Commonwealth North is Alaska's premier non-partisan public policy forum.
Join us to learn more about critical policy issues facing Alaska.
Ross Johnston is a visionary leader whose passion for community building and transformative change has made him a perfect fit to lead Commonwealth North into an exciting future. With over 15 years of experience at the helm of Fine Point LLC, Ross has proven himself as a dynamic business leader and marketing expert dedicated to driving results and fostering economic growth across Alaska.
Throughout his career, Ross has launched innovative initiatives like North By North and Accelerate Alaska, and served as President of the American Marketing Association Alaska Chapter. His track record speaks volumes: Ross not only facilitates meaningful dialogue around Alaska’s opportunities, but he also champions the adoption of innovative solutions that drive tangible progress for our state.
The Commonwealth North Board chose Ross for his unique ability to turn ideas into action and for his deep commitment to making a difference—both in the community that raised him and in the future he envisions for all Alaskans. His leadership embodies the spirit of personal involvement and forward-thinking that we believe will inspire a new era of public policy and community empowerment.
Join us in welcoming Ross Johnston as we embark on this exciting journey to build a stronger, more vibrant Alaska together!
From Ross Johnston
“Why I Joined Commonwealth North as Executive Director”
Stepping into the role of Executive Director at Commonwealth North felt like a natural evolution of the work I was already doing—building community, facilitating conversations, and driving action around Alaska’s biggest opportunities.
But for me, it’s not just about discussion. I’m results-oriented. Alaska’s challenges demand more than just dialogue—they require real, innovative solutions that move our future forward. I want to help bridge the gap between ideas and action, ensuring that policy conversations lead to tangible outcomes that benefit all Alaskans.
This role is also deeply personal. It’s a way to give back—not just to the community and family that raised me, but also to my children, by showing them the power of personal involvement in shaping the place we call home. Just as my parents Allan Johnston & Jennifer B. Johnston have done for me.
#Alaska has incredible potential, and I’m excited to work alongside leaders, policymakers, and engaged citizens to help unlock it. Let’s build something great together.
What do you think is the biggest opportunity for Alaska’s future?
Join me in the conversation by becoming a member, https://www.commonwealthnorth.org/membership/#join
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 a recording of the session viewed here. Mitchell’s slides can be downloaded here.
Commissioner Deena Bishop and Lori Weed, School Finance Manager, with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development spoke to Commonwealth North on Wednesday, July 17. Bishop and Weed walked through how state aid for education is determined. Using the foundation formula, adjustments, the base student allocation, and any special appropriations, Alaska school districts receive an allocation based on funds appropriated by the legislature. For a program recap, see the session recording and speaker slides linked below:
PROGRAM RECAP
Experts from finance, construction, and housing and homelessness NGOs joined Commonwealth North to explore the issues and policies that are impacting the availability and affordability of housing across Alaska. Preston Simmons, representing Housing Alaskans Public Private Partnership, Daniel Delfino with the Alaska Housing Finance Corp., Colleen Dushkin with Cook Inlet Housing Authority, Eric Visser of Visser Construction and the Alaska State Home Building Association and Meg Zalatel with the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness shared insights about the challenges facing Alaskans in obtaining affordable housing in a timely manner.
Commissioner John Boyle recently addressed Commonwealth North to discuss implementation of Senate Bill 48, which authorizes the state to develop carbon management projects on state lands and sell carbon offset credits and to lease state lands for carbon management purposes. He also addresses the prospect for pending legislation that would authorize the state to develop carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects (CCUS).
Rep. Ben Carpenter, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee addresses Commonwealth North’s Fiscal Policy Study Group. Carpenter outlines that the committee chose the work of the 2021 Fiscal Policy Working Group as a starting point for its efforts. The committee is considering legislation that would codify a spending cap and dividend solution in the state constitution. A statewide sales tax of one percent and other revenue measures are also on the committee’s agenda.
A panel of Alaska journalists, editors, and news directors speak about the challenges of Reporting Alaska. The panel is moderated by Rosey Robards, executive director of the Alaska Press Club and the Alaska Teen Media Institute. Panelists include Rachel Kallander, editor of The Cordova Times; Andrew Kitchenman, editor in chief of the Alaska Beacon; Julia O’Malley, journalist, editor and writer; Larry Persily, publisher of the Wrangell Sentinel; and Lori Townsend, news director for Alaska Public Media and host of Talk of Alaska.
Bernie Karl updates Commonwealth North’s Energy Policy Study Group on the Makushin Geothermal Project on March 10, 2023. Karl outlines project milestones to date and planned actions for future progress.
Senator Bill Wielechowski addressed Commonwealth North’s Fiscal Policy Study Group regarding his proposal to enshrine the Permanent Fund Dividend in the Alaska State Constitution on March 3, 2023.
Senator James Kaufman, Senate District F, discusses a proposed amendment to the Alaska Constitution that would establish an appropriations limit based on a five-year trailing average of state gross domestic product. Senate Bill 20 is a companion bill, which would amend the Executive Budget Act to align with the proposed amendment. February 27, 2023