Research Library: Reports & Studies by JEDC

2024 Juneau & Southeast Alaska Economic Indicators and Outlook Report

The Juneau & Southeast Alaska Economic Indicators Reports are an annual publication by JEDC, exploring trends in employment and earnings, demographics, education, construction, business and industry, and much more!

JEDC Report on COVID-19 Response

The activities of the Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC) were dramatically impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In March 2020, JEDC implemented an emergency loan program for businesses with funds from the City & Borough of Juneau (CBJ). By June, JEDC was assisting the State of Alaska (SOA) and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) to deliver $290 million in AK CARES funding to Alaskan businesses (JEDC eventually delivered more than a third of that program), as well as supporting CBJ to support local businesses through grant programs also funded by the federal CARES Act. In September 2021, SOA contracted JEDC to administer the $90 million-dollar AK ARPA Business Relief Program. JEDC hired nearly fifty additional staff, mostly part-time and almost entirely remote, to deliver these programs.

This report highlights JEDC’s response to the extraordinary needs of the pandemic, taking on huge additional responsibilities to the best of our ability under emergency conditions.

2024 Maritime Research Note

The Juneau Economic Development Council has compiled valuable economic insights about Juneau’s Maritime Industry.

An area’s geographical location has a significant impact on the industries that emerge. In Juneau’s case, being adjacent to the Pacific Ocean has resulted in a myriad of maritime-related economic industries that contribute greatly to the economic output of Alaska’s capital city. Juneau’s major maritime industries include the Visitor Industry, Fishing & Seafood Processing, and Mariculture.
JEDC Research Note: Juneau’s Maritime Industries May 7, 2024 Page 2.

Mariculture is an emerging industry that has recently seen strong growth and investment in Southeast Alaska.

2024 Juneau by Numbers: Open for Business

The Juneau Economic Development Council has compiled valuable economic insights about Juneau to provide comprehensive information to individuals interested in the city. The document covers key statistics such as population, cost of living, taxes, and employment, giving readers a clear understanding of the city’s economic landscape.

Additionally, the document includes summaries highlighting the education system in Juneau, covering both K-12 education and university opportunities. It also provides information on various enrichment opportunities available in the city, giving readers insight into the diverse educational options and programs offered.

Furthermore, the document offers summaries on the quality of life in Juneau, shedding light on the various aspects that make the city an attractive place to live. These summaries encompass factors such as community amenities, recreational activities, cultural offerings, and overall livability.

Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive resource, providing readers with essential information about Juneau’s economy, education system, enrichment opportunities, and quality of life.

Early Education & Childcare: Juneau by the Numbers 2023

Childcare by the Numbers is produced by JEDC in collaboration with SEA-AEYC

There are 1,683 children in Juneau under the age of 5.5. Approximately 63% of these children don’t have a stay-at-home parent, and there are only enough childcare slots for one out of every 3 children in Juneau.

After the 2020 pandemic, Juneau’s childcare capacity and enrollment have both been steadily rising thanks in large part to federal, state, and local emergency funds. Demand remains high, and ongoing staffing shortages result in businesses being unable to fill every licensed slot.

2022 Alaska State Legislature Satisfaction Survey Results

The Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC) partnered with the Alaska Committee to survey all elected officials and staff of the 32nd Alaska State Legislature about their satisfaction with Juneau and its amenities. The survey objective was to determine how the community of Juneau, through collaboration among community partners, can better serve legislators and staff. The survey also served to elicit ideas for changes or upgrades to the Capitol Complex and for improvements to Gavel Alaska.

August 2022 Research Note: Juneau Housing Stock and Short-Term Rentals

Despite increases in Juneau’s housing stock relative to our population, why do we continue to experience worsening affordability and availability?

There have been 1492 new units added to Juneau’s housing stock, while Juneau’s population has remained relatively stable in the last 12 years. Where have those units gone? What is the impact, if any, of the short-term rental market on Juneau’s housing stock?

