Tag: DOLWD

Alaska Economic Trends (July 2023)

Above: Bell peppers, photo courtesy of Lance Cheung, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dan Robinson and Gunnar Shultz, economists for the Alaska Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development, examine the state’s trend of inflation in the feature article The Cost of Living in Alaska — data predict that inflation rates will slow, but will yet to stabilize. The piece also uncovers how the state’s inflation rate ranks nationally and details rankings at the city-level across Alaska.

The July edition also outlines 2022-2023 personal income growth and an analysis of Alaska’s economy.

Read the full edition here.

Trends is a nonpartisan, data-driven magazine that covers a variety of economic topics in Alaska.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Research & Analysis

UA Connects Students to Opportunities through Career Coach

Did you know that the University of Alaska offers a web-based tool called Career Coach to help individuals explore careers that match their interests and discover postsecondary programs to prepare them for success?

University of Alaska Did you know? newsletter highlights Career Coach, a platform where students — and anyone interested — can browse career paths and employment opportunities across the state. In addition to labor data and wages, students can view all the steps and certifications needed to reach their career areas of interest. Military service members can even use their military occupation code to match their current job with civilian occupations.

Whether one is beginning their career or wanting to explore different industries, Career Coach helps users explore all opportunities for professional advancement.

Read the full edition here or jump right in and explore Career Coach.

Source: UA System Office of Public Affairs.

Alaska Economic Trends (June 2023)

On the Cover: At the top: an extended da Vinci vessel sealer. Alaska now has 11 da Vinci machines for robotic assisted surgery. The newest was installed at BartlettRegional Hospital in Juneau in May, the first for Southeast. Image © 2019 Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. Below, the Susitna River near Denali Highway, with Mount Deborah andMount Hayes visible in the distance. Photo courtesy of Flickr user Robb Hannawacker: License.

Liz Brooks, research analyst for the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), examines Where robots are doing work: A long-term global trend and the technology used in Alaska in this month’s edition. While the trending excitement for automation and new technologies promote new opportunities for cost savings, many are concerned about machines replacing workforce personnel. This article explores real-world examples and discusses how and why robotics are on the rise — there are many factors.

The Resilient Mat-Su Borough by DOLWD economist, Neal Fried, unpacks the Mat-Su borough’s unwavering adaptability and 360 degree growth, despite challenges during and post-COVID. From population and available jobs, Mat-Su’s pandemic experience is in a category by itself.

The June edition also outlines 2023 personal income growth and an analysis of Alaska’s economy.

Read the full edition here.

Trends is a nonpartisan, data-driven magazine that covers a variety of economic topics in Alaska.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Research & Analysis

Alaska Economic Trends (May 2023)

Above: Ketchikan in 2009, by Flickr user Laura Sharkey. License.

Rob Kreiger, economist for the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, examines the state’s housing affordability in the feature article Housing Market Shifts in 2022. While mortgage rates have risen and now show signs of stability, price drops appear unlikely to occur — the good news — the market may continue leveling throughout 2023. Kreiger provides a detailed analysis of the numbers and factors contributing to the housing market trends.

The May edition also outlines 2022 personal income growth and an analysis of Alaska’s economy.

Read the full edition here.

Trends is a nonpartisan, data-driven magazine that covers a variety of economic topics in Alaska.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Research & Analysis

Alaska Economic Trends (April 2023)

Above: Glacier Bay cruise, photo by Flickr user Ronald Woan, license

Has Tourism Bounced Back? The feature story of the Alaska Economic Trends April edition explores the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Alaska’s cruise ship industry. In 2019, Alaska welcomed 1.3 million cruise ship visitors, and anticipated further growth for the coming year, but the global pandemic brought these plans to a halt — Alaska received no ships in 2020. Juneau economist, Karinne Wiebold, examines the vital role of the cruise industry to the state’s economy and local communities, and provides an optimistic outlook as the industry repairs.

This edition also provides Alaska’s wage growth trends and an analysis of our economy. Read the full edition here.

Trends is a nonpartisan, data-driven magazine that covers a variety of economic topics in Alaska.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Research & Analysis