The Foraker Group

On July 1, 2025,  the minimum wage will increase to $13 per hour, following the approval of Ballot Measure 1 in 2024. Under this same measure, the minimum wage will continue to rise, reaching $14 per hour in 2026 and $15 per hour in 2027.

Additionally, beginning July 1, 2025, employers who do not already have a paid time off policy that meets the elements of the ballot measure will be required to provide paid sick leave. If an employer has 15 or more employees, each employee can accrue up to 56 hours of paid sick leave per year. If the employer has fewer than 15 employees, each employee can accrue up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year.

In February, we offered a webinar sharing what we knew about Ballot Measure 1 and heard from many of you about concerns regarding implementation. As a follow-up, we have created an FAQ document with answers to some of your pressing questions. In addition, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development has published FAQs.

Keep in mind that the regulation release and comment period will be coming soon, and there is pending legislation that could impact the implementation of the law. We will share more information as it becomes available.

We are sad to hear the news of Clark Gruening’s passing. Clark was a founding Foraker board member and one of our first board chairs. We are grateful for his visionary leadership, thoughtfulness, and kind heart as he helped us navigate the early years. Clark was also an inspirational leader for many other Alaska nonprofits and philanthropic organizations. We send his family and all Alaskans who experienced his generosity our deepest condolences. 

Our latest report details pay inequity in the state’s nonprofit sector, and guess what? We have work to do, and together we can lead the way. Join us on July 1 at 1:00 pm to learn what the data says about the nonprofit workforce and hear about steps your organization can take to promote gender pay equity.

Through a partnership with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Development, Alaska data on the pay gap is easier to ascertain than in other states. Here is how it works: through careful and confidential efforts, the Department of Labor compiles data on pay rates for various job classifications. Researchers then used employer identification numbers (EINs) to identify nonprofit employees. Finally, they applied gender information from permanent fund dividend data. As a result, Alaska has a more complete understanding of how Alaska women are paid in the workforce. Check out the data here.

After months of planning and an extensive search using our comprehensive Leadership Transition services, Foraker has helped place Cady Lister as the new Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP). Ms. Lister was chosen from a large field of highly qualified applicants to lead REAP’s growing team in their mission to increase the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Alaska through collaboration, education, training, and advocacy. Ms. Lister will assume her new role on July 8. She will overlap with REAP’s Founder and current Executive Director, Chris Rose, for 60 days to ensure a smooth leadership transition before Mr. Rose embarks upon his next adventure during his well-deserved retirement.

Ms. Lister has over 20 years of experience developing and implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency policies, programs, and projects, including serving as the Deputy Director and Chief Economist for the Alaska Energy Authority and as the Deputy Program Manager for the Portland Clean Energy Fund. Most recently, she has been working as the Senior Energy Advisor for Southeast Conference, providing guidance and oversite to their regional energy programs.

“REAP’s board is thrilled to be handing the reins over to Cady Lister.” Says Board Chair Ian Laing, “Cady’s deep roots in Alaska’s energy community coupled with her broad skills and experience ensure REAP is well positioned to continue its important work. We are confident in Cady’s leadership to take REAP into the future.”

“Renewable resources already offer price stability, local control, and economic development opportunities in our state,” says Ms. Lister. “In these increasingly uncertain times, it is more important than ever to work collaboratively to strengthen the resilience of our communities. I am excited to move into this role and work with our partners to bring more of Alaska’s abundant renewable resources to bear. We can build a more sustainable energy future that benefits all Alaskans—supporting local jobs, protecting our environment, and ensuring long-term energy security for generations to come.”

Ms. Lister holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. REAP’s Board is confident that Ms. Lister’s experience in Alaskan energy policy, infrastructure, and unique conditions will support the continuity of REAP’s mission and programmatic work. REAP’s staff are thrilled to begin working with her in early July.