Juneau Business Survey

The JEDC COVID-19 Juneau Business Survey was sent to local businesses in December of 2021 and received a total of 187 responses. The questions on the survey focused primarily on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business environment, as well as hiring challenges, and the resources and needs for the development of talent in the local workforce. The respondents represented a wide range of industries and business types that form a cross section of Juneau’s economy. The effects of the pandemic can be seen across all business choices made throughout it. Hiring and retaining employees are at the forefront of concern for most business owners and across all industries.

2022 Juneau’s Investment in K-12 Education

Following up on our 2021 report, the Juneau Economic Development Council reviewed and updated an analysis of Juneau’s annual investment in K-12 Education. In this report, we contrast historical changes to the Base Student Allocation (BSA) with rising national inflation and observe how these changes have affected operating budgets across several Alaskan school districts. We consider other factors in the foundation formula affecting the operating budget of the Juneau School District, as well as the General Obligation Bonds used to fund major construction and maintenance projects within the district.

2021 Juneau’s Investment in K-12 Education

The Juneau Economic Development Council conducted an analysis of Juneau’s annual investment in K-12 education. This Research Note dives into the sources, rules, and formulas that determine funding levels for K-12 education in Juneau. A look at funding for large projects and a comparision to other Alaskan school districts are also included.

2021 American Rescue Plan Business Aid Estimate

The Juneau Economic Development Council analyzed and summarized the new and existing COVID-19 aid programs that received federal funding from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and provide financial aid to businesses. This includes direct aid programs that provide grants or low-interest loans to businesses, such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). There is also a summary of aid provided to government agencies and how those funds may affect Alaskan Businesses

2021 Federal Individual Aid Estimate

The Juneau Economic Development Council analyzed and summarized the new and existing COVID-19 aid programs funded by the federal government that provide direct financial support to individuals in Juneau. Aid programs include the $1,400 direct payments, increased Child Tax Credit, Emergency Rental Assistance, increased SNAP benefits, and supplements to Unemployment Insurance programs.

2020 Juneau Senior Survey

The Juneau Economic Development Council and Juneau Commission on Aging developed and conducted the 2020 Juneau Senior Survey. This survey was the fourth in a series of similar surveys conducted at approximately ten‐year intervals beginning in 1989. The intent of this survey is to provide data to the Juneau community and assist the City and Borough of Juneau in making informed decisions when planning for senior services and infrastructure changes.

Identifying Unmet Need

The Juneau Economic Development Council compiled the assistance programs available to individuals and households to identify what groups have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic and still have needs unmet by current assistance programs. The report and a short presentation of findings were given to the CBJ Assembly in late January.

COVID-19 Juneau Business Survey

In September 2020, the Juneau Economic Development Council partnered with the United Way, Travel Juneau, the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, the Juneau Chamber of Commerce, and the Central Council to develop and distribute an online survey to Juneau businesses to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses in Juneau. The survey was available to businesses online on the JEDC website and partner websites from September 10-30, and 246 businesses responded during that period.

2018 Juneau Business Visitor Satisfaction Survey Results

The Juneau Economic Development Council partnered with the Alaska Committee to survey visitors to Juneau during the 30th Alaska State legislative session to assess their satisfaction with visiting Juneau and to solicit opinions on improvements to the visitor experience. This survey was conducted at the Juneau International Airport in March 2018. This survey followed on prior surveys conducted in 2009, 2013, and 2015.

2018 Alaska State Legislature Satisfaction Survey Results

The Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC) partnered with the Alaska Committee to survey all elected officials and staff of the 30th Alaska State Legislature about their satisfaction with Juneau and its amenities. The survey objective was to determine how the community of Juneau, through collaboration among community partners, can better serve legislators and staff. The survey also served to elicit ideas for changes or upgrades to the Capitol Complex and for improvements to Gavel Alaska.

Juneau Non-Resident Worker Survey Results

In an age when workers are increasingly mobile, Juneau’s workforce has a significant non- resident component. The community stands to gain significantly by converting non-residents to full time residents and keeping their payroll in Juneau. The Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC) was tasked by the City and Borough of Juneau assembly to look into the possibility of attracting to live in Juneau more of the workers who earn a wage in Juneau but do not make their permanent home here. JEDC created a survey with the goal to determine housing and lifestyle needs and barriers to these employees becoming year-round residents.