Addressing Alaskans - Alaska Public Media

This episode of Addressing Alaskans features the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation's 2024 Economic Development Luncheon. AEDC President and CEO, Jenna Wright, presents results of economic confidence surveys and updates on Anchorage's job market. AEDC also discusses their economic proposal to invest in the city called "Choose Anchorage." Presenters also include Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, who gives an update on her first weeks in office, and keynote speaker, Andrew Busch, who discusses economic trends that could affect Alaska.

LINKS:

Anchorage Economic Development Corporation website

AEDC Research and Reports

RELATED: Anchorage businesses are optimistic for the future, new report shows

Candidates respond to questions related to the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the city.

This event was recorded on Saturday, March 16 at Northwood Elementary School and was edited for broadcast length.

NOTE: Bill Popp is a former chair for Alaska Public Media’s board of directors.

LINKS:

Asian Alaskan Cultural Center

AACC Facebook

This week on Addressing Alaskans we have an Anchorage mayoral candidate forum presented by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce's Make it Monday forums. Candidates respond to questions regarding business and the city's economy.

This program was recorded via livestream on February 26 from the Dena'ina Center and was edited for broadcast.

NOTES:

Bill Popp is a former chair for Alaska Public Media’s board of directors.

The audio feed cuts out several times momentarily during the forum. Written candidate answers can be found HERE.

The Anchorage Mayoral election takes place on Tuesday, April 2. This week on Addressing Alaskans we have an Anchorage Mayoral candidate forum presented by Alaska Children's Trust. Find out more about the candidates and hear how they would address city issues related to children and families.

This program was recorded via Facebook Live on March 6 and was edited for broadcast length.

NOTE: Bill Popp is a former chair for Alaska Public Media’s board of directors.

MODERATOR: Trevor Storrs, President and CEO, Alaska Children's Trust

CANDIDATES:

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson

Suzanne LaFrance

Bill Popp

Chris Tuck

The Anchorage Mayoral election takes place on Tuesday, April 2 and there are lots of options to choose from. This week on Addressing Alaskans we have an Anchorage Mayoral candidate forum presented by the Alaska Black Caucus. Find out more about the candidates and hear how they would lead the city if chosen by voters.

This program was recorded on February 25 via Zoom and was edited for length and technical clarity.

MODERATOR: Celeste Hodge Growden, president and CEO, Alaska Black Caucus

LINKS:

Alaska Black Caucus

Anchorage elections

NOTE: Bill Popp is a former chair for Alaska Public Media's board of directors.

This program comes from the recent Bettye Davis African American Summit. This moderated discussion focuses on education and how it relates to the theme of the summit – “Marching till Equity, Equality & Justice is Won!” Speakers include educators and community and public leaders. This event took place on February 10th at Bettye Davis East High School and was organized by the Alaska Black Caucus.

Vulnerable populations like our homeless youth have been shown to be more susceptible to trafficking, but the issue is global and increasingly complex—even in Alaska.

Tyson Wright is the founder and director of the International Coalition for Prevention and Empowerment, a nonprofit focused on the prevention of human trafficking. He discusses the issue broadly in addition to steps being made locally to combat the issue.

After Wright, a panel of local professionals answer audience questions about various aspects of human trafficking and ways to push back against it.

This program was presented by the Alaska World Affairs Council and was recorded at Bear Tooth Theatrepub on February 8.

Due to the nature of the subject matter, listener discretion is advised.

LINKS:

US Department of Justice human trafficking resources

International Coalition for Prevention and Empowerment

Governor's Council on Human and

This episode of Addressing Alaskans features the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation's 2024 economic forecast for the city. The report covers demographics and employment, updates of various sectors of the economy and expectations for the future. Keynote speaker Patience Fairbrother discusses national relocation trends and talent attraction and Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson gives an update on the city.

SPEAKERS:

Jenna Wright, President and CEO, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson

Patience Fairbrother, Keynote speaker, Vice President, Talent Attraction, DCI

LINKS:

AEDC 2024 Anchorage Economic Forecast Report

AEDC website

Caribou are a vital resource and cultural icon in Alaska, but they are not immune to changes in their environment. This episode of Addressing Alaskans features an in-depth discussion hosted by Alaska Public Media on the future of the state’s caribou.

This event was recorded at the Alaska Native Heritage Center on December 13, 2023.

MODERATOR:

Joaqlin Estus, journalist, national correspondent for ICT (formerly Indian Country Today)

PANELISTS:

Chris Krenz, Chief Wildlife Scientist, Alaska Division of Wildlife Conservation

Heidi Hatcher, Unit 13 Area Biologist, Alaska Division of Wildlife Conservation

Lisa Grediagin, Supervisory Biologist, Office of Subsistence Management

Elizabeth “Liz” Qaulluq Cravalho, Vice President of Lands, NANA

Cyrus Harris, Vice-Chair, Western Arctic Caribou Herd Working Group

This episode of Addressing Alaskans features sessions from the Anchorage Assembly's Community Housing Action Summit. The event was open to the public and consisted of speakers discussing the issues behind the city's housing shortage, solutions to the issue and breakout sessions for more in-depth discussions. This program includes the session "Anchorage’s housing shortage is an everyone problem!" where Nolan Klouda, executive director of UAA's Center for Economic Development, and Mike Robbins, board chair of the Anchorage Community Development Authority, discuss the data affecting the housing market. We'll also hear a draft plan of the Anchorage Assembly's Housing Strategic Plan.

This event was recorded on November 3 at the UAA Student Union.

LINKS:

Anchorage Assembly Housing Action website

Community Housing Action Summit program and presentation slides

Anchorage Assembly website