Monthly fluctuations in Anchorage.

• Author: Spohn, Kari

Source: Anchorage Municipality Permit Application Activity Report, http://www. muni.org/bsd/permitactivityreports.cfm, Feb. 24, 2006

In a long-term perspective, building permit valuations in Anchorage stayed at a steady rate during the month of January 2006. The combined residential and commercial permits were valued at $19.2 million in January 2006, compared to $18.5 million in January 2005. This represents a gradual 3.5 percent increase in the past year.

However, looking at the monthly change is where the surprise comes in. Comparing commercial building permit valuations in December 2005 to January 2006 shows a significant decrease, as does a similar comparison of residential building permit valuations. The commercial permits were valued at $9.9 million in January 2006, compared with $43.8 million the previous month, December 2005. Residential permits were valued at $9.2 million in both January 2005 and 2006, compared with $28.4 million in December 2005. This shows a large downturn in building permit valuations during the month of December 2005.

Anchorage Building Permit Valuations In Millions Commercial Residential December 2005 28.4 43.8 January 2006 9.2 9.9 January 2005 9.2 9.3 Note: Table made from bar graph. ALASKA TRENDS FOR APRIL 2006 Indicator Units Period GENERAL Personal Income--Alaska Millions of $ 3RDQ05 Personal Income--United States Millions of $ 3RDQ05 Consumer Prices--Anchorage 1982-1984 = 100 2H05 Consumer Prices--United States 1982-1984 = 100 2H05 Bankruptcies Alaska Total Number Filed January Alaska Business Only Number Filed January Anchorage Total Number Filed January Anchorage Business Only Number Filed January Fairbanks Total Number Filed January Fairbanks Business Only Number Filed January EMPLOYMENT Alaska Thousands December Anchorage Thousands December Fairbanks Thousands December Southeast Thousands December Gulf Coast Thousands December Sectoral Distribution--Alaska Total Nonfarm Wage & Salary Thousands November Goods-Producing Thousands November Service-Providing Thousands November Natural Resources & Mining Thousands November Logging Thousands November Mining Thousands November Oil & Gas Extraction Thousands November Construction Thousands November Manufacturing Thousands November Wood Products Manufacturing Thousands November Seafood Processing Thousands November Trade/Transportation/Utilities Thousands November Wholesale Trade Thousands November Retail Trade Thousands November Food & Beverage Stores Thousands November General...