The Carrick Capitol Connection

November 21, 2025

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Fellow Fairbanksans,

Welcome to the 125th edition of the Carrick Capitol Connection! As we wrap up another week, I want to share an early Happy Thanksgiving to all next week and hope you have a great holiday with friends, family, and FOOD! Included in this edition are resources for getting Thanksgiving meals for those in need.

In this week’s edition of the Carrick Capitol Connection:

Board of Regents Advances Healthy University Budget
Thanksgiving Resources for Those in Need
Sheep Creek/Parks Highway Intersection Reconstruction Next Summer
Events In Our Community

Rep. Carrick speaking to the UAF Honors College on Wednesday

Board of Regents Advances Healthy University Budget

At its meeting on November 7, the University of Alaska Board of Regents advanced a healthy budget for the University of Alaska for Fiscal Year 2027 which begins on July 1, 2026. This is the first step in a much larger budget process that will take place between the Governor and the Legislature through the legislative session. Here is a synopsis of the University’s operating and capital budgets:

University of Alaska Operating Budget

The total requested operating budget for the University of Alaska is $1.19 billion -- $380 million of which comes from the state, and the remainder comes from the Federal government, research grants, and “university receipts” including tuition. Since only $380 million of that budget comes from the state, the Alaska Legislature only has control of about one-third of the University’s total operating budget. With uncertainly in Federal funding, it is important that the state provide as much funding as possible to try to cover any shortfalls and to keep our economic engine running. I am pleased to see this budget request increases the state’s match by $29 million from last year’s budget. Here are some items of note from the operating budget request:

$15 million for compensation increases: This accounts for compensation increases as required by collective bargaining agreements, and a three percent pay increase for non-union employees. Our hardworking university staff and faculty have overcome a lot over the past few years, and I am pleased to see this much needed investment in the University’s workforce. I will work to ensure that these compensation increases are included in the final budget!
$956,000 for student mental health services: This funding has been repeatedly requested by the students, and unfortunately it has not been included in the final budget. This funding would be distributed to all three campuses with $350,000 coming to UAF.
$4.9 million for student recruitment and retention: This is an important investment in the University’s ability to achieve R-1 research status. The University of Alaska already does world-class research but achieving R-1 status will elevate the University’s research even further and allow us to leverage more grant dollars. The primary thing holding UA back from achieving R-1 currently is the number of Ph.D.’s we graduate. This funding will help us recruit and retain more students and get us closer to coveted R-1 status. Given uncertainty with Federal research dollars, which will have impacts on much of the work that our graduate students are undertaking, this funding is more important than ever to bring more students to Alaska. Still, my priority this session will primarily be on securing needed compensation increases and mental health services that staff and students have advocated for as a first line of defense to keeping our University of Alaska system healthy and growing.

University of Alaska Capital Budget

Unlike the University’s operating budget, which is only partially funded with state dollars, the University’s capital budget is funded almost exclusively with state dollars. The capital budget advanced by the regents is a total of $86 million – $73.6 million of which comes from state dollars. The University of Alaska has a $1.6 billion deferred maintenance backlog, which represents 40% of the entire state’s deferred maintenance backlog. Further, UAF’s deferred maintenance backlog represents 40% of the University’s backlog. To put downward pressure on this backlog, the Board of Regents requests $60 million for deferred maintenance. This year, that $60 million is designated for 14 necessary projects around the UA system. Specifically, $37.8 million of that funding is designated for UAF facilities, which are among the most aged facilities in the system. One project that is included in this list that has been included in the budget – but vetoed by the Governor- in previous years, is $4.16 million for critical roof replacement for the Cutler Apartment Complex at UAF. You can view the list of all 14 requested projects here.

Addressing the University of Alaska’s deferred maintenance backlog is a major priority of mine. After all, if the heat, lights, or internet goes out during the winter, the experience of both students and faculty will be drastically impacted. As we look ahead to 2027, and the opportunities that can come with a new Governor, my team and I are exploring options to address this deferred maintenance backlog in a more comprehensive manner. It is past time to find innovative solutions that can put downward pressure on our critical deferred maintenance challenges!

Next Steps for the FY 27 UA Budget

The Regents passing their requested budget is the first step in a much larger budget process. Now the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget is working on incorporating parts of this budget into the Governors requested budget, which will be sent to the Legislature by December 15. The version of the university budget that is included in the Governor’s budget request is often different than the one that is requested by the Regents. In recent years the Governor has reduced the University’s budget request in his requested budget, and the Legislature has had to add back requests from the Board of Regents and other stakeholders. For his eighth and final budget, I will not be surprised if the Governor continues that practice. Assuming that is the case, I will work hard during the upcoming legislative session to ensure that important investments in staff and faculty compensation, student recruitment and retention, and deferred maintenance are included in the final version of the budget. If you have any questions about the University Budget, or the budget process as a whole, please feel free to reach out to my office!

