Powering Juneau's Future: Hydropower, Growth, and the Second Crossing

 In this episode of First Things First, AEL&P President and CEO Alec Mesdag joins the conversation to discuss Juneau's unique hydroelectric system, the history and safety of the Salmon Creek Dam, and how energy infrastructure factors into the community's future growth. The discussion explores the proposed second crossing, Juneau's capacity for economic expansion, major utility investments, rate increases, and the challenges of balancing affordable electricity with long-term planning. It's an insightful look at the systems that keep Juneau running and what it will take to power the next generation of development. 

 This episode of the First Things First podcast takes listeners inside the world of modern mining with leaders from Coeur Mining’s Kensington Mine near Juneau. Guests discuss the decades-long process of exploration and mine development, the advanced technology used in underground mining today, and the significant economic impact mining has across Southeast Alaska. The conversation also highlights workforce development programs, high-paying career opportunities, environmental stewardship, and the mining industry’s long-term investment in the Juneau community through education, scholarships, and local partnerships. 

 On this episode of the First Things First podcast, guests from McKinley Research Group, Southeast Conference, and the Alaska mariculture industry discuss the economic importance and future of Southeast Alaska’s seafood economy. The conversation explores the history and challenges facing commercial fisheries, the rapid growth of kelp and oyster farming, workforce development opportunities for young Alaskans, and how a $49 million mariculture grant is helping expand sustainable ocean farming across coastal Alaska. Guests also highlight the growing market for Alaska-branded seafood products and the emerging role of mariculture in strengthening regional food security and economic diversification 

 In this episode of the First Things First podcast, host Dano sits down with board director Mac Miners and executive director Don Habiger to discuss the long-debated second crossing for Juneau. The conversation explores why the project matters for economic growth, traffic relief, housing development, and community resiliency. They break down where the project currently stands in the planning process, why a western crossing site is being advocated, and how safety considerations — including concerns related to the Salmon Creek Dam — could influence location decisions. The episode ends with a call to action for residents to engage with city leaders and help move the project from decades of discussion toward real progress. 

The first First Things First episode of 2026 kicks off with a deep dive into the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal and why it’s poised to be a game-changer for Southeast Alaska transportation. Host Dano is joined by First Things First Executive Director Don Habiger, former Juneau Chamber president Bruce Abel, and former Planning Commission member Matt Bell to explore how the project could improve regional connectivity, reduce costs and emissions, strengthen the Alaska Marine Highway System, and unlock long-term economic opportunities—from reliable freight service to job creation and resource development partnerships.

 First Things First launches Season 2 with a deep dive into Juneau affordability and a high-stakes city procurement: the Maritime Industrial Zone (MIZ) public Wi-Fi project. Guests Chris Rushman and Mark Luchini (Snow Cloud Services) detail why they protested the winning bid—citing unanswered RFP questions, non-responsiveness, and a far higher five-year cost (≈$4M vs. ≈$1.6M). A citizen Bidding Review Board agreed with the protest, but the Assembly took no action; the panel underscores transparency, fiscal discipline, and community involvement as keys to keeping Juneau affordable. 

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. Key TakeawaysRecords keep falling. Reported Mendenhall Lake crests:2023: 14.9 ft (~25,200 cfs, per episode)2024: 15.99 ft (~4,700 cfs, per episode)2025: 16.67 ft (~50,000 cfs, est. per episode) (Guests’ figures as stated on-air; trend = bigger, faster outbursts.)What residents saw this yearNew percolation in Meadow Lane/Alder Circle; water pulsing up/receding through gravel.Log “harpoons.” Full-length trees with root balls riding the current, spearing riprap/fences; would punch through a house.Limits of HESCOsThey raise river head, which also drives seepage through sandy/gravel soils.Vulnerable to log impacts and bank erosion; require constant, costly maintenance (~$1M in repairs this year, per city meeting cited).Short-term mitigation, not a long-term solution.Infrastructure hit3 of 4 river crossings were closed at one point (Back Loop, Pedestrian, Montana Creek bridges noted); fiber cut impacted regional comms; Back Loop has since reopened.Human tollResidents describe post-traumatic stress, feeling unsafe, and some preparing to leave Juneau.What First Things First is advocatingEngineered levee/dam at the Mendenhall Lake outlet to attenuate peak flows—store more during the outburst, then release in a controlled way.Expedite geotech now; goal is a 12-month timeline, not “study forever.”Federal leadership is engaged (delegation + USACE site visits); Governor pre-declared the 2025 flood a disaster, enabling rapid DOT bridge work.Guests still don’t feel urgency from CBJ; want proactive planning and communication.Notable Quotes“This is the most predictable flood perhaps on earth.”“HESCOs are a short-term fix…they increase head in the river and drive seepage into yards.”“We need a long-term solution now, not in the ‘long term.’”“I’d stay if I knew a levee was coming.”How to Help / Get InvolvedVolunteer/Donate: United Way of SE AK — unitedwayseak.orgFirst Things First (per episode): Website: ftfakfoundation.org Email: [email protected] action: Submit public comment to CBJ, ask to accelerate USACE work; advocate for a permanent attenuation structure at Mendenhall Lake.Household prep: Review flood insurance, keep sandbag plans, and watch official alerts.

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.