In this episode of the First Things First podcast, host Dano sits down with board director Mac Miners and executive director Don Habiger to discuss the long-debated second crossing for Juneau. The conversation explores why the project matters for economic growth, traffic relief, housing development, and community resiliency. They break down where the project currently stands in the planning process, why a western crossing site is being advocated, and how safety considerations — including concerns related to the Salmon Creek Dam — could influence location decisions. The episode ends with a call to action for residents to engage with city leaders and help move the project from decades of discussion toward real progress. 

The first First Things First episode of 2026 kicks off with a deep dive into the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal and why it’s poised to be a game-changer for Southeast Alaska transportation. Host Dano is joined by First Things First Executive Director Don Habiger, former Juneau Chamber president Bruce Abel, and former Planning Commission member Matt Bell to explore how the project could improve regional connectivity, reduce costs and emissions, strengthen the Alaska Marine Highway System, and unlock long-term economic opportunities—from reliable freight service to job creation and resource development partnerships.

 First Things First launches Season 2 with a deep dive into Juneau affordability and a high-stakes city procurement: the Maritime Industrial Zone (MIZ) public Wi-Fi project. Guests Chris Rushman and Mark Luchini (Snow Cloud Services) detail why they protested the winning bid—citing unanswered RFP questions, non-responsiveness, and a far higher five-year cost (≈$4M vs. ≈$1.6M). A citizen Bidding Review Board agreed with the protest, but the Assembly took no action; the panel underscores transparency, fiscal discipline, and community involvement as keys to keeping Juneau affordable. 

First Things First executive director Don Habeger, board member Denny DeWitt, and longtime resident Tom Williams to unpack CBJ’s three ballot measures through the lens of affordability. They back Prop 1 (cap the operating mill rate at 9; voter-approved bond debt still allowed) and Prop 2 (extend the current senior exemption on food and non-commercial utilities to everyone), arguing both modestly restrain government while helping families. They urge a no on Prop 3, the seasonal sales-tax plan (7.5% Apr–Sep, 3% Oct–Mar) that replaces the 5% year-round tax and ends recurring voter reauthorization; the panel says it would raise peak-season costs for residents, small businesses, fishermen, and tourists—and even complicate life for legislators—while removing voter oversight. Beyond the ballot, they criticize city spending priorities (Burns Building purchase/condo fees; Telephone Hill without a clear end plan) and call for promoting private development (e.g., Huna Totem downtown, West Douglas) and living within means. They close with voting logistics: ballots must be received by Tuesday, Oct 7, 8 p.m. (or postmarked by that date if mailed) and share how to get involved with First Things First. 

 Host Dano sits down with Don Habeger (Exec Dir, First Things First), Frank Bergstrom (President, FTF), and Meadow Lane residents Cindy & Mike Dow to unpack this year’s Suicide Basin jökulhlaup: what they lived, what the data shows, why HESCO barriers aren’t enough, and the community push for a permanent, engineered fix. 

Key Takeaways

• Records keep falling. Reported Mendenhall Lake crests:
  • 2023: 14.9 ft (~25,200 cfs, per episode)
  • 2024: 15.99 ft (~4,700 cfs, per episode)
  • 2025: 16.67 ft (~50,000 cfs, est. per episode)
    (Guests’ figures as stated on-air; trend = bigger, faster outbursts.)
• What residents saw this year
  • New percolation in Meadow Lane/Alder Circle; water pulsing up/receding through gravel.
  • Log “harpoons.” Full-length trees with root balls riding the current, spearing riprap/fences; would punch through a house.
• Limits of HESCOs
  • They raise river head, which also drives seepage through sandy/gravel soils.
  • Vulnerable to log impacts and bank erosion; require constant, costly maintenance (~$1M in repairs this year, per city meeting cited).
  • Short-term mitigation, not a long-term solution.
• Infrastructure hit
  • 3 of 4 river crossings were closed at one point (Back Loop, Pedestrian, Montana Creek bridges noted); fiber cut impacted regional comms; Back Loop has since reopened.
• Human toll
  • Residents describe post-traumatic stress, feeling unsafe, and some preparing to leave Juneau.
• What First Things First is advocating
  • Engineered levee/dam at the Mendenhall Lake outlet to attenuate peak flows—store more during the outburst, then release in a controlled way.
  • Expedite geotech now; goal is a 12-month timeline, not “study forever.”
  • Federal leadership is engaged (delegation + USACE site visits); Governor pre-declared the 2025 flood a disaster, enabling rapid DOT bridge work.
  • Guests still don’t feel urgency from CBJ; want proactive planning and communication.

Notable Quotes

• “This is the most predictable flood perhaps on earth.”
• “HESCOs are a short-term fix…they increase head in the river and drive seepage into yards.”
• “We need a long-term solution now, not in the ‘long term.’”
• “I’d stay if I knew a levee was coming.”

How to Help / Get Involved

• Volunteer/Donate: United Way of SE AK — unitedwayseak.org
• First Things First (per episode):
  Website: ftfakfoundation.org
  Email: [email protected]

• Civic action: Submit public comment to CBJ, ask to accelerate USACE work; advocate for a permanent attenuation structure at Mendenhall Lake.
• Household prep: Review flood insurance, keep sandbag plans, and watch official alerts.

In this episode of First Things First, we discuss the increasingly urgent question: Is Juneau affordable anymore? With rising property taxes, a limited housing supply, and ballooning city spending, the conversation dives deep into the real pressures facing families, young professionals, and seasonal workers. From housing policy to tax reform and city priorities, this frank roundtable explores whether Juneau is pricing out its future—and what citizens can do about it before October's ballot measures hit.

 In this episode of First Things First, host Dano is joined by Don Habiger, Scott Bergman (owner of the Alaskan Fudge Company), and Ben Brown (President of the Juneau Chamber of Commerce) for a deep dive into the evolving impact of tourism in Juneau. From its early roots to modern-day regulation, the group explores how cruise ships, retail, small businesses, and city infrastructure all intersect. They discuss workforce challenges, housing needs, and the delicate balance between economic opportunity and preserving Juneau’s quality of life. A candid, local perspective on tourism’s past, present, and future. 

Don Habager, Dave Hanna, Angela Rodell dive into the hot button topic of Juneau economy. Talking everything from essential services, core services, to state funding, possible initiatives can help the city. 

 The First Things First crew dives deep into how Juneau can transform Eaglecrest from a winter-only asset into a year-round economic driver. With insights on the stalled gondola project, underused summer tourism potential, and alternative governance models, the discussion highlights what it will take—funding, vision, and action—to make Eaglecrest a sustainable gem for locals and visitors alike 

Join hosts Dano and Executive Director of First Things First Foundation, Don Habinger. First Things First is a podcast series brought to you by the First Things First Alaska Foundation. Each episode explores crucial discussions on economic development, tourism, and natural resource management in Southeast Alaska. In our latest episode, we are joined by Susan Bell, Vice President of Hoona Totem, to explore the transformative Aak'w Landing project. This initiative would reshape Juneau's waterfront into a dynamic hub for tourism and community engagement. Discover the extensive planning and local insights driving this development, its anticipated economic impact, and the broader benefits for residents and visitors alike.