About the Economic Resiliency Task Force

The Economic Resiliency Task Force (ERTF) is an ad hoc coalition of business and community leaders and policymakers providing support to Anchorage businesses. Our goal is to identify and propose immediate actions to local, state and federal policy-makers to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic to Anchorage employers, employees and nonprofits; to identify post-COVID strategies to build economic resilience and improve future response capacity; and to be a credible, accessible source of information and resources for the Anchorage business and workforce sectors.

The ERTF is acting to help shape the mitigation and recovery efforts to make them as effective and timely as possible. Such unity of purpose might be rare, but federal, state, and local governments are fully committed to the best possible policy response.

It is the opinion of the ERTF that aggressive action now will lessen the severity of the COVID-19 crisis later–both for the health system and for the economy. “Flattening the curve,” and suppressing the spread of the virus is everyone’s responsibility, yet we must also think about preserving jobs and promoting recovery in the post-crisis period.

Bill Popp, President/CEO, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation and Julie Saupe, President, Visit Anchorage serve as co-chairs. Collectively, the task force’s membership hosts the top economic expertise and represents nearly all sectors of the business and nonprofit communities. These organizations are steadfast in their commitment to guiding Anchorage and our businesses as we navigate these rough waters.

We are all in this together. The ERTF stands resolute with Anchorage businesses and workers as we move through these uncertain times. Together we will navigate the Municipality through these uncharted waters, and communicate critical information to the public and the business community.

Our community is strong and resilient, and we will emerge from this threat despite some serious difficulties in the near-term. Please stay strong, and know that we are working tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of everyone.

POLICY POSITIONS

COVID-19 Testing

Emergency Relief Grant Program

EIDL & PPP Funding

ERTF Recommendations Letter to Mayor Berkowitz

ERTF Inclusion and Respect

ERTF Equity for All