Community Corner

🌱 What Fairbanks’ newly passed 2026 city budget means for you

Spotted on the Fairbanks calendar: Women of Distinction

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Hey there, Fairbanks! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Fairbanks’ newly passed 2026 city budget means for you
  • What changed to finally pass Fairbanks’ new land acknowledgement rule?
  • Why two Fairbanks library commissioners just walked away

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Fairbanksfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly cloudy and very cold, with a high of -32 and low of -40 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: A little snow in the morning, temps: high: -30, low: -39.
  • Saturday: Very cold with clearing, with a high of -28 and low of -40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Fairbanks passes 2026 city budget, adds positions (alaskasnewssource.com) — Fairbanks City Council has approved the 2026 city budget with a modest surplus and funding for a second community paramedic and two new Public Works laborer positions. One council member opposed the plan, warning the surplus is too small and overtime costs are underestimated, while the mayor says reserves and risk planning are adequate as the city explores new revenue options.
   

Find out what's happening in Fairbanksfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Fairbanks City Council adds verbal land acknowledgement to regular meetings (kuac.org) — Fairbanks residents will now hear a formal land acknowledgement at the start of every City Council meeting, after a narrow 4-3 vote that required Mayor Mindy O’Neall’s tie-breaking support. Supporters say the new ordinance shows respect for Alaska Native communities, while opponents argue the city should prioritize more concrete steps to improve relations.
   

3. Fairbanks library commission faces resignations over communication issues (alaskasnewssource.com) — Two longtime members of the Fairbanks North Star Borough’s Library and Literacy Commission have resigned, saying reduced meetings and tighter controls on information are undermining the group’s role. Borough leaders acknowledge the problems and say they’re working to restore more frequent meetings and better communication as new commissioners are considered for appointment this week.
   

4. Ted Stevens International Airport poised for $160M cargo expansion in 2026 (alaskasnewssource.com) — Fairbanks International Airport plays a key backup role as Anchorage’s Ted Stevens airport prepares nearly $160 million in cargo expansions slated for 2026, ensuring flights can divert north during bad weather or disruptions. The report details new cargo facilities, growing freight volumes, and long-term planning that strengthen Alaska’s position in global logistics and could boost aviation-related activity in Fairbanks.
   

5. The Most Scenic Ski Trains for Vintage Winter Vibes—Without the Traffic and Icy Roads (afar.com) — Fairbanks residents are featured as the northern anchor of the Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train, a whistle-stop route that lets skiers hop off into remote backcountry and flag the train back later. In a global roundup of scenic ski trains, this piece spotlights the Anchorage–Fairbanks line as both a practical winter travel option and a uniquely Alaskan way to reach quiet ski terrain.
   

📸 Around Fairbanks

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fairbanks

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Saturday December 20
  • Women of Distinction
    Taiga Retreat Center at the Wedgewood Resort , 212 Wedgewood Drive , Fairbanks
    6:00 pm

📣 Fairbanks Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • And my children think I over decorate!
    Wow look at this place. My decorations are minor compared to this. (Nextdoor Farmer's Loop)
  • Kroger posted a job opening for Courtesy Clerk/Grocery Bagger in Fairbanks. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Stocker in Fairbanks. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fairbanks here.

Ok Fairbanks! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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