“Creating the Fairbanks economic development vision and strategy is really a community exercise,” said Kathryn Dodge, Economic Development Specialist for the Fairbanks North Star Borough.  She continued, “It’s the Community’s vision and plan, the Borough’s role is to support and facilitate developing and implementing it.”

The project includes several phases, including key stakeholder interviews, an online public survey, a community open house/workshop and an economic development summit.  Results of the effort will help guide local government and community economic development strategies, activities and policies.

Major components of Interior Alaska’s economy include the military, University of Alaska, local, state and federal government, mining, tourism, and oil industries.  Fairbanks, as the rest of Alaska, was hit with a milder version of the economic downturn that started in 2008, losing approximately 600 jobs in 2009 according to the Department of Labor.  Fewer jobs losses are expected in 2010.

“Fairbanks is uniquely positioned both in terms of the make-up of the economy and our far north location. Now we need to hear from our citizens – our entrepreneurs, leaders, and researchers,” said Mayor Hopkins.

For more information on the survey, contact Information Insights at (907) 450-2450.

Though she has not worked with Information Insights before, Emma has contributed photography and graphics work to Fairbanks Shakespeare Theater, the Alaska Summer Research Academy and the UAF College of Natural Science and Mathematics. Emma will be working under Jana Peirce to assist with web development projects, as well as performing some administrative duties as needed.

Modeled on the national scenic byways program, Alaska Scenic Byways is a voluntary program within Alaska DOT&PF, in which communities seek recognition for the special qualities of their most important transportation routes, including historical, natural, cultural, recreational or archeological significance.

Alaska is the only state to include rail and ship routes in its byway collection. Alaska’s byways include nine highways, the Alaska Railroad, and the Alaska Marine Highway, an ocean-based ferry system. The nine highways are the Seward, Sterling, Glenn, Richardson, Parks, Steese, Dalton and Taylor/Top of the World Highway. Each route is distinguished with an Alaska Scenic Byways designation, and four routes—the Seward, Glenn, Parks and Marine Highways—have earned national designation.

This week, Lynne Snifka interviews UAF Snedden Chair and longtime journalist David Offer on the state of journalism today. In addition to Tom, the panel includes Jason Gazewood and Dermot Cole. who discuss the mayoral runoff, Bethel loosening its alcohol restrictions, and Stars and Strikes for the week. See the video at alaska.edu »

Read the full article in Doyon’s e-newsletter.