Dear Friend,

For many Alaskans, October has been a month marked by uncertainty. On October 1st, the federal government shut down following a standoff over healthcare affordability. For Alaska’s 15,000 federal employees (not including military members), this shutdown has been especially difficult, underscoring deeper concerns about whether Alaskans’ voices are truly represented in federal decision-making. 

Throughout the shutdown, the Trump administration has repeatedly threatened additional layoffs across federal agencies. For those in Alaska who have been asked to work without pay, their ability to pay their bills on time has been compounded by concerns that they may not have a job to return to. Just this week, the Administration made it clear that backpay for federal workers is not a priority, echoing Trump’s remark that there are “some people that don’t deserve to be taken care of.”

Alaskans’ wallets have been feeling the effects of federal policy decisions for months. Tariffs, in many cases, have increased the price of everyday goods. Energy prices across the country have skyrocketed by 10 percent since the start of 2025 alone, in part due to the Administration’s rejection of affordable renewable energy investments. Alaskans already experience a higher cost of living than most Americans due to our remote location, and these changes are putting serious pressure on our finances. For some of our low-income communities, the shutdown is also posing a serious threat to families who rely on SNAP and WIC — two federal programs that are expected to run out of funding mid-October. 

While some politicians have worked to find solutions that extend federal funding for social services like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), it’s unclear how Alaska’s federal delegation is planning for economic shocks from the shutdown. The Alaska Center remains committed to advancing energy affordability as a key priority in both federal and state policy.

Many Alaskans were surprised to find out on Monday morning that the President, in an announcement unrelated to the shutdown, ordered the approval of Ambler Road, a controversial 211-mile road that would cut through Alaskan wilderness and the Gates of the Arctic National Preserve. The White House also announced a 10 percent equity stake in Trilogy Metals — a Canadian company partnering with the Australian company leading the project. This decision felt like a slap in the face to advocates who have been outspoken about the potential harms of the mining project to the land and wildlife in the region — all for the benefit of a foreign-owned extractive industry and its billionaire shareholder and Trump donor, John Paulson.

Thirty-seven tribes in Alaska have voiced their opposition to the road. The Tanana Chiefs Council has formally spoken out against the announcement, with Chief and Chairman Brian Ridley stating, “this decision is a direct affront to the voices of Alaskan Native people.” In opposition, all three of Alaska’s federal representatives to Congress have commended the President on his decision to build. 

For many of us, it may feel like we have little power over what is happening in D.C., and the real harm federal decisions are bringing to our home. While it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed, there are a number of actions we can take to create a sense of solidarity — and they all start at the local level. For example, this week, Fairbanks voters came to the polls and elected the first Democratic mayor in nearly a decade. This collective action shows that people want local changes that prioritize clean energy and affordability. 

We can’t hold our leaders accountable unless we stand united. In June, thousands of Alaskans joined millions of Americans at the first No Kings demonstration, and on Saturday, October 18, we are hitting the streets again for No Kings 2. We’re organizing and taking action to defend each other and our communities, demand dignity, and say enough is enough. We’ll be hosting a table at the Anchorage demonstration, and events are happening across the state and country. If you are seeking connection and purpose in this moment, come join us — you’ll find community, solidarity, and strength in standing together.

With determination,

The Alaska Center