ClerkStart: Elevating the People Who Keep Alaska’s Communities Running
ClerkStart is a storytelling initiative of Build Alaska’s Future Education Fund that highlights the essential role municipal and tribal clerks, and other local government professionals, play in keeping Alaska’s communities strong.
Across more than 230 communities, clerks are the heartbeat of local government. They run elections, safeguard public records, support councils and assemblies, and ensure transparency and continuity, often with limited resources and little public recognition.
At a time when Alaska is facing workforce shortages and reverse migration, ClerkStart helps make these vital roles visible, preserves institutional knowledge, and inspires the next generation of civic leaders.
A Statewide Video Spotlight
As part of ClerkStart, Build Alaska’s Future is producing a high-quality, five-minute video featuring municipal and tribal clerks and local government professionals from across Alaska.
Filmed during Local Government Week, alongside the 60th Annual Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks Conference and the launch of the Alaska Municipal League’s 75th Anniversary, the video uses interview-driven storytelling to highlight:
- The responsibilities and skills required of clerks
- Their role in elections, transparency, and public trust
- Workforce opportunities within local government
- The critical importance of rural and Alaska Native perspectives
To tell a truly statewide story, we are working to bring the film crew to rural Alaska, where local government professionals often serve as the backbone of community stability.
Partners and Support
ClerkStart is supported by the Rasmuson Foundation and RurAL CAP, and developed in collaboration with the Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks (AAMC) and the Alaska Municipal League (AML).
We invite others to join Rasmuson and RurAL CAP in helping us close the remaining funding gap and ensure voices from across Alaska are included.
Support ClerkStart: BuildAlaska.org/donate
Frequently Asked Questions
ClerkStart is a Build Alaska’s Future Education Fund storytelling initiative focused on elevating the role of municipal and tribal clerks and strengthening Alaska’s civic workforce through public education and awareness.
Who is ClerkStart for?
ClerkStart is for Alaskans who want to better understand how local government works, young people exploring meaningful career paths, community leaders, educators, and anyone interested in the sustainability of Alaska’s communities.
Why focus on clerks?
Clerks are the heartbeat of local government. They ensure elections are fair, records are protected, councils and assemblies function effectively, and communities have continuity—especially during leadership transitions and emergencies.
What will the video include?
The five-minute video features interview-driven storytelling from clerks and local government professionals, highlighting their responsibilities, skills, and the impact they have on community stability, transparency, and public trust.
Why is rural Alaska included?
To accurately reflect Alaska, rural and Alaska Native communities must be represented. Clerks in rural areas often hold multiple roles and face unique challenges, making their stories essential to the statewide narrative.
How is this project funded?
ClerkStart is supported by the Rasmuson Foundation and RurAL CAP, with additional funding needed to complete rural filming and statewide distribution.
How can I support ClerkStart?
You can help by making a tax-deductible donation at BuildAlaska.org/donate. Contributions directly support filming, editing, and statewide distribution of the video.