Economic Justice
Organizing Alaskans to advance equitable options for our homes and wallets.
What is Economic Justice?
← Check out this award-winning video where we break down our financial system advocacy work!
Economic Justice is rooted in people-powered movements that:
Repair harm caused by racism and colonization
Transition from extractive business to reciprocal relationships
Build systems that produce and distribute care for people, community, and planet
At AKPIRG, we practice Economic Justice by focusing on Alaskans’ homes and wallets. Whether we’re studying how corporations are driving up grocery prices, advocating that medical care shouldn’t lead to crippling debt, or educating about how broken housing markets harm renters, the Economic Justice team organizes Alaskans to advance equitable options for our homes and wallets.
Organizing Together
AKPIRG’s Economic Justice Team supports, facilitates, and collaborates with a number of community groups and initiatives working to build a more just economy in Alaska. Explore the projects below to learn more and get involved:
Issues We’ve Taken On
Our work spans research, advocacy, public education, coalition-building, and community organizing. Here are a few of our campaigns and initiatives that have strengthened consumer protections and advanced economic justice in Alaska:
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For years, AKPIRG has worked to reform payday lending in Alaska by capping the annual percentage rates (APR) of small-dollar loans at 36%. We helped draft legislation, led a statewide advocacy coalition, partnered on the 2023 Payday Jubilee to erase payday loan debt, and published research documenting the need for reform and the impact of debt relief.
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AKPIRG works to protect Alaskans from the harms of corporate consolidation by advocating for strong antitrust enforcement and competitive markets. We played a leading role in the successful effort to stop the proposed Kroger-Albertsons grocery merger, building bipartisan opposition, elevating concerns from Alaska consumers and workers, and serving as a leading voice on the merger’s potential impacts. Our advocacy helped contribute to the Federal Trade Commission’s challenge of the merger, which was ultimately blocked by a federal judge in 2024. This victory protected grocery access, consumer choice, and good-paying jobs in Alaska, and reflects our ongoing work to hold powerful corporations accountable across industries.
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Too many companies profit by tricking or coercing their customers, or exposing them to unknown risks. Too many people are forced into bad financial decisions because they can’t afford the cost of living. When economic inequality is historically high and the economy fails to provide basic necessities, everyday people shouldn’t be left holding the bill. From fighting for protections at Crypto ATMS to educating Alaskans about debt collectors and mitigating harmful credit reporting practices, AKPIRG works to ensure fairness in payments, banking, debt, retirement, and investment.
