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Commission hears AIDEA, SEF and UAA CED updates on grants, program timelines and CEDS planning
Summary
AIDEA, Sustainable Economic Futures (SEF) and the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Development presented updates on small-business supports, SEF’s impending program end and plans for a comprehensive economic development strategy; commissioners asked about grant coverage, timelines and outreach to tribes and local stakeholders.
Representatives from the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, the Sustainable Economic Futures program and the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Development updated the commission Oct. 11 on multiple economic-development efforts.
Randy Ruaro, executive director of AIDEA, summarized current AIDEA activities and noted coordination with local stakeholders and small-business grant programs intended to benefit borough residents. Commissioners thanked Ruaro and asked whether AIDEA had been coordinating with NANA and whether tribal funding acceptance would affect public reporting or project status.
Suzette McFaul reviewed the Sustainable Economic Futures program history and said the program is scheduled to finish at the end of the year; staff are attempting to secure an extension. Commissioners asked where the SEF newsletter is distributed and whether tribes, cities and resource specialists receive the information; Commissioner Fritz Westlake Sr. recommended a quarterly newsletter.
Richelle Johnson and Margo Fliss of the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Development summarized a PowerPoint presentation on a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS). Commissioners asked whether the grant would cover the full cost of developing a new CEDS, about the timeline for submission and award and how costs would be managed if the grant did not cover all expenses.
Commissioners urged clear timelines and broader outreach to tribes and communities for these programs. No formal funding decisions were made at the Oct. 11 meeting; commissioners requested follow-up information on grant timelines and expected costs.
