The Cost of Living in Sitka Archives

For the youngest member of Sitka’s planning commission, affordable housing is a top priority

by Erin McKinstry, KCAW | May 21, 2021 | Building Solutions, Syndicated, The Morning Interview

Katie Riley, 28, grew up in Sitka. After leaving for college and working abroad, she returned to her hometown and decided to get involved. She’s the youngest member of the Sitka Planning Commission and has a passion for addressing Sitka’s affordable housing crisis. KCAW’s Erin McKinstry spoke with Riley about the problem and possible solutions as part of a special “Building Solutions” series. Read More

When Sitka’s public assistance office closed, pantries shouldered need

by Emily Kwong, KCAW | Sep 8, 2018 | Local News, The Cost of Living in Sitka

Earlier this year, the state re-opened Sitka’s public assistance office -- to the relief of many. When the office was closed, the welfare caseload became severely backlogged. Locals who rely on benefits were not able to quickly renew, pushing many over the the edge. Sitka's pantries were put to the test. Read More

More than a guilty pleasure, online shopping is a savings strategy in Sitka

by Rachel Cassandra, KCAW | Sep 6, 2018 | Local News, The Cost of Living in Sitka

One way people are responding to higher food prices is to buy food online. For our series, "The Cost of Living in Sitka," KCAW looked into the trend of buying food -- not in a cart -- but with the click of a mouse. Also, a recent Supreme Court ruling opens the door for an online sales tax, but would that benefit municipalities? Read More

Chelan celebrates 40 years of bringing produce to Southeast

by Emily Kwong, KCAW | Sep 6, 2018 | Local News, The Cost of Living in Sitka

For the past forty years, Dave Kensinger and his wife Mona Christian have been running Chelan Produce Co., bringing fruits and vegetables to Petersburg and Sitka on alternating weekends in summertime. It all began with a truckload of apples. Read More