AGP Executive Report

Alaska LNG: Alaska lawmakers advanced a major tax break for the North Slope gas pipeline, with the House passing HB 381 and sending it to the Senate, keeping the project’s economics in focus as a Juneau special session looms. Energy & jobs: A parallel LNG push is tied to labor pledges aimed at prioritizing Alaska workers on the roughly 12,000-job project, as unions and the developer sign agreements. Housing & affordability: Anchorage’s Chugach Manor story highlights how Alaska Housing Finance Corp senior housing is helping residents find stability, while a separate national data roundup shows housing price growth has surged across many states since 2021. Public finance stress: A national analysis flags Alaska among states with the biggest year-over-year increases in personal bankruptcy filings, even as Alaska remains relatively low on per-capita filings. Local governance: The Anchorage Assembly is weighing childcare regulation changes, a reminder that family-support policy can move quickly at the municipal level. Community improvements: Big Lake volunteers and local partners upgraded Jordan Lake Park with new landscaping, fencing and pickleball courts, building momentum for more amenities.

Alaska LNG: The Alaska House advanced a major LNG tax bill, sending it to the Senate, as lawmakers debate volumetric tax terms and how much the state should give up to keep the project moving. Anchorage Childcare: The Anchorage Assembly is weighing regulation changes aimed at expanding childcare options, a move that could affect costs and availability for working families. Education & Hiring: A court struck down a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, but Alaska schools still face uncertainty about filling international-teacher roles. Fishing & Ocean Data: Alaska’s fishing industry is bracing after a federal plan to retire a key ocean monitoring network, threatening real-time data used during salmon and crab downturns. Aviation: Alaska Airlines launched its first nonstop Anchorage–Boston route, a new long-haul domestic link that could reshape travel demand. Ports & Trade: The World Bank highlighted Durban and Coega among the world’s most improved ports, underscoring how logistics performance can swing global commerce. Maritime Security: UK forces boarded a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel, a reminder that sanctions enforcement is increasingly tied to shipping risk.

Alaska LNG Push: Alaska lawmakers advanced the state’s LNG tax package, including a House-passed bill tied to HB 381’s volumetric tax approach, as supporters argue it can unlock major project momentum while critics warn about affordability and governance gaps. Native Contracting Rules: The U.S. Department of Defense reaffirmed that tribes and Alaska Native corporations’ participation in SBA’s 8(a) program is grounded in their political status, not DEI, while the SBA proposed changes that would remove race-based presumptions for individually owned firms. Cruise Costs Backlash: Cruise passengers are complaining that “daily gratuities” and other automatic charges keep rising, with Holland America among lines adjusting “crew appreciation” fees. Global Markets & Travel: A travel industry outlook says 2026 could set records for international arrivals, while small-ship cruising demand is growing as expedition prices rise. Energy Prices: Gasoline prices in California and the U.S. have eased for a third straight week as crude stays under $100 a barrel.

Alaska LNG Push: The Alaska House Finance Committee voted unanimously to advance HB 381 to the House floor, moving the Alaska LNG tax break bill closer to a Senate vote; the measure would replace property taxes with a volume-based tax tied to gas flow, with backers saying it improves project competitiveness and could revive jobs and families in places like the Kenai Peninsula. Local Housing Fight: Anchorage’s “Missing Middle Housing Opportunity Overlay” is back in the spotlight, aiming to make it easier to build duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes along corridors while testing how much change existing neighborhoods should absorb. Education & Workforce: UAA’s spring commencement highlighted enrollment momentum, with the school citing rising first-time freshmen and graduate admissions as more Alaskans choose to stay for higher education. Public Health Funding: SEARHC’s Healing Hand Foundation awarded 28 scholarships after raising $85,000 in May’s Glitz & Chips event, supporting future healthcare workers across Southeast Alaska. Governance & Courts: A judge set next week’s hearing and deadlines in the Pearl Creek charter school case, as the district appeals approval and the charter group seeks an expedited path to hiring and opening. Energy Policy: A bipartisan FLOWS Act led by Sen. Lisa Murkowski cleared a Senate committee, aiming to streamline licensing for hydropower upgrades—an issue with big implications for remote Alaska projects.

Alaska LNG: The Alaska House advanced a multibillion-dollar tax break for the proposed trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline, voting 34-5 to send HB 381 to the Senate; the bill would swap a 2% annual oil-and-gas property tax for a per-unit tax on gas flowing through the pipeline, with revenue ramping up starting in 2031 and protections aimed at keeping costs and community impacts in check. Anchorage Housing: Anchorage broke ground on Raspberry Townhouses, the first project built under the city’s new property tax program that gives developers a long-term break for new multi-family rentals, as officials push to add 1,000 units per year. Elections & Eligibility: Alaska’s Division of Elections preliminarily found a Petersburg candidate named Dan Sullivan ineligible for the U.S. Senate ballot, citing a lack of supporting evidence under state rules. Business & Consumer Protection: The Better Business Bureau warned Alaskans about businesses pressuring customers to remove or soften online reviews, citing a rise in complaints tied to review manipulation. Federal Contracting Rules: The SBA proposed major changes to the 8(a) program’s social disadvantage standard, saying it won’t directly affect tribes and Alaska Native corporations, though it could still shift how Native contracting works. Salmon Outlook: A report for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute forecasts lower 2026 harvests across all five Pacific salmon species, including a projected 15% drop in global sockeye driven by Bristol Bay declines.

Alaska LNG Tax Break Advances: The Alaska House passed HB 381 in a 34-5 vote, replacing the state’s 2% oil-and-gas property tax with a volumetric tax on gas shipped through the proposed pipeline, cutting community property-tax impacts by an estimated 85% while keeping royalties and other revenue streams; the bill now heads to the Senate as a special session runs through June 19. Anchorage Housing Push: Anchorage broke ground on Raspberry Townhomes, a 58-unit market-rate rental project in West Anchorage, using the city’s new multifamily property tax incentive to make construction pencil out. SBA Contracting Scrutiny: The Small Business Administration is proposing major changes to its 8(a) program, including removing the rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage for individually owned firms, and is also expanding audits of socio-economic contracting programs, including women-owned EDWOSB firms. Coast Guard Arctic Buildup: The Coast Guard will base two new icebreakers in Kodiak (2028) and one in Seward (early 2030s), with housing and port upgrades a key concern for local governments. Salmon Outlook: A report for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute forecasts lower 2026 harvests across all five Pacific salmon species, with global sockeye down 15% and Bristol Bay driving much of the decline.

Alaska LNG Tax Push: The Alaska House is set to vote Friday on a bill that would cut taxes for the proposed trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline by about 85% for 30 years, with supporters saying it’s key to keeping the project competitive and lowering costs for Railbelt customers. Military Real Estate & AI Data Centers: Residents in Interior Alaska are raising concerns after the Air Force floated options to lease land at Eielson, Clear Space Force Station, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for AI data centers. Planned Parenthood vs. State Abortion Rules: Planned Parenthood filed suit in Anchorage Superior Court challenging Alaska’s requirement that chemical abortions be done only at approved facilities, arguing it forces patients to travel and risks missing the 12-week window. Energy & Markets: AAA reports gas prices falling for a third straight week, while a separate report says solar generated more electricity than coal in the U.S. for the first time. Mining & Listings: Nova Minerals won NYSE American listing approval for its Alaska gold/antimony project. Aviation Fuel Milestone: Alaska Airlines is among carriers tied to a new plant in Moses Lake producing low-carbon jet fuel from captured CO2.

Arctic Security Cutters: The U.S. Coast Guard picked Kodiak and Seward as homeports for new Arctic Security Cutters, with two ships going to Kodiak and a third to Seward, potentially adding hundreds of jobs and housing demand as deliveries begin in 2028. Alaska LNG Labor: Glenfarne’s Alaska LNG project signed a preliminary hiring agreement with Alaska building trades to prioritize Alaska workers, aiming for up to 12,000 construction jobs. Alaska LNG Tax Fight: House Finance advanced HB 381, letting municipalities shape property tax treatment for the LNG project via exemptions or alternate rates—while a separate push is underway to limit local governments’ ability to negotiate their own deals. Telehealth Abortion Lawsuit: Planned Parenthood and partners sued to overturn Alaska’s ban on telehealth abortion services, arguing it violates privacy and equal protection—especially for rural patients who must travel. SBA 8(a) Overhaul: The Trump administration proposed major changes to the SBA’s 8(a) program, moving away from race-based “social disadvantage” assumptions and requiring applicants to prove it individually—an issue for Alaska Native corporations and other Alaska contractors. Anchorage Politics: An Anchorage Assembly member was fined the maximum for misusing campaign funds tied to Florida flights and related mileage benefits. Energy Prices: Gas prices fell for a third straight week, with the national average down to about $4.13 a gallon amid shifting Middle East risk.

Alaska Travel & Tourism: Royal Caribbean and the Alaska Railroad officially opened a new cruise terminal in Seward, a major upgrade meant to speed passenger flows and boost land-based travel across Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Aviation & Loyalty: Alaska Airlines is cutting rewards for its cheapest Saver basic economy fares and raising partner award booking fees, a fresh hit to frequent flyers. Local Economy & Costs: Anchorage topped a national survey as the most expensive U.S. airport for summer car rentals, with the cheapest available vehicle averaging $182 a day. Energy & Climate Monitoring: The NSF has begun dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative’s ocean monitoring network early, raising concerns for Alaska’s coastal communities as El Niño strengthens. Energy Policy Watch: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, while broader U.S. markets reacted to Iran-related developments that also moved oil prices. Trade & LNG: Alaska’s LNG pipeline debate continues as lawmakers advance gasline tax bills and developers tout potential timelines.

Alaska LNG Push: The Alaska House Finance Committee voted 11-0 to advance HB 381, a major tax-break package aimed at making the Alaska LNG pipeline project financeable, with the bill now headed to the full House and the Senate still a key hurdle. Energy & Jobs: Glenfarne and Gov. Mike Dunleavy framed the measure as “certainty and stability” for thousands of jobs and long-term North Slope benefits, while lawmakers weigh competing versions. Local Economy & Food: Seward’s Exit Glacier Greenhouses won Royal Caribbean’s Port Partners Small Business Accelerator Award, a $20,000 boost for expanding year-round local produce with solar-powered greenhouses. Fisheries Tech: UAF researchers translated a decade-plus of chinook tagging data into a predictive model to help trawlers cut bycatch by adjusting where and how they fish. Transportation: Alaska Airlines resumed nonstop service between Everett’s Paine Field and Portland, adding another West Coast option for travelers. Public Safety: A Kotzebue hunter missing since Nov. 2025 after falling through sea ice has been found, according to his wife. Business & Crime: A Chickaloon man was sentenced to two years in federal prison for a $170,000 COVID relief fraud scheme.

Alaska Airlines Legal Setback: A 9th Circuit panel upheld dismissal of a lawsuit by former state Sen. Lora Reinbold, who said Alaska Airlines’ 2021 mask ban effectively blocked her travel between Anchorage and Juneau; her bid for full-court review is pending. Energy & Power Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new plants, using Defense Production Act authorities—critics call it an unnecessary subsidy while supporters say it boosts grid reliability. Oil Patch Dealmaking: APA Corp agreed to buy Savant Alaska for about $70 million upfront plus contingent payments, adding Badami facilities and the Nutaaq pipeline to expand North Slope development flexibility. Mining in Alaska: Trilogy Metals launched its 2026 Upper Kobuk field program with plans for about 40 drill holes as it pushes toward a potential construction decision. Local Business Growth: Royal Caribbean’s Port Partners program awarded Seward’s Exit Glacier Greenhouses its inaugural small business accelerator grant to expand year-round produce output. Gas Prices Watch: In the week ending May 30, Yukon-Koyukuk saw the lowest midgrade gas price reported in Alaska at $5.59 per gallon.

Energy & Rural Economy: Alaska’s rural fuel crunch is deepening as the first barge season arrives—Bethel residents are seeing gasoline around $9 a gallon, and University of Alaska estimates say each $1 jump in average fuel cost drains about $100 million from the regional economy. LNG & State Policy: Lawmakers are racing to finish HB 381, the Alaska LNG pipeline bill, with major property tax exemptions still under debate as the special session nears its June 19 end. Health Funding: Alaska’s Department of Health has advanced 400 project nominations for the $272 million Rural Health Transformation Program, including Fairbanks-area efforts, after reviewing nearly 1,800 proposals. School District Funding: Anchorage School District leaders say additional state and city money is clearer but still not locked in, as HB 28’s proposed energy rebates and a cap on local contributions could shift next-year funding. Public Safety & Utilities: A Midtown Anchorage power outage knocked out traffic lights during the commute, affecting about 2,000 homes and businesses before repairs restored service within an hour. Blood Supply: Blood Bank of Alaska is urging donations amid its worst shortage in at least 15 years, with Type A and Type O especially needed. Arctic Drilling: The latest Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease sale drew bids on only 5 of 58 tracts, totaling about $3.7 million, renewing criticism that demand is weak. Business & Tech Finance: Crypto tax bills are still in early committee stages after lawmakers raised concerns about proposed rules for mining, staking, and small transactions.