Rep. Carrick with former Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor after the "Diplomatic Dialog" at UAF last Friday. Also pictured: Julia Hnilicka

Thanksgiving Resources for Those in Need

Although Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for many, for vulnerable members of our community it can be a very difficult one financially and emotionally. It is always inspiring to see our Golden Heart Community come together to support our neighbors in need – especially during the holiday season. The Fairbanks Community Food Bank and the Breadline are always in need of both donations and volunteers. You can learn more about how to volunteer and support these organizations – if you have the capacity – on their respective websites. For our friends and neighbors in need, here are places that you can find food for Thanksgiving:

Every year, the Fairbanks Community Food Bank distributes Thanksgiving Food Boxes to Fairbanksans in need. Food boxes will be distributed on Wednesday, November 26 and reservations are not necessary. They can be picked up at the following locations:

First Presbyterian Church (547 7th Ave, Fairbanks) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church (1005 St Nicolas Dr, North Pole) from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Breadline will also be open on Thanksgiving Day for their regular breakfast/ lunch service from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. They are located downtown at 507 Gaffney Road. Thank you, Fairbanks, for your generosity during the holidays! Also, please do not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is looking for help getting access to these or other services. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sheep Creek/Parks Highway Intersection Reconstruction Next Summer

Next summer, the Alaska Department of Transportation will be reconstructing the intersection of Sheep Creek Road and the Parks Highway. For those who commute daily on Sheep Creek Road like myself, this will impact our commute times next summer. This intersection can be dangerous in the winter – especially for non-regular commuters who are unfamiliar with the traffic flow and conditions at the intersection. This reconstruction plans to separate the in-bound through lane and turning lanes. It will also include a traffic light. You can see the design of the reconstruction here. Additionally, you can find out more information online, and in a packet DOT sent to my office here. The public comment period for this construction project has passed, but if you have any thoughts on this effort, please feel free to reach out to my office. As the Co-Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I will be sure to pass your comments along to the Department of Transportation and to take your feedback seriously.

Rep. Carrick at the opening of the Giving Machine in North Pole on Wednesday

Events In Our Community

With winter setting in, the holidays are upon us! In addition to spending time with friends and family, the holidays mean holiday bazaars and opportunities to support local businesses. My team and I do our best to keep track of local events, but if there is ever a local event – or holiday bazaar – you would like us to highlight, please email the information to Rep.Ashley.Carrick@akleg.gov and we will consider adding it to the newsletter!

Night for the North

The annual Night for the North auction and dinner celebration to support the Northern Alaska Environmental Center is TONIGHT from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the UAF Wood Center Ball Room. This is a great opportunity to support this organization that advocates for the environmental health of Alaska. You can learn more about this event online.

Pop-Up Farmers Market

Stock up on local groceries and dried flowers before the holidays at the Folk School’s annual pre-Thanksgiving pop-up market! There will be four vendors from 11:00am-3:00pm at Pioneer Park Cabin 66: Frontieress Farm, Offbeet Farm, Yellow Woods Farm, and Boreal Wood Mushroom Farm! To learn more about what each vendor is selling, click here.

People’s Town Hall: Food Security in Fairbanks

This Saturday, November 22, from noon to 4:00pm, at the Schaible Auditorium, join your neighbors in a dialogue on how to make our local food landscape more secure. There will be smaller breakout groups, a great lineup of speakers, and more! Let’s work together to ensure that our local community is taken care of for years to come. To learn more, click here.

Winter Clothing Swap

LUMI Coffee Bar and Golden Heart Performing Arts are teaming up on Saturday to host a winter clothing swap. Drop off clean clothes in a bag or box and enjoy a coffee from 11:30am-1:30pm. Beginning at 2:00pm, the Golden Heart Performing Arts will be collecting a $5 entry fee supporting their Winter Solstice Soiree! To learn more, click here!

Family Day: Archaeology

Discover archaeology this Saturday, from 12:00pm-4:00pm! The University of Alaska Museum of the North is hosting an all ages, family friendly, educational event all about archaeology. See and touch artifacts, make and throw an atlatl, watch flint knapping, and uncover and learn about tools! To learn more, click here!

Thanksgiving for the Birds

Join the Friends of Creamer’s Field this Saturday, from 12:00pm-4:00pm at the Farmhouse Visitor Center to build birdfeeders and learn about all the amazing birds that call the Interior home during the winter! To learn more, click here!

Dark Winter Nights LIVE

You’ve heard Dark Winter Nights on the radio, and this Saturday is your chance to hear it live! The Hering Auditorium will be hosting all sorts of Alaskans telling their stories starting at 7:00pm. To get tickets, click here! While this event may be sold out, you can also listen to a recording of Dark Winter Nights live and after the event on their podcast.

VIBE Council

The Fairbanks Wellness Coalition’s VIBE Council is hosted every Wednesday in the Noel Wien Library and is for young adults aged 16-24 who are passionate about mental health, suicide prevention, and making a difference in their community. From 4:00pm-5:00pm, on Wednesday, November 26th, join the council, share your ideas, earn volunteer or community service hours, and help shape the future of youth wellness in Fairbanks! For more information, click here!

My Staff and I Are Here For You!

My team and I are working from our office in the Fairbanks Legislative Information Office in the Global Credit Union building across from Home Depot at 1292 Sadler Way, Third Floor. Feel free to swing by if we may be of service to you, give us a call at 907-452-6084, email us at Rep.Ashley.Carrick@akleg.gov, and follow us on social media @RepCarrick. Until next week!

All In For Alaska,