Kelda Barstad

This document outlines a strategic approach to strengthen Alaska's health and social services workforce, particularly for individuals with disabilities and behavioral health conditions. It addresses critical challenges such as workforce shortages, recruitment, and retention issues, emphasizing the need for competitive wages, enhanced training, and incentives. Key efforts involve partnerships with training cooperatives, tribal health organizations, and universities to build a robust professional pool. The overall goal is to ensure Alaskans have access to necessary care, improve community health outcomes, and reduce reliance on institutional care by developing a strong, qualified workforce.

This document addresses critical transportation needs for Alaskans with disabilities, behavioral health disorders, dementia, and traumatic brain injuries, highlighting barriers to accessing essential services and community life. It proposes strategic solutions focusing on prioritizing accessible services, fostering coordination among providers, implementing alternative transportation methods, and securing state investments to enhance independence and quality of life for vulnerable populations.

This document outlines strategic imperatives for enhancing intervention, prevention, and mental health supports for children and youth, particularly in Alaska. Key priorities include implementing early intervention strategies to address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), strengthening the Infant Learning Program, improving the foster care system through prevention and extended transitional support, and leveraging Medicaid to provide early and community-based preventative services. The overarching aim is to positively alter life trajectories, mitigate trauma, and ensure better long-term outcomes for vulnerable youth.

The Finance Committee meeting included approval of the agenda and prior minutes from January 8, 2025. A detailed financial update was provided covering expenditures, remaining amounts, and patterns related to spending percentages and encumbrances. Discussion ensued regarding MHTAAR capital and Authority Grants, focusing on challenges with unspent funds largely due to vacant state positions. The committee received a presentation from Callan regarding Phase 2 of the asset spending analysis, focusing on the Asset Management Policy Statement (AMPS). Recommendations included adjusting asset allocation for the DOR budget reserve portfolio (shifting from 57% equity to 50% equity, and altering the split between the DOR budget reserve portfolio and the Permanent Fund), and a revised proposal for the annual withdrawal rate, which was ultimately set to 4.5 percent for Fiscal Year '27. The Department of Revenue presented a proposed asset allocation for reserves managed by them, which was approved. Further discussion involved engaging an investment manager (RCLCO) for commercial real estate assets, and a motion was introduced, but later withdrawn, concerning a final status report from the Trust Land Office regarding the transition of commercial real estate management.

The committee meeting involved several key actions and discussions. The agenda was amended to reorder items, moving Natural Resources to the end. Discussions covered Board action updates, including moving forward with construction on the Trust Authority Building and exploring procurement timelines with DNR and DOT. Revenue updates mentioned the completion of the Opportunity Placer Lease and progress on land sales. There were discussions regarding the impact of short staffing on operational timelines, updates on timber issues following the roadless rule rescission, and community engagement activities. A significant portion was dedicated to the Icy Cape update, focusing on infrastructural maintenance, resource assessment (grinder gold and garnet deposit), and exploring the critical minerals potential, specifically titanium, with industry partners. The committee recommended approving two below-market-value leases: one to Assets, Inc. for a 10-year term, and another to Catholic Social Services for a one-year term to allow time for relocation planning. Finally, the committee recommended concurring with the disposal of a portion of Trust parcels via negotiated sale to an adjacent landowner for sawmill expansion. The meeting concluded with a detailed report from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding state land selections, TAPS right-of-way implications, navigability issues, and the potential for AI and data center development in Alaska. Workforce development concerns related to upcoming major projects were also raised.