Fairbanks Borough Adopts Policy Mandating Apprenticeships for Major Projects

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly adopted a new policy in a 7-2 vote on September 27, 2026, detailing how the borough will award complex major projects. The ordinance requires a Community Workforce Agreement (CWA) review for projects valued at more than $3.5 million. This process mandates that all projects utilize apprenticeships for 15% of the labor hours, regardless of whether union or non-union workers are employed.

The policy aims to increase the number of skilled tradespeople by requiring apprenticeships and establishes a uniform grievance and arbitration process for workers. The CWA review is designed to limit potential project delays and worker strikes for complex projects, such as major renovations or new buildings.