Capital Chat

In this episode, we get ready for one of Juneau’s biggest community traditions: the Fourth of July parade. Alicia, who has helped lead the parade since 2017, and Kai, the parade’s staging director, join the conversation to share what goes into organizing the event, from last-minute entries and sponsor support to the careful work of lining up floats, bands, vehicles, and walking groups.

This year’s parade is expected to bring plenty of energy, music, candy, and community spirit, with performances from local favorites including the Juneau Volunteer Marching Band, the Juneau Bagpipes, and Áak’w Rock-style drum energy from local participants. There will also be a special 250th celebration section honoring America’s milestone Independence Day.

Listeners will hear details about the parade route, road closures, staging times, judging, and what spectators should know before heading downtown. The parade begins at 11 a.m., with KINY providing live play-by-play coverage from Dano and Sharon.

It is a conversation about tradition, logistics, local pride, and the people who make Juneau’s Fourth of July celebration happen year after year.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas sits down with City and Borough of Juneau Finance Chair Christine Woll, Deputy Mayor Greg Smith and CBJ Engagement Specialist Phil Huebschen for a clear, direct conversation about Juneau’s budget and what it means for residents.

Following voter-approved tax relief on food, utilities and property taxes, CBJ is facing a recurring revenue shortfall that will shape city decisions for years to come. The discussion breaks down the immediate impacts of the new budget, including reductions to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, Travel Juneau, the Juneau Economic Development Council, trail maintenance, Eaglecrest operations and other city services.

The conversation also looks at why CBJ avoided larger closures this year, including pools and other major facilities, while warning that more difficult choices may be ahead if the revenue picture does not change. City leaders explain how public feedback, including thousands of responses through the Community Compass process, helped guide budget priorities.

 Chelsea and Rachelle join Capital Chat on KINY to preview Juneau Gold Rush Days at Savikko Park - Douglas, Alaska, June 20-21, 8 AM - 6 PM. The weekend celebration features mining and logging competitions, live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, gold panning, equipment displays, raffles and family-friendly entertainment honoring Southeast Alaska’s mining and logging traditions.

Abby joins Capital Chat on KINY to preview Only Fools Run at Night, Juneau’s late-night summer solstice race featuring a 5K, one-mile fun run, costume contest, and family-friendly walk options. The event begins Saturday, June 20, at Centennial Hall, with same-day registration, limited T-shirts, prizes, and support for the Juneau-Douglas High School cross country team.

JAHC Executive Director Maggie joins Cliff to preview a busy First Friday in Juneau, including the SHI Student Show at the Davis Gallery, open from 4 to 7 p.m. and free to the public.

They also talk about the sold-out Jack Laughs comedy event, JAHC’s growing role in bringing live performances to Southeast Alaska, and what’s ahead as the Arts Council rebuilds with a renewed focus on supporting local artists and strengthening Juneau’s creative community.

From First Friday and Celebration to food trucks, grants, galleries, and the future of the arts in Alaska’s capital city, this conversation highlights why the JAHC remains an important home for art, culture, and community connection in Juneau.

Beth from the Juneau-Douglas City Museum joins Cliff to talk about summer hours, the continuing Critter Trek exhibit, and First Friday access at the museum.

The conversation also turns to the proposed City and Borough of Juneau budget cuts that could significantly reduce staffing, public access, programming, walking tours, and community services at the museum. Beth explains why the museum matters as a public trust, a home for community memory, and an ambassador for Juneau’s history.

They also preview upcoming museum events, including the Evergreen Cemetery walking tour and a July 10 author talk with Patrick Bringley, author of All the Beauty in the World.

A thoughtful conversation about Juneau history, civic support, and the uncertain future of one of the city’s important cultural institutions.

With Juneau’s annual glacial outburst flood season approaching, Cliff talks with Robin Lonas of Robin Lonas State Farm about what homeowners need to know before the water rises.

Robin explains some of the biggest misconceptions about flood coverage, including why standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, why every Juneau property has a FEMA flood zone designation, and why the 30-day waiting period makes it critical to act early.

They also discuss the difference between insurance and disaster grants, how flood coverage can help protect homes and contents, and why many residential policies in the Mendenhall Valley may be more affordable than people assume.

A timely conversation for Juneau residents about preparation, protection, and taking action before August flood risks arrive.

Mark from Juneau Parks and Recreation and Chris from Corvus Design join Cliff to preview Jackie Renninger Park Day and the next phase of plans for the park.

They discuss the latest design concepts, including eight proposed pickleball courts, a new covered street-style skate park, playgrounds, picnic areas, a dog park, restrooms, a community gathering space, a fitness trail, multi-use courts, disc golf, and what could become Juneau’s first covered playground.

The conversation also highlights why public input matters, how parks improve quality of life, and why this part of Juneau has been identified as underserved when it comes to recreation spaces.

The event includes a community barbecue, public design feedback, skate sessions, a skate jam, a best trick competition, music, and appearances by professional skaters Canton Russell and Brandon Turner.

A lively look at the future of Jackie Renninger Park and how community feedback can help shape one of Juneau’s next major public recreation spaces.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff talks with UAS Outdoor Studies Director and philosophy professor Kevin Krein, English professor Kevin Maier, and recent graduate Sage Chavez about how the University of Alaska Southeast is blending outdoor skills with big academic questions.

They discuss UAS courses that take students from the classroom into the field, including Mountain Studies, Salmon, Sport and Society, rock climbing, backpacking, sea kayaking, fly fishing, avalanche education and outdoor leadership.

Sage shares how the Mountain Studies course helped her learn to ski for the first time and how outdoor experiences may shape her future work in therapy. The conversation also explores why slowing down, thinking clearly and using your head may be one of the most important survival tools in the outdoors.

A look at outdoor education, personal growth and the unique learning opportunities available in Juneau through UAS.

In this edition of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Jeff Short of the Foundation for End of Life Care about the organization’s work supporting hospice services, bereavement care, end-of-life planning, and community education in Juneau and Southeast Alaska. Schwartz explains what hospice is, and what it is not, while addressing common misconceptions and the emotional difficulty many families face when beginning these conversations. He also discusses Alaska’s low use of hospice care, Bartlett Regional Hospital's role as the hospice provider for northern Southeast Alaska, and how the community can support this essential work.