Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Commissioner Hladick launched Northern Opportunity: Alaska’s Economic Strategy today at the at the Alaska Chamber 2016 Fall Forum in Kenai.
“It’s time to think proactively to create economic vitality in Alaska so every community has opportunities to prosper,” said Commissioner Chris Hladick of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. “Well-managed public-private economic development efforts create wealth through investment and reinvestment in the community—which is why we’re leading the effort to create a statewide comprehensive economic development strategy.”
Building on past efforts, the statewide strategy will rely on extensive community and industry input to develop a shared vision for Alaska’s future economy. The collaborative, long-term strategy will provide a clear path to jobs for the next generation of Alaskans and will prepare Alaskans to more quickly recover from disruptions to the state’s economic base.
The strategy will make actionable recommendations for the most efficient use of public and private assets to maximize Alaska’s unique advantages to compete in national and global markets. Coordinated by the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development – Division of Economic Development with assistance from the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, the strategy-development process will engage community leaders, leverage the commitment of the private sector, and establish a blueprint for statewide collaboration while strengthening regional planning efforts. Development of the statewide strategy is supported by a $100,000 planning grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and is being overseen by a committee representing the private and public sector. It is anticipated that the strategy will be released for comment in early 2017.