Commonwealth North is Alaska's premier non-partisan public policy forum.
Join us to learn more about critical policy issues facing Alaska.
Infrastructure is often the key to Alaska’s greatest opportunities. Dave Gamez and Tor Anderzen with the Alaska Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers will provide a briefing on Alaska’s Infrastructure Report Card. Commissioner John MacKinnon with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities will provide an outlook for efforts to maintain, improve, and expand our state’s infrastructure. Register here.
In 2022, Alaskan voters will vote in the state’s first open top-four primaries for governor, state legislative seats, and congressional offices. We’ve invited Eric McGhee, a senior fellow with the Public Policy Institute of California, to join us for a forum on open primaries. McGhee’s research focuses on elections, legislative behavior, political reform, and surveys and polling. Register here.
The House Majority Caucus recently commissioned a survey of Alaskans’ awareness and attitudes about proposals to resolve Alaska’s fiscal dilemma. Matt Larkin with Dittman Research will walk us through the results of that survey and take your questions. Register here.
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!
Senator Natasha von Imhof has proposed the establishment of the Alaska Resource Ownership Revenue Account (ARORA), seeded with $6.7 billion. Using a percent of market value approach, earnings from the account would be dedicated to paying a dividend moving forward. Join us to learn more. Register here.
Hear from State Representative Adam Wool on House Bill 37 – a proposal to introduce a flat income tax and a specified draw 80/20 split of the Permanent Fund annual POMV draw. Register here.
Congressman Young will provide a briefing on the latest developments in Washington, D.C. with a focus on infrastructure and transportation. Following the briefing, join us for a reception and fellowship – weather permitting on the patio.
Harnessing the power potential of the Makushin volcano has long been a dream of the City of Unalaska. As the nation’s top fishing port, Unalaska is a community rich in opportunity. However, high power costs have often proven to be a hurdle to community development, business development and expansion, and growing the population base. Recent developments between the City of Unalaska, the Ounlashka Corporation, and Chena Power, LLC are advancing the dream of geothermal power in Unalaska. This session will review the prospects for and progress on the Makushin Geothermal Power Project.
Wednesday, May 12
Online via Zoom
Noon-1:00pm
The Americans for Carbon Dividends and the Climate Leadership Council will present on their plan to significantly reduce national carbon emissions through economic policies including a carbon dividend. Hear how a four-part plan of gradually increasing carbon fees, paying a dividend to all Americans, simplifying the regulatory environment, and pricing parity to incentivize other countries could help the U.S. achieve significant progress on carbon reduction.
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.