Upcoming Events
October 7th: Alaska Economic Development Exchange (Register here)
Featured CED Projects
Heat Pump Deployment in Alaska: Analysis and Policy Brief
This policy brief explores the potential for air source heat pumps (ASHPs) to serve as a viable, widespread alternative to natural gas furnaces and boilers in Anchorage. The University of Alaska Center for Economic Development (CED) conducted a two-part analysis: (1) a quantitative model estimating household heating costs, natural gas savings, and the economic feasibility of switching under a range of scenarios, and (2) stakeholder interviews with energy experts, utilities, policymakers, and housing professionals to identify barriers to adoption and develop policy recommendations.
Key findings:
Heat pumps can reduce household natural gas use by approximately 24% compared to furnaces or boilers.
At current electric rates, switching would cost the average homeowner about $2,300 more per year.
Revised electric rate designs could improve the financial case for adoption.
If 25% of households adopted heat pumps by 2045, Anchorage could avoid more than 1 million tons of CO₂ emissions.
Alaska Public Media recently highlighted CED’s study on the impact and viability of increasing heat pump adoption in Anchorage. Listen to the radio interview here: https://lnkd.in/e75SqNMx
Applications Open for Upstart Alpha Cohort 7!
Do you know someone in Alaska with a big idea? The University of Alaska Center for Economic Development is now accepting applications for Upstart Alpha, a free, cohort-based program designed for the state’s earliest-stage entrepreneurs. All you need is an idea.
Program Highlights:
Phase 1: Find Your Customer (Oct 2–3, Virtual) – Two interactive sessions on customer discovery, value propositions, and feedback analysis.
Phase 2: Execute & Start Up (Oct 10–Dec 12, Hybrid) – Nine weekly sessions on market validation, business structures, branding, financing, and more.
Why Apply?
Participants get hands-on experience, learn proven startup tools, and join a robust network of peers, mentors, and experts. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs test, refine, and launch their ideas while supporting each other along the way.
Deadline to apply for Phase 1 is October 1, 2025.
Legislative Fact Sheets
Data often influences legislators’ decision-making, but finding the information they need, when they need it, can be challenging. Information broken down by district can be especially hard to find.
UA CED created the 2024 Economic and Demographic Factsheets as a way to provide quick, handy reference information that’s relevant to legislators when making decisions impacting their districts. We’ve included indicators like population, educational attainment, income levels, use of public benefits, and more. We hope this is useful to lawmakers, their staff, journalists, and members of the public.
