Choose Anchorage
A Framework for Revitalization
Our Strategic Plan
AEDC secured a grant from the United States Economic Development Administration to develop an economic industry and workforce cluster analysis for the city. This grant enabled AEDC to engage with TIP Strategies, a national economic consulting firm, to lead the analysis and planning effort that was guided by a volunteer 20-member steering committee. After eleven months of interviews and roundtable discussions with economic development stakeholders and comprehensive quantitative analyses, Choose Anchorage: A Framework for Revitalization was created. This plan consists of four major goals that build on one another:
BUSINESS VITALITY
Driving new & strengthening existing businesses.
TALENT
Deepening the pipeline of skilled talent.
QUALITY OF PLACE
Enhancing the city’s quality of place.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Investing in critical infrastructure.
The set of strategies and actions identified within this plan is meant to provide community partners, business leaders, and government officials with a roadmap to collectively strengthen Anchorage’s economic vitality over the next five years and beyond.
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BUSINESS VITALITY
Create a dynamic and diverse business base that drives higher levels of new investment and job creation.
- Strengthen AEDC’s business retention and expansion efforts.
- Focus diversification efforts on emerging market opportunities.
- Continue expanding and deepening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Anchorage.
- Serve as a source of business intelligence to support Anchorage’s efforts to diversify into emerging market sectors.
TALENT
Build a robust talent pool with skills that meet the needs of current and future employers to foster a more resilient and diversified economic base.
- Develop an independent regional workforce development board covering the Anchorage area.
- Expand partnerships in leading sectors to build awareness of career opportunities in the region and offer education and training.
- Promote Anchorage’s value proposition for talent.
- Leverage the existing and future regional veterans’ community to support talent demand and career opportunities.
- Expand support systems for Anchorage’s young professionals to retain talent and grow a future community leadership pipeline.
QUALITY OF PLACE
Invest in Anchorage’s quality of place to help reverse current migration trends and support the retention and attraction of young people.
- Increase the number of housing units, owner and rental, across the spectrum of affordability and density.
- Elevate downtown revitalization opportunities (including redevelopment, infill, and adaptive reuse).
- Leverage the presence of Anchorage’s recreational assets through marketing opportunities.
- Support and advocate for creative strategies for addressing people experiencing homelessness in Anchorage through the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness.
- Develop and promote Anchorage’s identity (districts, wayfinding, beautification, activation).
INFRASTRUCTURE
Leverage existing assets in a sustainable manner and invest in critical infrastructure to shape quality places that are attractive to business and talent.
- Secure full funding for the reconstruction of dock facilities at the Port of Alaska.
- Facilitate the development of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport as a hub for international air cargo operations and passenger flights.
- Work with private developers to provide the infrastructure needed to support new housing construction.
- Strengthen the city’s transportation network to improve safety, encourage walking and bicycling, activate streets, and encourage economic activity.
- Design a public investment strategy to spur private investment and talent retention/ attraction in Anchorage.
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Choose Anchorage Leadership Committee
The “Choose Anchorage” plan is being guided by an overarching leadership committee that provides counsel,
advice and direction to AEDC staff and volunteers.
Chris Swalling
Founder, Swalling & Associates
Dan Newman
Founder, Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals
Dave Cavitt
President, Furniture Enterprises
Jacob Lyons
Director of Motorcoach Operations, Premier Alaska Tours
Jen Motyka
Owner, Blitz Promotions
John Rense
Board Member, Girdwood Inc.
Marilyn Romano
Regional Vice President, Alaska Airlines
Mark Begich
President & CEO, Northern Compass Group
Michelle Klouda
Owner & Managing Principal, RIM Architects
Mike Huston
President, Northrim Bank
Sophie Minich
President & CEO, CIRI
Shane Durand
Chief Operating Officer, Central Environmental Inc.