2022 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Our mission is to advance a successful business climate by attending to the civic, economic, and cultural betterment of our community. We achieve this through three channels: advocacy, connectivity and education.
ADVANCING BUSINESS ADVANCING ANCHORAGE
2022 LEGISLATIVE
01
Support Funding Solutions for the Port of Alaska
The Anchorage Chamber recognizes that the Port of Alaska is our most critical piece of infrastructure and urgently in need of rebuilding. A cooperative approach between the city, state and federal governments to provide funding for the project is progressing. We encourage the state to proceed with the appropriate degree of urgency in supporting this project. *Read further to see updates on the Port of Alaska.
Support Workforce Development
02
Anchorage Chamber members require a diverse and available workforce. We encourage the state to act on: Expediting licensing and background checks Increasing reciprocity between states with similar high licensing standards Childcare availability Provide funding and support for higher education Trade development through training
PRIORITIES
03
Develop and Implement a Long-Term, Sustainable Fiscal Plan
A sustainable, stable fiscal plan will encourage development in the state. We encourage continuing attempts to prioritize programs, search for efficiencies, streamline and simplify state processes while also ensuring necessary state services are properly funded.
Promote Diversification of Alaska Economy
04
The state is overly dependent on one industry as a source of revenue to fund government expenditures. Accordingly, the Anchorage Chamber strongly supports the state taking appropriate measures to promote diversification of our economy. These must include responsible oil and gas development along with minerals, forestry, coal, fish, tourism, airports, construction and health care for Alaskans.
REASONS TO SUPPORT THE PORT OF ALASKA MODERNIZATION PROGRAM (P.A.M.P.)
The Port of Alaska is the lynchpin of Alaska’s supply chain and economy: 90% of Alaskans rely on goods shipped through the Port of Alaska Half of all Alaska inbound fright crosses Anchorage’s docks, with half of that freight being delivered to final destinations outside of Anchorage. Receives 75% of all non-petroleum marine cargo shipped to Alaska and 100% of all aviation gas Supported $14.3 Billion in statewide commercial activity in 2019
Alaskans’ food security is at risk: Food security means more than grocery store goods, it also includes fuel, tools, and transportation that all contribute to subsistence food security. It would take over 700 Boeing 747s per week to sustain Alaska’s demand Alaskans’ food security is at high risk due to the deteriorating condition of the support piles
THE CARGO DOCKS’ SUPPORT PILES ARE FAILING: 20% of pilings have failed at the Port of Alaska’s “newer” cargo dock 1,400 pilings are still seismically unstable while 1,000 have been jacketed to assist with support. No further jacketing can be done. Portions of the dock have already been derated and engineers expect further reductions in load capacity will be necessary in the coming years ALASKANS ARE IN A RACE AGAINST TIME TO REPLACE THE CARGO DOCKS: Time is of the essence to replace the cargo docks Preliminary engineering will be completed by the end of 2022 and permitting is underway A design contract will be awarded in 2023 and a construction contract awarded in 2025 MULTIPLE SOURCES ARE NEEDED TO FINANCE THE REMAINING PHASES OF THE PAMP: The project needs an estimated $1 billion in funding by 2025 The project management team (JACBOS), third party consultants and port users are reviewing ways to reduce construction costs and time The Municipality of Anchorage passed a $165M revenue bond to continue the permitting and design processes A federal judge ruled favorably in the MARAD lawsuit with the award amount to be determined The Municipality of Anchorage is pursuing federal funding through the federal infrastructure bill and other programs THE MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE NEEDS $600M FROM THE STATE OF ALASKA TO PRESERVE ALASKANS’ FOOD SECURITY: The $600M will be used to construct a seismically resilient Terminal 1, the general-purpose cargo dock. Any funds that cannot be raised via state and federal sources will result in a tariff increase for all Alaskans
FOR MORE OF OUR WORK, VISIT ANCHORAGECHAMBER.ORG/REPORT-T0-MEMBERSHIP
WHAT WE DO Awarded Five Star Accreditation in 2015 and 2019 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Participates in exclusive U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (CCC100) meetings to discuss leadership, policy, and best practices of chamber executives across the nation. Initiated the 2020 Diversity Program to better serve the business community by becoming a more open, inclusive, and diverse organization. Maintains a vast reach through a weekly newsletter distributed to nearly 4,000 individuals. Manages the largest Young Professional Group in the state to educate and grow the future of Alaska. Continues communication efforts to help local businesses to navigate pandemic relief through the COVID-19 resources page. Hosts the largest Military Appreciation Events in Alaska and received Alaska Legislature citation for the 25th Anniversary. Lead the implementation of a Roadmap to a Vital and Safe Anchorage (R.V.S.A.). This working group focuses on making Anchorage more resilient and sustainable by activating downtown, making it easier to do business, and incentivizing investment. Honored by the Small Business Administration as the Alaska Division Veteran Service Advocate. Awarded the Alaska Chamber’s “2018 Local Chamber of Commerce of the Year” Award. Supported and joined OneAlaska which ultimately defeated Ballot Measure 1.
ADVOCACY
CONNECTIVITY Facilitating networking events is a priority for the Chamber to help its members create new relationships and expand their business while making valuable business connections.
EDUCATION From industry updates, municipal and government reports, to economic forecasts and new industry outlooks, the Chamber covers it all through a variety of programs.
WHO WE ARE
Acts as the voice for Anchorage businesses by advocating an agenda for all Alaskans and supports funding for the Port of Alaska which is the largest means of importing goods.
OUR CONTACT Reach out to our team
1016 W. 6TH AVE. SUITE 303, ANCHORAGE, AK 99501 (907) 272-2401 INFO@ANCHORAGECHAMBER.ORG WWW.ANCHORAGECHAMBER.ORG The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Alaska. Founded in 1915 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is a not-forprofit 501(c)(6) member-driven business organization representing over 800 companies and a regional workforce of approximately 50,000. For over 100 years, we have served as a resource where our members can gain business knowledge, insight, and strength as business professionals.