In this episode of the First Things First podcast, host Dano sits down with board director Mac Miners and executive director Don Habiger to discuss the long-debated second crossing for Juneau. The conversation explores why the project matters for economic growth, traffic relief, housing development, and community resiliency. They break down where the project currently stands in the planning process, why a western crossing site is being advocated, and how safety considerations — including concerns related to the Salmon Creek Dam — could influence location decisions. The episode ends with a call to action for residents to engage with city leaders and help move the project from decades of discussion toward real progress.

The first First Things First episode of 2026 kicks off with a deep dive into the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal and why it’s poised to be a game-changer for Southeast Alaska transportation. Host Dano is joined by First Things First Executive Director Don Habiger, former Juneau Chamber president Bruce Abel, and former Planning Commission member Matt Bell to explore how the project could improve regional connectivity, reduce costs and emissions, strengthen the Alaska Marine Highway System, and unlock long-term economic opportunities—from reliable freight service to job creation and resource development partnerships.

First Things First launches Season 2 with a deep dive into Juneau affordability and a high-stakes city procurement: the Maritime Industrial Zone (MIZ) public Wi-Fi project. Guests Chris Rushman and Mark Luchini (Snow Cloud Services) detail why they protested the winning bid—citing unanswered RFP questions, non-responsiveness, and a far higher five-year cost (≈$4M vs. ≈$1.6M). A citizen Bidding Review Board agreed with the protest, but the Assembly took no action; the panel underscores transparency, fiscal discipline, and community involvement as keys to keeping Juneau affordable.