First Things First executive director Don Habeger, board member Denny DeWitt, and longtime resident Tom Williams to unpack CBJ’s three ballot measures through the lens of affordability. They back Prop 1 (cap the operating mill rate at 9; voter-approved bond debt still allowed) and Prop 2 (extend the current senior exemption on food and non-commercial utilities to everyone), arguing both modestly restrain government while helping families. They urge a no on Prop 3, the seasonal sales-tax plan (7.5% Apr–Sep, 3% Oct–Mar) that replaces the 5% year-round tax and ends recurring voter reauthorization; the panel says it would raise peak-season costs for residents, small businesses, fishermen, and tourists—and even complicate life for legislators—while removing voter oversight. Beyond the ballot, they criticize city spending priorities (Burns Building purchase/condo fees; Telephone Hill without a clear end plan) and call for promoting private development (e.g., Huna Totem downtown, West Douglas) and living within means. They close with voting logistics: ballots must be received by Tuesday, Oct 7, 8 p.m. (or postmarked by that date if mailed) and share how to get involved with First Things First.
Host Dano sits down with Don Habeger (Exec Dir, First Things First), Frank Bergstrom (President, FTF), and Meadow Lane residents Cindy & Mike Dow to unpack this year’s Suicide Basin jökulhlaup: what they lived, what the data shows, why HESCO barriers aren’t enough, and the community push for a permanent, engineered fix.
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In this episode of First Things First, we discuss the increasingly urgent question: Is Juneau affordable anymore? With rising property taxes, a limited housing supply, and ballooning city spending, the conversation dives deep into the real pressures facing families, young professionals, and seasonal workers. From housing policy to tax reform and city priorities, this frank roundtable explores whether Juneau is pricing out its future—and what citizens can do about it before October's ballot measures hit.
In this episode of First Things First, host Dano is joined by Don Habiger, Scott Bergman (owner of the Alaskan Fudge Company), and Ben Brown (President of the Juneau Chamber of Commerce) for a deep dive into the evolving impact of tourism in Juneau. From its early roots to modern-day regulation, the group explores how cruise ships, retail, small businesses, and city infrastructure all intersect. They discuss workforce challenges, housing needs, and the delicate balance between economic opportunity and preserving Juneau’s quality of life. A candid, local perspective on tourism’s past, present, and future.
Don Habager, Dave Hanna, Angela Rodell dive into the hot button topic of Juneau economy. Talking everything from essential services, core services, to state funding, possible initiatives can help the city.
The First Things First crew dives deep into how Juneau can transform Eaglecrest from a winter-only asset into a year-round economic driver. With insights on the stalled gondola project, underused summer tourism potential, and alternative governance models, the discussion highlights what it will take—funding, vision, and action—to make Eaglecrest a sustainable gem for locals and visitors alike
Join hosts Dano and Executive Director of First Things First Foundation, Don Habinger. First Things First is a podcast series brought to you by the First Things First Alaska Foundation. Each episode explores crucial discussions on economic development, tourism, and natural resource management in Southeast Alaska. In our latest episode, we are joined by Susan Bell, Vice President of Hoona Totem, to explore the transformative Aak'w Landing project. This initiative would reshape Juneau's waterfront into a dynamic hub for tourism and community engagement. Discover the extensive planning and local insights driving this development, its anticipated economic impact, and the broader benefits for residents and visitors alike.
In this episode of First Things First, we examine the mission and impact of the First Things First Alaska Foundation beyond the recent Mendenhall glacial outburst. We discuss the foundation’s role in advocating for responsible economic development and natural resource management in Southeast Alaska.
We explore pressing issues such as the challenges of Juneau’s infrastructure, the decline of the fishing industry, the impact of mining, and the importance of reliable transportation networks. The discussion also highlights solutions for strengthening the local economy, the ongoing fight against restrictive land-use policies, and the future of resource-based industries in the region.
Tune in to learn how to get involved, stay informed, and make a difference for Juneau and Southeast Alaska. For more information, visit ftfakfoundation.org.
In this episode of First Things First, we explore alternative options to the proposed Hesco barrier solution intended to mitigate flooding from Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau is perched on the edge of the Juneau Icefield, the third-largest icefield in the United States, covering 1,500 square miles and 40 large valley glaciers and 100 smaller glaciers. The most recent maximum extent of ice occurred during the Little Ice Age in the 1700s. Since that time, many of the glaciers have been in retreat.
This increasingly predictable annual event is now growing in magnitude. Interestingly, the physical damage pales in comparison to the damage on paper. Entire neighborhoods and hundreds of homes have lost their entire value due to being rendered unsalable by the stigma of the annual floods; hundreds of $ million in equity is now suspended until a solution is provided. The danger area includes many lower-income households in apartment complexes and mobile home parks.
FTFAF has consulted with various experts and determined the solution with the most significant potential for success is to build a levee system around Mendenhall Lake with an outflow control gate. This plan entails increasing the holding volume of the lake to function as a surge basin for the annual glacial water release. The outflow gate would control the river flow rate, avoiding downstream damage. The levee system could be expanded to undeveloped territory beyond the lake perimeter if necessary.
In Juneau, Alaska, glacial outburst floods are not a question of if but of when. With the constant risk of sudden flooding from a seasonal glacier outburst, how can the community best protect its people, homes, and businesses? Join First Things First Alaska Foundation as we discuss the history of glacial outbursts and the options to mitigate the impact of these natural phenomena. We explore the latest safety measures, scientific insights, and the unique challenges of managing this ever-present danger in Southeast Alaska. Listen in to understand what’s at stake, what’s being done, and what more is needed to safeguard Juneau’s future.