Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage
Abstract
The Alaska economy is growing as high commodity prices (for oil and gold in particular) drive
the private sector and oil revenue surpluses fuel the state budget. But as oil production continues
to decline; the prospect for commercialization of North Slope gas in the near term fades; access
to petroleum resources on federal lands remains stalled; and non-petroleum resource
development moves forward only slowly, many Alaskans are concerned with what path the
Alaska economy will take in the next decades.
We could go in four possible directions. Here we offer a short description of each scenario—
general enough to let each person fill in the blanks. Our objective is not to predict but rather to
stimulate thought and discussion about what Alaskans can and should do to move the economy
along the preferred path. Here’s a summary of the four potential paths. A more detailed
description follows.Northrim Ban
