As we welcome fall and settle into routines after the busy summer months, Alaska Common Ground is in the process of planning a variety of opportunities to help Alaskans better understand the complexities around important policy issues that affect us all. We’ll be looking at how education is funded, new revenue options for the state, and critical energy-related legislation. Our aim is that we will all be more informed ahead of the upcoming legislative session starting in January!

ACG is thrilled to introduce our newest board member, Alex Jorgensen. Alex is a lifelong Alaskan who has a passion for public policy. He currently serves as Communications Director for the Alaska AFL-CIO and is a proud two-time alum of the University of Alaska Anchorage. While completing his undergrad degree in political science, Alex interned in Alaska's Legislature and got an inside view of how the public policy process works. He went on to earn a Masters in Public Policy. As someone who believes that there is far more that unites us than divides us, he looks forward to bringing his communication background to ACG and contributing to the public discourse on numerous public policy challenges facing Alaska. Alex lives in Eagle River with his wife, Clare, and two cats. Welcome, Alex!

Upcoming Event: The Jenga Game of Education Funding in Alaska

Thursday, Nov. 6, 5:30 -7 pm

Online only - Registration Required

As education funding remains a major issue in Alaska’s policy landscape, we’ve gathered a panel of experts from around the state to help us understand the various funding mechanisms that make up our education system and how they come together (and apart) much like a Jenga game. Join us as we seek to transcend political and policy positions and help Alaskans better understand the basics, complexities, and intricacies of education funding through facts and myth-busting, with time for questions and answers.

This event will be online only, and registration is required. It will be available to watch on ACG's website afterwards.

Panelists:

• Brendan Wilson, Director of Alaska Association of Secondary Principals
• Andy Ratliff, CFO, Anchorage School District
• Dr. Madeline Aguillard, Superintendent, Kuspuk School District
• Frank Hauser, Superintendent, Juneau School District

We’ll be following up this event ahead of the legislative session with reflections on the impacts funding uncertainty, at both the state and federal levels, had on our districts this past year.

In the Works

ACG is busy planning events for later this fall and winter, including opportunities to learn more about...

Alaska’s Fiscal Future

We’re currently focusing in on helping Alaskans deepen our understanding of various new revenue options for the state by providing clear, balanced overviews so that we can all be prepared to engage with our representatives on this topic during the next legislative session. 

Climate & Energy

Topics we're looking into include the Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services’ Waste to Energy project and how they are reinvigorating Anchorage’s Climate Action Plan. You can also expect future events on legislation that may be before the Legislature in 2026, including the Renewable Portfolio Standard legislation ACG highlighted last winter (you can view that event here), and on solutions being considered to the predicted energy shortages in Alaska’s railbelt.

Rewind

Protecting the Permanent Fund: Board of Trustees' Recommendation for a Rules-Based Permanent Fund Endowment Model

In January 2025, ACG partnered with Institute of the North and Commonwealth North on a session to learn more about proposed changes to the basic structure of the Permanent Fund. The PF is currently made up of two accounts: the Principal and Earning Reserve Account. Under the proposal, the two accounts would be merged into a single account. Advocates for the change say it will automatically inflation-proof the Permanent Fund, assure a reliable annual draw for state expenses and the PFD, and align with best practices for endowments.

We expect this important issue will be addressed in the upcoming legislative session, along with PF governance issues. Changes to PF governance can include the process for appointing trustees, qualifications of trustees, terms of trustees, and other matters to assure that it is managed for the best returns on investment and greatest long term benefit for all Alaskans.

That event is available to view again if you’d like to brush up ahead of the legislative session.

Other Events of Interest

• RE+ Alaska with REAP - October 20 - A one-day conference focusing on the people and projects accelerating Alaska’s energy transition, tribal funding opportunities, and emerging technologies.
• Alaska Long Range Transportation Plan - AKDOT&PF is updating the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan and is seeking public input.
• District Dialogues: Triumphs, Trials, and Transformations - A free Commonwealth North event focused on innovative work and partnerships in Alaska's school districts.

Support ACG’s Efforts When You Shop!

Did you know that you can support local nonprofits when you shop at Fred Meyer - at no cost to you? Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program allows you to choose a partnering nonprofit to receive donations based on what you spend. Simply log in to your digital account, select “Community Rewards”, and search for local nonprofits. You can also change your organization of choice at any time.

We hope you’ll consider choosing Alaska Common Ground!

Alaska Common Ground’s mission is to engage and inform Alaskans to cultivate understanding and cooperation on issues important to Alaska.



We rely primarily on small membership donations from the community to Advance an Engaged Alaskan Democracy and keep our free programs like these going. 

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