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    2026 KEY ADVOCACY POSITIONS

     

  • The Advocacy Agenda describes our intended areas of focus over the coming year and may be revised or added to as issues emerge. It does not represent all issues pertinent to the Fairbanks business community.

  • The Fairbanks Chamber has fostered a resilient, competitive business and investment climate in Interior Alaska for more than 70 years. We advocate at local, state, and federal levels for policies that strengthen our economy and support a community where affordable and sustainable living allows Alaskans to stay, grow, and thrive.
    We promote policies that position Interior Alaska as a vibrant and innovative hub for industry, defense, research, and opportunity. A long-term, sustainable state fiscal plan is an essential foundation to provide the stability and predictability needed for businesses, investors, and communities to flourish. Our efforts strategically leverage investments, strengthen partnerships, encourage private-sector growth, modernize infrastructure, increase regulatory certainty, and create durable, high-quality jobs.

     

  • Support consolidation of the Permanent Fund’s Earnings Reserve Account and Corpus into a single, sustainable fund structure that enables predictable and responsible draws.

    Ensure adequate transportation, energy, and community infrastructure investments and agency cooperation — maximizing the leverage of available funds — so that Alaska has the foundation and capacity needed for sustained economic development.

    Support policies and projects that ensure Interior Alaska has reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to meet residential, commercial and industrial needs.

    Leverage major federal policy packages — including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and presidential executive orders — to ensure Alaska benefits from national policies.

    Support the responsible development of Alaska’s energy and natural resources — including Alaska LNG, North Slope oil & gas production, and rare earth & critical minerals — and advance permitting, regulatory, and litigation reforms.

    Oppose or mitigate onerous mandates and requirements on businesses, such as the paid sick leave requirement, to protect private-sector competitiveness and growth.

    Modernize and streamline certification and professional licensing systems to reduce duplication, improve predictability, strengthen workforce mobility, and reduce barriers to employment.

    Ensure Alaska has adequate childcare and education systems to support a strong, ready-to-work workforce and meet employer needs.

    Support the University of Alaska Fairbanks as the flagship institution of the state’s higher education system, and as America’s Arctic University. Advocate for its essential roles in workforce development, research, innovation, and scientific advancement.

    Expand the quality, availability, and affordability of housing to meet the needs of workers and the community.

    Ensure government offices are suitably staffed to provide necessary services.

    Support transparent, inclusive public processes to ensure meaningful engagement opportunities for stakeholders and businesses, to include input on policies, plans, and significant development projects.