Election Day is on Tuesday, October 7. VOTE and let your voice be heard!

The Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC) encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote. We believe that by participating in the democratic process, each individual can have a direct impact on shaping the future of our community. Every voice counts, and by casting your ballot, you are actively contributing to the development and success of our vibrant community. Together, let's make a difference and ensure that Juneau continues to flourish.

For more information, including how to cast your vote and where, please visit the Office of the City Clerk's website.

In anticipation of the CBJ Municipal Election on October 7, JEDC analyzed the current state of Sales Tax and Property Tax burdens for Juneau households alongside the potential ramifications of the three ballot initiatives.



Our community requires and expects a certain level of services from local government. To pay for those desired services, CBJ collects fees, revenues, and taxes. As the community considers potential changes to Sales Taxes and Property Taxes, these changes will have different impacts not only on CBJ income, but also on who pays any levied taxes. Since many Juneau citizens find some dimensions of Juneau difficult to afford, we have examined the impacts of changes in economic burden in the form of a sales tax on Juneau residents. Depending on how Sales Taxes and Property Taxes are structured, those impacts will vary by various demographics like age, income, and family size.

JEDC conducted a comprehensive survey following the 2024 Mendenhall Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) to gather detailed information about personal and financial impacts, response strategies, and recovery experiences. The survey, distributed to approximately three hundred residents throughout the affected area, sought to capture both quantitative data about damages and costs as well as qualitative insights about what worked well and what could be improved. We received detailed responses outlining long-term recovery strategies and costs, insurance challenges, displacement, and effectiveness of relief programs during the crisis.

Preliminary results include key data on respondents' likelihood of moving away from Juneau in the aftermath of 2024 flooding, with 37.1% deciding to stay put, 51.6% considering a move, and 11.3% deciding to move.

The main factors cited for potential relocation were related to financial pressures related to flooding on top of Juneau’s already high cost of living. However, there are challenges for many individuals who may face difficulty selling their home, even if they want to relocate. Respondents also noted that the Mendenhall Valley has been an attractive area where families can purchase single-family homes that are more affordable than elsewhere in town, and the flooding has further reduced the number of desirable single-family homes within the context of Juneau’s current housing crisis.

Stay tuned for the full release of our 2024 GLOF Survey results, which will provide valuable insights for continued community resilience building.

JEDC is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors. Members include the Mayor of the City & Borough of Juneau, the Chancellor of the University of Alaska Southeast, representatives from environmental and organized labor groups, and other members representing our community appointed by the CBJ Assembly.

We are currently accepting applications for three (3) seats with terms beginning November 2025 and ending November 2028, including:

• One (1) member representing Organized Labor.
• Two (2) At-Large members with experience and expertise in fields relating to economic development, including but not limited to large and small business, entrepreneurship, natural resource development, tourism, banking and finance, engineering and construction, and government.

JEDC Board members are recommended to the CBJ Assembly Human Resources Committee by the current JEDC Board and then appointed by the CBJ Assembly based upon their experience and expertise. Candidates should plan on participating in interviews with current members of the JEDC Board at their monthly meeting on November 10.

Interested parties must send a letter of interest and a recent CV/résumé to Executive Director Brian Holst at bholst@jedc.org, or call for more information at (907) 523-2333. Applicants must complete an application form using the following link. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 31.

*Note: When filling out the CBJ-provided form, please select "Other" under the "Board, Commission, Committee" and then type "JEDC Board" in the following section.

JEDC Platinum Investors

Alaska Angel Conference 2025

JEDC serves on the organizing team for the Alaska Angel Conference (AAC), which aims to increase the number of angel investors in Alaska's statewide startup ecosystem by pairing experienced angel investors with novice investors and leading them through the process of identifying, filtering, selecting, and managing a group angel investment. The AAC also helps nurture the companies and mentor the entrepreneurs who apply for funding. The end goal is to award an investment to one of the startups that apply. To date, the AAC has invested $565,000 into five Alaskan startups since 2019, made possible by the Innovating Alaska Act (informally named the Alaska Crowdfunding Act).

We are joined in this work by the Alaska Investor Network (AIN), Alaska Version 3 (AKV3), the Center for Economic Development (CED) at the University of Alaska Anchorage, and 49th State Angel Fund with the Municipality of Anchorage. The twelve-week AAC process kicks off September 30, culminating in the final pitch event on December 11 (location TBD).

JEDC Gold Investors

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 the official Program Delivery Partner for Alaska, JEDC delivers the FIRST^® 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 (FTC) 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. FTC kicked off on September 6 with events in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

Thank You FIRST® in Alaska Statewide Sponsors!

JEDC Silver Investors

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

JEDC | Website