Our Values

Local Platform

1. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: We expect our locally-elected governments to be transparent and welcoming of public participation in their meetings and encouraging of public involvement in their boards and commissions.

2. QUALITY EDUCATION: We believe in our public educational system and support efforts to expand the reach of pre-K programs in our region. We support a strong University of Alaska Southeast, not only because of the opportunities it creates for post-secondary education, particularly in career education, but also because it is an economic engine in Southeast Alaska.

3. GOOD GOVERNMENT: We recognize the importance of effective governmental services (ranging from public safety to libraries and from planning to docks and harbors) and infrastructure development because they are the foundation of a robust private sector and a healthy community. We accept our obligation to pay for these services. We laud initiatives that promote greater collaboration between municipal and tribal governments in the region, recognizing that both are dedicated to serve the citizens of Southeast Alaska.

4. ECONOMIC SECURITY: We celebrate the breadth of economic activity in our region and acknowledge that all contribute to our well-being. These include traditional sectors like government, mining, fishing and tourism, but also encompass new ventures and entrepreneurs. In light of the explosive growth of the cruise industry, we urge our government leaders to carefully assess and work to mitigate adverse impacts. We strongly support organized labor, collective bargaining, and the use of project labor agreements in our public construction. We advocate for affordable child care as an important component of economic stability in the region.

5. PUBLIC HEALTH: We seek a healthy community where everyone has access to affordable, quality care. We support our local and regional health care providers’ efforts to offer a wide spectrum of services, making use of ever-advancing technologies. We support strong parks and recreational activities and wellness programs in our communities. We support community-wide efforts to address the opioid epidemic as well as the commitment of resources to combat alcohol and other drug abuse.

6. TRANSPORTATION: We are entirely dependent upon transportation throughout our region. We view our airports as major community assets. We champion a revitalized marine highway system that includes regular, reliable, affordable service to SE Alaska communities, including mainliners from Bellingham and Prince Rupert to the Upper Lynn Canal, maintaining the Juneau to Gustavus ferry service, and more regular service to our many smaller outlying communities.

7. HOUSING: We laud efforts to provide a full range housing for our residents. We support local government efforts to promote an adequate supply of affordable housing, shelter for the homeless and alternative living for senior citizens and those with special needs.

8. CLIMATE CHANGE. We support the CBJ Climate Action Plan and endorse that city’s goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2032. We encourage the city’s participation in collaborative efforts by governments at all levels to respond to climate change. We believe that our response should be driven by science, not by politics.

9. CIVIL LIBERTIES AND CIVIL RIGHTS: We celebrate our diversity in all of its fullness. We expect our local governments to be on the forefront of all efforts to assure equal dignity and justice for all.

10. IMMIGRANTS. We honor the economic and social contributions immigrants make to our region--indeed the United States as a whole--every year. We welcome those who arrive as refugees or otherwise into our communities and will stand with them when faced with draconian measures for removal.

11. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: As we go about our daily affairs, we are mindful that Lingít Peoples have been stewards of the land on which we work and reside since time immemorial, and we are grateful for that stewardship and incredible care. We also recognize that our region is adjacent to the ancestral home of the X̱aadas and Ts’msyen and we commit to serving their peoples with equity and care.

Adopted 2017; updated 2025.