Fairbanks economic development group asks commission to back transfer of ARDOR designation to FEDC

Jomo Stewart, president of the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation (FEDC), asked the Fairbanks North Star Borough Economic Development Commission on Jan. 28 to support transferring the Alaska Regional Development Organization (ARDOR) designation from the borough to FEDC so the nonprofit can apply directly for federal grants and serve as the region’s formal economic development manager.

Stewart told the commission that one of the ARDOR’s core duties is “to create a community’s 5 year economic development strategy,” commonly referred to as a SEDS. He said being the ARDOR would allow FEDC to apply for federal Economic Development Administration and other federal grants directly rather than always relying on municipal partners to serve as lead applicant.

Why it matters: ARDOR designation opens federal funding channels and can make local matching funds — municipal appropriations and private sponsorships — more leverageable for studies, feasibility work and implementation. Stewart said the borough and city have historically funded FEDC and that FEDC’s current funding profile is “all non federal,” which is what other agencies often use as match to secure federal awards.

Stewart described FEDC’s board, staff, project slate and funding mix and said the organization has been preparing to take on ARDOR duties for years by training staff, reviewing…