Issues

Fiscal Policy

Since its founding in 1991, Alaska Common Ground has worked to educate Alaskans about the state’s ongoing fiscal challenges and the importance of establishing a long-term fiscal plan to mitigate them.

We do this by hosting moderated discussions that provide balanced, accessible context and engaging with policymakers and other experts to deliberate viable policy pathways forward. We have also developed toolkits, guides and papers to help inform Alaskans around this topic and encouraged engagement in shaping the state’s fiscal future.

For many decades, petroleum revenues had benefited Alaska greatly, but these revenues are highly volatile and as the quantity of oil has decreased, these revenues have fallen. More recently, revenues from the state’s Permanent Fund are providing the largest source of income for state services. Additionally, as the state continues to grapple with long and short-term budgetary challenges, proposals for managing the Permanent Fund Dividend are often at the forefront of contentious conversations and legislative negotiations. ACG continues to explore these changes and challenges, the impacts on our communities, and meaningful solutions.

If we want Alaska to be a place where all people have an opportunity to thrive, our children choose to stay, businesses flourish, poverty is reduced, and the environment is protected, we need to determine more sustainable paths forward to funding high-quality and cost-effective state services, including education, transportation, public safety, healthcare, and more.

Articles

At Alaska Common Ground, we’re reflecting on how a sustainable fiscal plan could strengthen Alaska’s economy and improve quality of life, especially as we look toward the next legislative session.

As fall unfolds, Alaska Common Ground shares updates on key policy discussions, changes within our team, and ways to engage on pressing issues—from retirement reform to ballot measures and climate

Winter 2023 Newsletter: Reflecting, Honoring, and Looking Ahead In this issue, Alaska Common Ground (ACG) looks back on an active year and prepares for the work ahead in 2024. We

In this issue, Alaska Common Ground (ACG) reflects on a busy spring and looks ahead to fall. While we take a brief summer pause, it’s a perfect time to catch

In this issue, Alaska Common Ground (ACG) continues its work to inform, convene, and connect Alaskans around some of the state’s most pressing issues — from education funding to renewable

Our Spring 2025 Newsletter highlights the importance of staying informed and engaged, especially with key developments happening in Alaska. Here’s a quick look at the top stories: Protecting the Permanent