Proposition 2 proposes banning large cruise ships on Saturdays and the Fourth of July, starting in 2025. This measure could have severe consequences for Juneau's economy, local businesses and community services.
Here are the key facts that highlight why voting NO is crucial for the future of our community.
Economic Benefits of Cruise Tourism
The cruise industry contributes $30 million annually in direct passenger spending on Saturdays alone, which supports local businesses, creates jobs and stimulates community growth.
Revenue
Tourism is a major job creator in Juneau, with cruise passenger spending projected to reach $381 million in 2024. Thousands of jobs, essential for families and the local economy, are at risk if the measure passes.
Job Creation
Cruise tourism generates $18 million in sales tax revenue annually, funding essential community services like education, public safety and infrastructure improvements. If Prop 2 is passed, it would significantly reduce this revenue, potentially leading to higher taxes on residents or cuts to essential city services.
Tax Revenue
Impact on Local Families and Businesses
Local shops, restaurants and service providers rely on visitor spending, especially on weekends, to stay open and support year-round employment. Banning cruise ships on Saturdays would hurt our neighbors and reduce the economic stability of Juneau families.
Community Stability
Disruptions in Juneau's cruise schedule could negatively affect other Southeast Alaska communities that rely on coordinated cruise itineraries. This could lead to higher unemployment, business closures and reduced household incomes, exacerbating the economic challenges in the region.
Economic Ripple Effect
Cruise tourism provides job opportunities and improved amenities, helping to ensure a stable and lively community for younger residents. This allows them to live here without being forced to relocate in search of other opportunities.
Support for Young Residents
Existing Effective Solutions
The City and Borough of Juneau, in partnership with the cruise industry, have successfully negotiated three groundbreaking Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) to address overcrowding and other issues. These agreements include:
Five-Ship Limit: Starting in 2024, Juneau limits the number of large cruise ships allowed to dock each day to no more than five. This measure reduces congestion and minimizes the environmental and social impacts of high volumes of tourists.
Passenger Cap: The MOA sets a daily limit of 16,000 lower berths from Sunday to Friday and 12,000 on Saturdays. This does not mean uncontrolled growth and does not mean 16,000 or 12,000 passengers per day – in fact, most days are far below these thresholds.
Annual Meetings: Provisions for annual meetings allow for the balancing of the cruise schedule, resolving conflicts and adapting to the community's needs based on real-time feedback from residents and businesses.
Infrastructure Improvements: Investments have been made in port facilities and transportation networks to better handle the influx of tourists and reduce tourism’s environmental footprint.
Community Engagement: Surveys and feedback from residents help inform tourism management strategies, ensuring that tourism growth benefits the entire community.
Juneau Cruise Ship Passenger Projections
Note: Projections are based on a twenty-year analysis of average annual cruise growth for Southeast Alaska; industry growth projections by Moffatt & Nichol: Forecast of Worldwide Passengers through 2030 - based on cruise ship construction and Juneau’s percentage of current global cruise market; and CLIAA data. Analysis by Rain Coast Data.
