Protect Juneau's Future announces campaign opposing Proposition 2 

Diverse coalition opposes misguided cruise ship proposition, encourages citizens to vote no

JUNEAU, Alaska (August 13, 2024) — Protect Juneau’s Future, a Juneau-based organization advocating for informed decision-making on cruise tourism issues, has officially launched its campaign against Proposition 2. The initiative proposes to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays and Fourth of July in Juneau, beginning in 2025.

In a strong show of support among diverse interests, Protect Juneau’s Future has formed a coalition representing local sectors including tourism, labor, construction, nonprofit organizations and economic development, to oppose the measure. This locally based coalition reflects the broad community interest in maintaining balanced and effective tourism management. 

“We've brought together a wide array of stakeholders who recognize our local economy is deeply intertwined with the tourism industry, touching every sector and supporting countless jobs. This proposition could disrupt the delicate balance we’ve achieved in managing tourism sustainably,” emphasized McHugh Pierre, chair of Protect Juneau’s Future. “We urge our community members to consider the successful and sustainable measures already in place as they make their voting decisions. A 'No' vote on Proposition 2 is crucial to preserve the cultural, economic and social well-being of Juneau.”

The potential economic impacts of Proposition 2 are significant. Ship-free Saturdays are projected to cost the local economy $30 million in lost spending and fees and could reduce the city's sales tax revenue by $3.7 million. Direct passenger spending not only sustains local businesses but also supports job creation. 

"Ship-free Saturdays seriously risk reducing city revenues that fund essential services such as education and emergency response,” said Tracy LaBarge, owner of Tracy’s King Crab Shack and Protect Juneau’s Future co-chair. “Independent travelers can't support our local businesses by themselves or replace the revenue the city will lose. This could hurt our economy, making it harder for local businesses to stay open year-round or keep as many people on the payroll. As a result, residents likely would be left holding the bag and paying higher taxes to cover any budget gaps.” 

“Outmigration is already a crisis across the state,” said Corey Baxter, district representative for Operating Engineers Local 302 Union and a Protect Juneau’s Future co-chair. “Jobs provided by the cruise industry provide more than just employment; they lay the foundation for many families in Juneau, allowing them to live here without being forced to relocate in search of other opportunities. “Voting 'No' on Proposition 2 means family-supporting jobs stay here in Juneau.'"

Protect Juneau’s Future points to the significant and ongoing steps already taken to manage tourism sustainably. The City and Borough of Juneau, in partnership with the cruise industry, have successfully negotiated Memorandums of Agreement to address concerns like overcrowding and community impacts, setting a maximum of 16,000 lower berths from Sunday to Friday and 12,000 on Saturdays, with no more than five ships in port per day. These agreements allow for flexible adjustments based on real-time feedback from residents and businesses, ensuring that tourism growth benefits the entire community.  

“I respect my friends who have advocated for this initiative, but I have confidence in the city’s leadership to oversee our relationship with the cruise industry and believe that we, as citizens, should support its ongoing efforts rather than resort to management by petition.” said Bruce Botelho, former mayor of Juneau and Protect Juneau’s Future co-chair.

The co-chairs of Protect Juneau’s Future include:

  • McHugh Pierre, Goldbelt, Inc.

  • Holly Johnson, Wings Airways & the Taku Glacier Lodge

  • Craig Jennison, TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc. 

  • Laura McDonnell, Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce 

  • Max Mertz, Alaska Seaplanes 

  • Renee Reeve, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Alaska

  • Alec Mesdag, Alaska Electric Light and Power Co.

  • Bob Janes, Gastineau Guiding Company 

  • Bruce Abel, Don Abel Building Supply and Valley Lumber Building Supply

  • Bruce Botelho, former mayor of Juneau and Alaska attorney general

  • Chris Meier, Alaska Travel Adventures

  • Corey Baxter, Operating Engineers Local 302

  • Craig Dahl, Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce

  • Dr. Bob Urata, former physician at Bartlett Regional Hospital

  • Eric Forst, Red Dog Saloon

  • Jaime Kissner, Northrim Bank

  • Jamey Cagle, Allen Marine Tours

  • Kenny Solomon-Gross, Gross Alaska Theater 

  • Maggie McMillan, Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce

  • Mike Satre, Hecla Greens Creek Mine

  • Morgan Johnson, The Pottery Jungle

  • Nancy DeCherney, former executive director at the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council

  • Reecia Wilson, Hangar on the Wharf, Twisted Fish, Flight Deck, Roma Bistro, Alaska Brewing Depot

  • Richard Peterson, Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

  • Russell Dick, Huna Totem Corporation

  • Ryan Beason, Elgee Rehfeld

  • Tom Sullivan, First National Bank Alaska 

  • Tracy LaBarge, Tracy’s King Crab Shack