Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

KANA US Economic Development Administration Native Planning Grant

KANA is a recipient of a US Economic Development Administration (EDA) Native Planning Grant. Within KANA’s organizational structure, KANA's EDA Program is part of the Community Services Department. The Economic Development Coordinator works in collaboration with local City, Borough, public and private sectors, as well as village entities that will goal of improving the economic status of Kodiak Island’s rural villages. The Regional Community Plan document will be the framework in which we can advocate and provide technical assistance to Kodiak’s Alutiiq communities to ensure a strong economic future for generations to come. It was agreed upon from the participants of our regional CEDS planning meeting that this document will be named the Kodiak Archipelago Rural Regional Community Plan. This plan highlights each of the six village communities, giving insight into the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities, as well their economic visions and goals.

Goal

To promote and protect the economic and social well being of the Native community through the creation and retention of long-term private sector jobs.  

FY 16 Scope of Work

1.) Work in collaboration with local city and borough officials, public and private sector representatives, tribal governments and corporations, all comprising the Economic Strategy Committee and Village work groups, to continue to update an engaging, useful, and productive Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).  A new CEDS will be developed every five years; a revised document will be produced each year.

               a.)   Work closely with Kodiak Island Borough Assembly members who have been assigned to each village – advocate on behalf of the village.

2.)   Community Engagement: Target to hold Strategy Committee Village Work Group meetings twice per year in each village during which input on economic conditions and projects status’ will be obtained.

3.)   Economic Development Project Coordinator will advocate for projects and action plans that are aligned with the region’s economic priorities.  Provide assistance and input to help enhance the interrelatedness of all of the Kodiak Region’s various planning documents and strategies (SWAMC CEDS, City and Borough Strategic Plans, Kodiak Energy Plan, regional and state workforce development plans).

4.)   Work closely with the Alaska Economic Development Representative, and other EDA staff in the development of economic development projects and/or planning efforts within the Kodiak Region.

5.)   Assist City and Tribal Leaders in all village communities in execution of the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) grant held by the Kodiak Island Borough.

               a.)  Advocate for local village residents to receive project appropriate training to be eligible for labor associated with the project.  Likely training includes: HAZWOPPER, Freon Recovery, &  Automobile Recycling Processing.

               b.)  Advocate for local village hire for all labor that is appropriate throughout duration of the project to inject project funds into the village economies.

To view the report, click here: Kodiak Rural Regional CEDS - 2015-2020, 2016