Rain Coast Data is a research and consulting firm specializing in economic analysis, socioeconomic impact studies, survey research, and strategic economic planning in Southeast Alaska. Founded in 2014, we’ve spent over a decade turning complex data into clear, compelling insights that drive smart decision-making. Our work is tailored to elevate the economic future of Southeast Alaska’s communities, tribes, and organizations.

Economic Publications: We produce influential, data-rich publications like Southeast Alaska by the Numbers—a widely cited resource used by policymakers, business leaders, and the media. Our work has been referenced in the New York Times, cited in U.S. Senate hearings, and used to inform major regional and statewide decisions.

Survey Research: Our custom-designed surveys deliver critical feedback and analysis on business conditions, community needs, shareholder sentiment, and economic trends. Projects include the Southeast Alaska Business Climate Survey, regional tribal housing surveys, shareholder surveys, and sector-specific assessments that support strategic planning.

Sector-Specific Economic Expertise

• Housing: We’ve developed nearly 30 Tribal housing needs assessments for the Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority, the Nome Eskimo Community, and other tribal communities across the state—helping secure funding and guiding development strategies.
• Transportation: Our transportation analyses include benefit-cost studies for rural harbors, ferry projects, fuel docks, cruise ship dock electrification, drive down floats, regional transportation access reports, and economic modeling to support state and federal infrastructure funding applications. We have conducted freight and shipyard studies.
• Comprehensive Planning: We develop long-range economic and community development strategies that help guide investment and policy decisions. Projects include multi-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), 5-year community plans for organizations, municipal comprehensive plans, and regional growth frameworks rooted in both quantitative analysis and community engagement.
• Tourism: Our work includes tourism assessment studies for the City of Valdez, the City and Borough of Wrangell, post-COVID recovery planning, and cruise ship passenger forecasting for Southeast Alaska ports.
• Healthcare: We created a regional healthcare workforce report for the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), conducted wage and labor trend analyses for the Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association, and explored staffing needs for rural health providers.

At Rain Coast Data, we believe that powerful data—well presented—can spark positive, lasting change. We are passionate about supporting Southeast Alaska’s economic resilience and helping our clients chart informed paths forward.