Capital Chat

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) is asking Juneau residents to share what city services they value most by taking the CBJ Community Compass Survey before mid-February. Community feedback collected through this survey will help inform the CBJ assembly’s budgeting process this spring. 

Following the passage of Proposition 2 (sales tax exemptions) in the October 7, 2025 Regular Municipal Election, significant reductions in sales tax revenue are expected to necessitate service-level cuts to the city’s annual budget. With the Fiscal Year 2027 budget process gearing up, CBJ seeks to understand community funding priorities and values to inform decision-making both...

Joe Sehert joins Capital Chat to discuss the Shrine of St. Therese Annual Fundraiser and Auction happening on January 31st. The fundraiser is an essential part of the Shrine’s budget. It helps maintain 14,000 sq. ft. of gardens, 46 acres, 10 buildings, over 1 mile of trails, 2 miles of roads and parking lots. The Shrine is self-sustaining and receives no supplemental financial support.

Charlotte Truitt and Conductor Brad Hogarth join Capital Chat to talk about the first concert of the 2026 season, Resurgence & Rediscovery.

Brahms Symphony No. 1

Juneau-Douglas High School Auditorium
1639 Glacier Ave, Juneau, 99801

Program:

—Intermission—

 Overture No. 2 reclaims its rightful place in the repertoire, while Juneau's beloved visiting pianist, Alexander Tutunov, brings brilliance t...

Kenny Gross joins Capital Chat to discuss retirement and the sale of the family owned, Glacier Cinemas.

HISTORY:
In 1897, Russian-born William David Gross traveled North from Seattle to Alaska among a sea of dreamers who hoped to find their fortune during the Klondike Gold Rush. A businessman raised in a family of tailors, David followed his business acumen through the many opportunities that presented themselves. Working as a clerk became selling his own groceries and supplies, which in turn transitioned to owning a clothing and tailor shop. David followed where demand allowed him to continue his...

Bruce Abel and Matthew Bell from Access Alaska Coalition join Cap Chat to discuss the proposed Cascade Point Ferry Terminal. 

The deadline for public feedback on the first phase of the proposed Cascade Point Ferry Terminal near Juneau is Jan. 9.Under the state’s plan, the new ferry terminal would be built roughly 30 miles north of the existing Auke Bay terminal, on property owned by Goldbelt Incorporated, an Alaska Native Corporation. Overall costs for the project are expected to reach into the tens of millions of dollars.

The initial phase focuses on preparing the sit...

True Crime Author Betsy Longenbaugh, and her husband Ed Schoenfeld present Death on the Ranch, the first of 3 Death, with Dessert programs exploring Juneau True Crime Stories. Tickets available for this Saturday, January 10th at Holy Trinity Church.

Aaron Surma,  Executive Director of NAMI joins Capital Chat to discuss resources available to our community.

Aaron has received mental health services for over twenty years.  During this time, he has experienced first-hand the power of peer support.  In particular, the role of peer support in helping people find their voice as it relates to their own recovery.  His goal is for people in Juneau to feel the confidence to make decisions about their mental health care while making sure the proper resources are available to them. Before joining NAMI Juneau in 2020, Aaron worked for the Juneau Suic...

CBJ Visitor Industry Director Alexandra Pierce and Engagement Specialist for City of Juneau, Phil Huebschen join Capital Chat to discuss this year's tourist season. Use of passenger fees and the upcoming Visitor Industry Task Force.

Explore the story of 49 Writers, a grassroots literary community born in 2009 when authors Deb Vanasse and Andromeda Romano-Lax merged their blogs to support Alaska’s writers. What began as shared posts soon grew into workshops, a nonprofit writing center in Anchorage, statewide classes, and the beloved Tutka Bay Writers Retreat. Through venue changes, expanding programs, and even a shift to all-volunteer, virtual operations in 2020, 49 Writers has remained dedicated to fostering creativity across Alaska. Join us as we trace the organization’s journey and celebrate the vibrant voices it continues to inspire. 

Some time just before Christmas, you'll find Lion members and volunteers huddling around outside in the cold winter weather, trying to keep warm.  It doesn't matter if the temps are in the low teens and the Taku Winds are blowing sideways, this annual fundraiser always brings a smile to the participants.  With the cooperation of Coastal Helicopters who donate their time, copters, and fuel, we take passengers on a helicopter ride over the Mendenhall Valley to view Christmas lights.  Buy your tickets here. They average about 300 passengers a year, during a four-hour period.  The proceeds from this event are shar...

Juneau's Got Talent auditions are this weekend. Register you act here: Juneau Dance Theater.