One of Alaska Common Ground’s values is a conviction that informed and engaged community members are essential to a democratic society. Keeping up with what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and how it affects Alaska and our nation is challenging these days, but we hope you too remain committed to doing so - as well as to staying connected. Connection to each other, even when conversations are difficult, and to the many positive things happening in our communities is vital.

In Alaska, our legislature is in the middle of a busy session, and there is no shortage of opportunities to get informed and engaged on issues important to Alaskans. Below we highlight some of our recent programs along with key updates that can help you do that, as well as upcoming opportunities to connect. We have more events in the works, so please stay tuned for those!

On January 7, 2025, Alaska Common Ground with co-hosts Institute of the North and Commonwealth North held a free in-person and live streamed event at 49th State Brewing in Anchorage to highlight and discuss a proposed change to management of the Alaska Permanent Fund (APF). Our guest panelists included: Deven Mitchell, CEO and Executive Director of the APF Corporation; Steve Rieger, Former State Senator and former APF Corporation Trustee; Penny Gage, Alaskan Advocate; and Senator Cathy Giessel, State Senate Majority Leader.

Today, the State of Alaska receives much less revenue from oil and mineral development than in the past. The APF is now the primary source of funds for the operation of State government, capital projects, and the PFD. But the current structure of the APF creates a risk that insufficient funds will be available in any given year to pay for these things, which would result in an immediate fiscal crisis for the State and a host of negative repercussions for Alaskans.

For more than 20 years, the trustees of the APF Corporation have recommended making specific management changes to avoid this risk, and to modernize the APF into a “Rules-based Permanent Endowment.” The recommendation is to consolidate the APF’s two-account structure into one and to constitutionally limit the annual draw to five percent of market value (POMV) of the Fund. The trustees can recommend these changes, but it takes action by the Alaska Legislature to make them, and it takes a vote of the people to amend the state constitution.

Current update: Resolutions (HJR 10 / SJR 14) have recently been introduced in the current legislative session in both the House and Senate to change management of the APF as recommended by the APFC Trustees. This important issue deserves the time and attention of all Alaskans and we encourage you to watch our panel presentation to learn more. ACG is planning a follow-up session on this important topic later in the year.

Proposed Changes to Judicial Selection Process

Alaska Common Ground hosted Alaskans for Fair Courts back in September of 2024 for a discussion about Alaska’s robust judicial selection and retention system laid out in our Constitution and recognized as the gold standard around the country. They described the detailed process conducted by the Alaska Judicial Council, and how it aims to ensure quality judges are placed and retained based on their performance, ethics, and ability to follow the law - not on political grounds as is the case in many states. They also highlighted the importance of voters understanding this process and voting on the retention of judges, a section of the ballot that many of us leave blank.

Current update: Governor Dunleavy recently introduced legislation (HJR 12 / SJR 13) proposing amendments to Alaska’s Constitution relating to the appointment of state judges. The amendments would significantly alter the role of the Alaska Judicial Council in submitting nominations of those most qualified. If passed, the proposed amendments would be placed before Alaskan voters at the next general election. The Senate State Affairs committee held a hearing on the Governor’s proposal on March 20, 2025. We encourage you to learn about the Alaska Judicial Council and to watch our discussion with Alaskans for Fair Courts to better understand Alaska’s unique and rigorous system.

Climate & Energy Working Group Update

Alaska Common Ground’s Climate & Energy Working Group has been busy gathering information about what’s happening in our state regarding renewable energy and climate policy to inform forthcoming events on this topic: 

• At the state level, we’re keeping an eye on the one piece of state legislation we featured at our events last year that didn’t pass - the Renewable Portfolio Standard. 
• At the federal level, we’ve reached out to Alaska's Congressional Delegation to get updates on how the renewable energy projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act are faring in these first 100 days of the new presidential administration. 
• At the local level, the Municipality of Anchorage is in the process of reinvigorating the Climate Action Plan. (We hosted a series a few years ago exploring several components of that plan which you can find here.) We’re planning to host events bringing folks up to speed on what’s happening with the CAP and how they can get involved. 

Stay tuned for more information as we continue our planning. If you have suggestions for us, or are interested in joining our working group which consists of ACG board members and dedicated ACG members, please reach out to Kari Gardey at kari@akcommonground.org.

Anchorage & Utility Election Reminders

There are important elections this spring! Here are a few resources to help you prepare.

Anchorage Regular Municipal Election

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

This election is Vote by Mail only and includes Assembly, School Board, Service Area Board, and Propositions! Check out the digital version of the League of Women Voters Anchorage ballot review for all the details about candidates, how and where to return your ballots, and more!

Electric Utility Elections 

Varying dates April-May

Anyone who pays a bill to a utility cooperative has the right to vote in annual elections for utility board members. This is an important way to influence decisions being made about how our energy is produced. We encourage everyone to attend their public meetings, learn about the candidates running for your local electric utility elections and vote! Here is a list of the upcoming elections of which ACG is aware:

• Golden Valley Electric in Fairbanks
• Chugach Electric
• Homer Electric
• Matanuska Electric Association

2025 Annual Meeting featuring Tools for Difficult Conversations: A Conversation with Libby Roderick

Wednesday, April 2

6:00 - 7:30 pm (doors open at 5:30, the program begins at 6:00).

King Street Brewing Company, 9050 King Street, Anchorage

(in person only)

Join ACG for our Annual Membership Meeting! We will provide the pizza and drinks (also available for purchase) and following brief updates on our efforts from the past year, we will be honored to hear from Libby Roderick, Director Emeritus of the Difficult Dialogues Initiative at UAA. Libby works with groups around the U.S. and world to increase their capacity to effectively conduct difficult dialogues. Throughout the evening's participatory program she will share tools, tips, and resources for thoughtful and productive conversations when we don't agree or share the same perspective.

All are welcome, whether or not you’re an ACG member, but RSVPs are requested in advance and memberships or donations at the door are appreciated. We will also share resources provided by Libby with our broader ACG community after the meeting!

Defending Democracy: A Conversation with Liz Cheney

Thursday, May 1, 2025 / 6:30 pm

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts / Atwood Concert Hall

621 W 6th Avenue, Anchorage

(in person only) 

This event is part of UAA’s College of Arts and Sciences Community Lecture Series. Alaska Common Ground is not hosting the event, but we are proud to be a co-sponsor.

Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney is at the fulcrum in our political divide. Displaying courage, discipline, and integrity in the wake of a national crisis, Cheney’s actions during her last term in Congress laid bare her commitment to country and democracy over politics. Hear Cheney tell the stories of how she arrived at her personal convictions, her remarkable career in Congress, and the road that lies ahead.

We're thrilled to unveil ACG's new website! On it you'll find options to browse events and content by issue area from our 30+ years of work, information about our history and board, easy search functions to find past events, and streamlined giving and membership forms. Many of our past events have video recordings and are available to watch at any time. Please browse and enjoy!

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