Economic Development Work
Central Council is responsible for putting together the Southeast Alaska Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Update (CEDS) in partnership with the Southeast Conference. The document contains information about the economy of Southeast Alaska and project priorities for each community in the region. Project priority lists are used by Economic Development Administration to qualify funding of projects. The publication is a collaborative effort of 71 organizations: Central Council and other Indian Tribes, the Southeast Conference, Municipalities, ANCSA Corporations, and others.
The 2008 CEDS Update contained information about 542 projects totaling over $2 billion in funding needs.
As part of Central Council's effort to assist local organizations with community planning efforts, Central Council is offering free community workshops called Strategic Planning for Communities, on an annual basis. These workshops are a joint effort of the Business & Economic Development Department and other governments (municipalities, tribes), corporations, and non-profits. Financial support for these workshops is provided through the Economic Development Administration and Central Council's self-governance compact (Department of the Interior) funds, and workshops are provided at no cost to communities. Central Council has developed this training program in conjunction with outside expertise, to assist communities in developing their collective strategic planning skills. In 2008, as part of this effort, the Central Council participated in 28 economic development events; assisted 67 organizations with project development; and delivered technical assistance on 34 projects totaling over $15 million. The use of an internet based tool called ActionStrategy is an integral part of the training. ActionStrategy is a combination of online tools that facilitate planning and management of projects.
For more information about the Southeast Alaska Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Update (CEDS), Community Planning Workshops, ActionStrategy, or for technical assistance - please contact Laird Jones, Economic Development Coordinator, at 1-907-463-7177.
Important Documents and Links: