Commonwealth North Launches an Interactive Budget-Balancing Tool
Commonwealth North, Alaska’s non-partisan public policy forum, recently launched an innovative new website to assist Alaskans in better understanding the State of Alaska’s fiscal challenge. The website, www.akbudget.com, offers Alaskans the opportunity to make their own revenue and spending choices to address the projected $1.3 billion shortfall in the state’s fiscal year 2022 budget.
The website updates in real-time. For example, when a hypothetical user chooses to implement a new tax, the site shows how how much revenue would be raised and how large a gap remains. The numbers change as the user makes different budget choices, including spending cuts, implementing new or increasing existing taxes, and other options. Basic descriptions are provided for each choice. The site is meant to give Alaskans a holistic look at what balancing the budget looks like, and what challenges the legislature and administration face in 2021. This is not just another basic budget website- it empowers Alaskans to make their own decisions and see what impact their choices have on the overall budget gap.
The website was developed by CWN’s Fiscal Policy Study Group. Since last May, the bi-partisan group has been working to develop the most likely options for balancing the state’s budget.
CWN plans to provide the results as input to the Legislature and Administration.
Current Issue
January 2026
Kinross Alaska Launches Manh Choh Community Fund with $1M Legacy Gift
Kinross Alaska creates Manh Choh Community Fund and seeds it with $1 million to benefit eight communities in the Tanana region.
Private Infrastructure Funding Team Builds a Case for Port MacKenzie Rail Project
Alaska Gasline Development Corporation signs with two Australian firms to make a case for completing Port MacKenzie Rail Extension.
907 Sweet Treats Selling Honey via Vending Machine
The Midtown Mall in Anchorage is home to a new vending machine packed with honey, tea, and candles sold by 907 Sweet Treats.
We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!