Trends Archives

Alaska ‘Trends’: Labor shortages will continue as Boomers age out of workforce

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Oct 17, 2023 | Local News, Syndicated

Everyone talks about the "Great Resignation" that occurred during the pandemic. But underlying that phenomenon was a demographic shift in the workforce that is a long way from being over. Read More

Many Alaska homes were unaffordable when interest rates were rock-bottom. New data show the problem is growing worse

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Jun 7, 2023 | Local News, Syndicated

High interest rates are affecting the affordability of homes in Alaska -- but many homes were unaffordable for one wage-earner even when interest rates were rock-bottom. The May issue of "Trends" from the AK Dept. Labor weighs affordability versus income for average wage-earners. Read More

Marijuana cultivation to lead Alaskan job growth over next decade

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Nov 16, 2022 | Local News, Syndicated

Unlike nearly every other sector in the Alaska, marijuana cultivation did not experience job loss during the pandemic. That's helped position the industry as the projected leader in job growth through 2030. Read More

Sitka (almost) tops state for short-term rentals, but long-term vacancies are high, too

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Sep 2, 2022 | Local News, Syndicated

As a proportion of overall housing, more of Sitka's stock is tied up in short-term rentals than anywhere in the state except the Kenai Peninsula Read More

‘Trends’ report: Despite near-record job availability, more recent arrivals are choosing to leave Alaska

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Aug 3, 2022 | Local News, Syndicated

People who move to Alaska are not staying as long as they used to. The latest report from the Alaska Department of Labor shows a striking downward trend in outmigration -- but it's not from a lack of job opportunities. Read More