Juneau Ballot Initiatives & University of Alaska Union Drive: Local Politics in Focus

While national headlines continue to spotlight sweeping federal policies, Alaska’s capital is experiencing significant political shifts at the local level. On July 2, 2025, developments surrounding Juneau’s fall municipal election and labor union efforts at the University of Alaska captured public attention. These stories reflect a grassroots-driven effort to reshape governance and labor practices in Alaska.

Juneau Ballot Initiatives: Citizen-Led Reforms

Two Certified Measures for the October 2025 Election:

Juneau voters will decide on two key initiatives on October 7, 2025:

• Mill Rate Cap Charter Amendment: Limits the city’s property tax rate to reduce housing costs. Backed by the Affordable Juneau Coalition, it addresses the rising burden of property taxation, which funds a large portion of the city’s general fund.
• Sales Tax Exemptions Initiative: Proposes eliminating the 5% sales tax on food and utilities. Advocates argue this will ease cost-of-living pressures, while city officials warn of a $10–12 million annual revenue loss.

These petitions were initially short of signatures but qualified after a 10-day extension granted by the Juneau Clerk’s Office. A third petition, aiming to reinstate in-person voting as the default over mail-in ballots, failed to qualify.

Public Reaction and Fiscal Debate:

The initiatives have generated mixed reactions. Supporters emphasize affordability, while opponents express concerns over revenue loss and potential service cuts. These proposals could reshape how Juneau funds schools, infrastructure, and public services.

Election Logistics:

• Ballots mailed by: September 19, 2025
• Vote Centers open: September 22 – October 7, 2025
• Voting method: Primarily by mail

University of Alaska Non-Teaching Staff Unionization Drive

Union Formation Underway:

Non-teaching staff at the University of Alaska (UA) are organizing to form a labor union that could represent 2,500+ employees, including administrative, maintenance, and IT staff. The move comes amid inflation, wage stagnation, and rising healthcare costs.

Key Drivers:

• Wages Below Market Rate: A recent Segal study shows most UA roles are paid 85–98% of national benchmarks.
• Healthcare and Job Security: Staff seek predictable benefits and employment stability amidst state budget cuts and hiring freezes.

Union Structure and Process:

• Affiliation: Likely with UAW or AFSCME
• Certification Agency: Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA)
• Timeline: Vote expected late 2025, contract negotiations possible by mid-2026

University Response:

While UA acknowledges employees’ right to organize, it has released policy guidance discouraging organizing activities on work time or with university resources.

Broader Political Context in Juneau

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV):

The Juneau Assembly is considering adopting RCV for municipal elections. However, even if passed, it will not apply to the 2025 election. Juneau voters previously rejected RCV repeal at the state level.

Federal Policy Impact – One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

Senator Lisa Murkowski’s support for the act, which includes Medicaid and SNAP cuts, has provoked backlash. These cuts could impact 35,000+ Alaskans, intensifying the urgency of local affordability measures.

Minimum Wage and Worker Protections:

Effective July 1, 2025, Alaska’s minimum wage increased to $13/hour under 2024’s Ballot Measure No. 1. Mandatory paid sick leave was also implemented, boosting labor advocacy.

FAQs

Q1: What are Juneau’s 2025 ballot initiatives about?
A: The key initiatives include a property tax rate cap and removal of sales tax on food and utilities.

Q2: Who is leading the University of Alaska staff union drive?
A: Non-teaching staff across UA campuses are organizing, likely with support from UAW or AFSCME.

Q3: Will ranked choice voting be used in the 2025 municipal election?
A: No, the 2025 election will be by-mail and not use RCV, even if an ordinance is passed before then.

Q4: What sparked these political changes?
A: Rising cost of living, university budget cuts, and federal aid threats have energized grassroots action.

Juneau Ballot Initiatives Overview

University of Alaska Unionization Comparison

Q: What local political developments are shaping Juneau, Alaska, in July 2025?
A: Two key developments: (1) Juneau voters will decide on citizen-led ballot initiatives to cap property taxes and eliminate sales tax on food/utilities in the October 2025 election; and (2) University of Alaska non-teaching staff are organizing to form a union. These movements reflect growing concern over affordability, labor rights, and state budget pressures.