Arctic Energy & Land: Trump’s Alaska wildlife refuge oil lease push drew tepid interest, with the latest auction results showing only limited bids and raising fresh questions about how much fossil-fuel development will actually move in the Arctic. Power & Grid Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new plants, using Defense Production Act authorities—an effort aimed at grid reliability that critics call an unnecessary subsidy. Alaska Business & Tech: Alaska Communications veteran Patrick Kelly was named CTO of GOCare, a broadband customer-experience software firm, signaling continued investment in AI-driven telecom operations. Aviation & Travel Costs: A Reuters report says a U.S. fuel shock is widening the gap between airlines that can keep upgrading premium products and those forced to slow investment—Alaska Air is among the carriers cited. Community & Environment: An Alaska-focused deep-ocean monitoring cut is alarming fishery and coastal stakeholders, with the loss of NSF ocean observatory data raising concerns for fisheries planning and climate readiness. Tourism: Off the Beaten Path launched a small-group “Alaska National Park Grand Slam” itinerary for 2027, bundling access to all eight parks into one guided trip.

Arctic Energy & Leasing: Trump’s ANPR lease sale drew tepid industry interest, with companies buying rights to just 72,000 of nearly 689,000 acres offered and winning bids totaling $3.7 million—renewing doubts about the commercial pull of Arctic drilling. North Slope Gas Policy: Lawmakers are weighing a proposed 90% cut in state and local gas property taxes to move a new North Slope project forward, but some want more details on future concessions and costs. Child Well-Being: Alaska fell to 47th in the nation for overall child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report, a sharp drop tied to years of declining investment. Legislative Action: The Legislature passed a bill to tax e-cigarettes and vapes and raise Alaska’s legal tobacco purchase age to 21, with taxes starting in 2028. Workforce & Education: A federal judge blocked a Trump policy imposing a $100,000 H-1B fee for new visas, a move that could protect Alaska education jobs that rely on international teachers. Aviation & Partnerships: Alaska Airlines is exploring deeper joint-venture ties with American Airlines as it expands globally, a step that would require antitrust approval. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reported Anchorage diesel at a low of $5.39/gallon for the week ending May 30.

Arctic Energy Politics: The Trump administration’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease sale drew just $3.74 million for 700,000 acres, with only two bidders and no oil majors—Alaska’s state development agency among the winners, renewing pressure from lawmakers and Alaska Native advocates. Alaska LNG Watch: Glenfarne released updated Alaska LNG cost estimates, while another report warns the pipeline could threaten Cook Inlet beluga whales and coastal communities—keeping the project’s economics and environmental risk in the spotlight. Local Economy & Energy Costs: Alaska’s public utilities sales tax collections rose in 2024, and Anchorage logged its lowest premium gas price for the week ending May 30—small but timely signals for household budgets. Business & Trade: Captain D’s is rolling out wild-caught Alaska pollock across menu items, aiming to meet consumer demand for U.S.-sourced seafood. Aviation Tech: Wizz Air says it will offer Starlink in-flight internet from 2027, adding to the growing list of airlines partnering with Starlink, including Alaska Airlines.

Border & Biosecurity: U.S. Customs seized 337 live hatching eggs shipped to Alaska from Germany after they were misdeclared as “winter jackets,” with no proper paperwork—another reminder that avian disease risks keep live-bird imports tightly regulated. Energy Policy: Glenfarne released updated Alaska LNG cost estimates, putting the full project at $44.5B–$54.5B and the pipeline at $13.2B–$16.9B, as lawmakers weigh a special session tax-break package; the pipeline developer also floated a proposal to cap natural gas prices for Alaskans. Natural Gas Market: Japan received its first crude oil shipments from Alaska since the Strait of Hormuz disruption, underscoring how global shipping shocks are reshaping Alaska’s export reach. Rural Health Funding: Alaska health officials narrowed 1,800 proposals to just over 400 for the $272M Rural Health Transformation Program, advancing hundreds of clinic, hospital, tribe and local-government projects. Tribal Gaming: Tlingit & Haida opened Two Coppers Casino near Juneau amid a shifting federal legal backdrop for Alaska Native gaming jurisdiction. Local Government: Anchorage Assembly is set to consider natural burial projects in South Anchorage, as low-cost cemetery space pressures grow.