Build Back Better, Alaska (B3AK) is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit corporation founded to advance the national Biden-Harris Administration agenda through its mission of education, outreach, and advocacy on critical policy issues. We seek to influence national conversations by giving a greater voice to Alaskans often not included in the wider discourse. B3AK promotes good governance, public engagement, and civic participation while remaining non-partisan and not engaging in political activity.
Who We Are
B3AK was founded by Alaskans concerned about elevating the state’s voice in President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better Plan” and other national policies of interest. We are powered by a volunteer coalition representing a diversity of issues, but not limited to, sustainable development, Indigenous peoples, infrastructure, rural Alaska, climate action, public health, reproductive rights, equity and inclusion, and labor. B3AK promotes good governance, public engagement and civic participation.
B3AK will harness the energy, creativity and commitment of the many individuals involved in the Alaskans For Biden-Harris volunteer organization and channel it into the nonpartisan development, discussion and implementation of positive public policy affecting Alaska.
B3AK will supply information and education about federal policies and initiatives affecting Alaska and create opportunities for dialogue between decision-makers and Alaskans. This includes interfacing with the Biden Administration on personnel choices for federal positions that affect Alaska and Alaska interests.
Our Mission
We are powered by a volunteer coalition representing a diversity of issues, but not limited to, sustainable development, Indigenous peoples, infrastructure, rural Alaska, climate action, public health, reproductive rights, equity and inclusion, and labor. Below are some of our priorities:
- Grow in-state engagement with Alaska’s congressional delegation: B3AK’s efforts to educate Alaskans on critical policy issues can generate grassroots support for the Alaska delegation to work productively with the administration for the benefit of the state. Alaska’s senior U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski has been shown to be highly influential in the current political alignment and on the Biden Administration’s legislative agenda.
- Promote local impacts and opportunities from federal legislation: The economic stimulus from the American Rescue Plan Act has already boosted crucial Alaska sectors such as tourism and fishing, while increasing the number of good-paying jobs in the long term. Greater policy education about national initiatives bolsters broad public support while countering and neutralizing the outsized negative positions of a vocal few. This holds especially true in Alaska’s small constituency, where B3AK’s presence can leverage a strong, positive voice for Alaskans in national discussions.
- Leverage national relationships via B3AK’s coalition of diverse stakeholders: B3AK’s steering committee includes Alaska leaders in sectors ranging from labor, Indigenous rights, diversity, sustainable development, infrastructure, climate action, and more. This alignment of influential voices provides a network to national partnerships. Investing in this coalition can enhance Alaska’s capacity to strategically influence national policy.
Our Alaska-led Steering Committee
- Eleanor Andrews, Business leader
- Mark Begich, Former U.S. Senator
- Deborah Bonito, Business Leader
- Kay Brown, Environmental Advocate
- Danny Consenstein, Former Farm Service
- Colleen Dushkin, Tribal Housing
- Susanne Fleek, Alaska Native Leader
- Hollis French, Former State Senator
- Raina Thiele, Alaska Native Leader
- David Guttenberg, Former Legislator
- Joelle Hall, Labor Leader (AFL-CIO)
- Bill Falsey, Local Government Leader
- Lee Hart, Parks & Trails
- Julia Hnilicka, Rural Development
- Celeste Hodge, Civic Leader
- Genevieve Mina, Youth Leader
- Jim Nordlund, Former Rural Dev. Director
- Mindy O’Neall, Local Government Leader
- Kurt Parkan, Former Mining Executive
- Pete Peterson, Municipal Official
- Dave Reaves, Labor Leader (IBEW)
- Veronica Slajer, Business Leader
- Moira Smith, Energy Attorney
- Ivy Spohnholz, Alaska State Representative
- Felisa Wilson, Retired Air Force