Selling their souls.

That's what the cruise industries extract from the communities, and the businesses that are raking it in are happy to part with their souls.  After all, money is God.  Quality of life is meaningless.

Talkeetna needs to become a city.  Then they need to impose a 10% seasonal sales tax that runs from 1 May through 30 September, or whatever the tourist season runs.  Exempt groceries and other essentials such as medicine.  Locals can time their big purchases around the tourist season - need to fill your fuel tank?  Do it on October 1.  Don't worry - the tourists will keep coming and keep spending.

The cruise companies won't solve your problems.  They don't care.