Legislative Committee

Workforce development and investment are vital to a healthy Alaska economy. The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce members require a diverse, trained, and available workforce to enhance economic stability and prosperity.

Access to a vital, trained workforce ensures Alaska is ready to capitalize on economic opportunities, future growth, and strong dynamic communities. Reductions in program funding and the impacts from the recent pandemic have resulted in fewer educational and training opportunities for Alaska’s workforce and creating a “perfect storm” for employers and business owners.

We encourage the Governor and Legislature to support:

• Affordable, quality healthcare
• Childcare availability
• Affordable housing
• Funding and support for education
• Increasing reciprocity between states with similar high licensing standards
• Expediting licensing and background checks

Anchorage Chamber of Commerce members believe strongly in the need to diversify Alaska’s economy. After decades of energy providing the main source of government funding, that has now been surpassed by funding from the Permanent Fund.

The Chamber strongly encourages the State to take steps to diversify the economy to include investments in responsible energy development, minerals, forestry, fish, tourism, airports, construction, the university system, and affordable health care for Alaskans.

A diversified economy also includes support for:

• Small businesses
• Emerging markets

Investing in Alaska’s infrastructure is a key part of building and sustaining a strong and thriving economy. The Anchorage Chamber strongly supports infrastructure improvements that provide predictability and stability for our ports, bridges, and roads throughout the state.

The Port of Alaska plays a critical role in service and delivery to a majority of all Alaskans; therefore, the Anchorage Chamber joins with the Municipality of Anchorage in requesting $100 million from the State of Alaska to assist with the repair, design, and modernization of the cargo facilities at the Port of Alaska. Alaska’s largest and most strategically located port needs $1 billion in funding by 2025 in order to complete the work necessary to ensure the Port’s operational capacity before the dock reaches the end of its design life.

As Alaska is set to receive more than $3 billion over the next five years from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for highway and bridge replacement and repairs, prudent decisions must be made to support the projects that will deliver economic benefits to communities.