from any computer, smart phone, or tablet by clicking the link emailed to you after registration. If you plan to connect by tablet or smartphone, I recommend visiting Zoom.com prior to the program to download the app. You can watch this tutorial for more information.
Energy Policy Study Group
Innovative Energy Solutions for Alaska
Friday, February 26
noon-1pm
Online
Gwen Holdmann, Director of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, will discuss the center’s efforts to bring cost effective energy solutions to rural Alaska.
The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) is a statewide, university-led, applied research program based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. ACEP excels at being responsive to immediate and long term needs of residents, industries and agencies and focuses on research related to community and industry-scale power generation, transmission, heating, and transportation fuels. ACEP prioritizes its work on areas where Alaska has specific needs or where Alaska has a strategic advantage due to resource availability, unique circumstances, or location.
The program is free of charge but please register to receive login details.
How to Zoom You can join us from any computer, smart phone, or tablet by clicking the link emailed to you after registration. If you plan to connect by tablet or smartphone, I recommend visiting Zoom.com prior to the program to download the app. You can watch this tutorial for more information.
Commonwealth North Forum
A Report from UA President Pat Pitney
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Noon-1pm
Online
Speaker:
The program is free of charge, but please register to obtain your login details.
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
8am-9am
Online OMB Director, Neil Steininger and Legislative Office Director, Miles Baker will join the Fiscal Policy Study Group to discuss Governor Dunleavy’s proposed fiscal-related legislation and the impact of that legislation on long-term budgeting for the State of Alaska.
Reference Materials: A review of the following materials is recommended:
The program is free of charge but please register to receive login details. How to Zoom You can join us from any computer, smart phone, or tablet by clicking the link emailed to you after registration. If you plan to connect by tablet or smartphone, I recommend visiting Zoom.com prior to the program to download the app. You can watch this tutorial for more information.
Fiscal Policy Study Group
Friday, February 5, 2021
8am-9am
Online
Commissioner Kelly Tshibaka of the Alaska Department of Administration joins the Fiscal Policy Study Group to discuss cost-saving measures to modernize and streamline the state’s administrative services. Tshibaka spoke to the group last year about efforts to identify and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Join us for this session to learn more about the Department of Administration’s modernization and cost-saving initiatives.
The program is free of charge but please register to receive login details.
How to Zoom You can join us from any computer, smart phone, or tablet by clicking the link emailed to you after registration. If you plan to connect by tablet or smartphone, I recommend visiting Zoom.com prior to the program to download the app. You can watch this tutorial for more information.
Commonwealth North Forum
The Military and Coast Guard in Alaska:
Measuring the Impact, Strengthening the Connections
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Noon-1pm
Online
The military and Coast Guard have long played an important role in Alaska’s economy and civil society. This program will feature findings from recent research by the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development as part of the Alaska Defense Industry Resilience Initiative – an ongoing assessment of the impacts and connections between the Alaska economy and the military and Coast Guard. We’ll also hear from the commanders of the Alaska Command – the unified command of military operations in and around Alaska as well as District 17 of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Speakers:
How to Zoom
You can join us from any computer, smart phone, or tablet by clicking the link emailed to you after registration. If you plan to connect by tablet or smartphone, I recommend visiting Zoom.com prior to the program to download the app. You can watch this tutorial for more information.