As the waters of the Mendenhall flow normally again and our community assesses the impacts of this year's Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), JEDC is pleased to see that the 2025 event, while significant, resulted in notably less widespread damages than in 2024. This outcome underscores the importance of community preparedness, collaborative planning, and the resilient spirit that defines Juneau.

In the face of declining and aging populations, Juneau and other Southeast Alaska communities are interested in attracting people to become full-time, year-round residents, especially young, working-age individuals and families.JEDC seeks feedback from seasonal workers about their experiences living and working in our communities. The results of this survey will help businesses and civic leaders better understand what factors inform workers' decisions to relocate to the communities they work in seasonally.

Please forward the following link to any and all current seasonal workers that have either recently left Juneau or are leaving soon. We want to hear about their experience living in our community! Alternatively, you may send us an email list of people for survey distribution, or we can provide a link for you to share.

All responses are anonymous. As a gesture of appreciation, a few randomly-selected respondents will have a chance to win a prize. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

JEDC Platinum Investors

JEDC is pleased to collect local data and partner with the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (C2ER) on their Cost-of-Living Index (COLI), a nationwide survey of living expenses conducted multiple times a year in approximately 300 U.S. cities. This index establishes the average cost of living in the U.S. based on the cost of consumer goods, services, housing, energy/utilities, healthcare, and transportation for a moderately affluent professional household. The average cost across all urban communities surveyed is set at 100, meaning this index shows cost of living relative to the nationwide average.

The to date 2025 composite COLI went up for Juneau, meaning our cost of living relative to the U.S. average increased overall. The largest relative increase was in housing costs, followed by utilities and groceries. We see a relative decrease Healthcare. These changes do not necessarily mean costs in Juneau went up or down, rather, costs are higher or lower relative to the rest of the U.S. A composite score of 130.3 means that Juneau is 30.3% more expensive compared to the U.S. average.

Among Alaska cities that submit COLI data (Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage), Juneau remains the most expensive overall. Still, Juneau’s COLI has been trending downward since 2012 – again, this does not mean that Juneau is getting cheaper, just relatively less expensive. The plausible explanation is that the cost of living has risen at a higher rate among other areas in the contiguous U.S. than it has in Juneau over this period.

JEDC Gold Investors

JEDC is closely monitoring and studying the effects of H.R. 1, or the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," on existing Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions. Overall, H.R. 1 significantly alters the ACA by increasing costs and making it harder for people to get or keep coverage. Key effects include the elimination of premium tax credit (PTC) subsidies for many individuals, the codification of stricter eligibility rules, a shortened open enrollment period on the ACA marketplace, and the removal of eligibility for certain lawful permanent residents and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients from ACA coverage. These changes are projected to lead to millions losing coverage, increased premiums, and greater instability in health insurance markets.

In Juneau, we estimate that changes to ACA premiums will impact almost 1,400 local health plan holders. Hourly, seasonal, self-employed, and small business owners—especially those relying on the ACA marketplace—face greater instability and should proactively plan for coverage and documentation needs in 2025 and 2026.

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®) is an internationally recognized program specifically designed to inspire young people to be next generation Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that foster teamwork and critical thinking skills, inspire innovation, and build well-rounded, informed individuals.

As an official Program Delivery Partner, JEDC delivers the FIRST® in Alaska program to the farthest corners of our great state aimed at developing STEM interest and talent in young Alaskans before they join the workforce. Each year, we organize 25+ robotics competitions for all age levels: FIRST® LEGO League (FLL) Explore (grades K-4), FLL Challenge (grades 4-8), and FIRST® Tech Challenge (grades 7-12) throughout Alaska. Teams of students, led by at least one coach or mentor, are presented with an annual challenge. They'll meet regularly for "practice" to prepare their solution to the challenge and then compete against other teams through a series of local and regional events, league meets, and tournaments run by hundreds of volunteers, all-culminating in state championships with the excitement of a sporting event.

FIRST® LEGO League (FLL) introduces STEM to children (grades K-8) through fun, hands-on challenges using LEGO® technology. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping students, families, and educators build a better future together.

Through three age-appropriate divisions, FLL inspires youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills and showcase what they learned.

In the UNEARTHED™ challenge, released on August 5, FLL teams will uncover the past to discover the future.

FIRST® Tech Challenge students (grades 7-12) work together with their mentors to design and build robots to compete in a dynamic and exciting challenge released every September.

Teams program classroom-scale robots to follow autonomous commands before student drivers take control in two-on-two matches. On and off the field, students develop STEM skills, engage in community outreach, practice engineering innovation, and build confidence to help them succeed.

In the DECODE™ challenge, presented by RTX, FTC teams will investigate the power of the world’s artifacts and unlock mysteries in a new challenge. The FTC kickoff will take place on September 6 with events taking place in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

Thank You FIRST® in Alaska Statewide Sponsors!

JEDC Silver Investors

"This is my first time being in Juneau, or even Alaska! I am ecstatic about all things LEGO and excited to give my time and energy back to the community."

With a focus on helping make Juneau a great capital city, JEDC wants to ensure our community is welcoming to all who live, work, govern, or visit here. To achieve this, our team is helping administer the TBMP Juneau Crossing Guard and the DBA Downtown Ambassador programs. Both programs serve to improve the day-to-day experience of being in Juneau, contributing to a positive image of our community and supporting tourism and local commerce, particularly during the busy summer months.

JEDC Bronze Investors

The Local Frequency is an app-based loyalty and rewards program exclusively for local business.



Earn cash-back when you shop local.

Good for you and local business.

JEDC Investors

JEDC encourages shopping locally and supporting local non-profits and charities. When you shop, you can directly support STEM education in Juneau by contributing to the Alaska Development Corporation (ADC), a 501©3 charity affiliated with JEDC.

Did you know that the Local Change feature in the Local Frequency app allows you to round up your purchases to donate to local organizations like ADC?

Did you also know that Fred Meyer will donate to Alaskan organizations like ADC when you shop with them?

Choose the "Alaska Development Corporation" via the Fred Meyer and Local Frequency apps to support impactful STEM programming in Juneau!

JEDC Affiliate Investors

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