The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (KPEDD) presented its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for 2026 to 2031 at the 2025 KPEDD Industry Overview Forum on April 24, reflecting on where the borough has been and where we go from here. The strategy kick-off, led by economic development consultant Dr. Alyssa Rodrigues, emphasized resilience, collaboration, and preparation for the challenges ahead.
Central to the discussion were three urgent priorities: housing, childcare, and transportation—all viewed as critical for supporting a thriving workforce, according to the participation in the room from community members, local leaders, and stakeholders.
Housing overwhelmed the conversation, identifying as a top priority in various potential future scenarios ranging from the LNG pipeline going through to the cost of fuel doubling.
This priority aligned with the widespread need that was highlighted by the housing statistics. Nearly 27% of residents are cost-burdened, 59% report poor indoor air quality, and a significant number live in drafty or substandard homes. Dr. Rodrigues noted, “Housing really is the theme of the day.”
Childcare access has its fair share of challenges that directly impact our workforce. According to the presentation, only 800 childcare spots exist across 16 businesses, leaving many families without options. “If we’re going to have a thriving workforce, we need places for kids to go,” said Rodrigues.
Transportation challenges were outlined in detail, including inconsistent commercial air service, statewide marine transportation budget cuts, and limited rail access. These limitations pose a hindrance to the borough’s economic growth and prove to be a focus for the future.
To prepare the borough for different economic futures, KPEDD is conducting a SWOT analysis to evaluate the borough’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This presentation was just the first of many where the community can voice what they believe the needs are for their communities. Moving forward, KPEDD plans to engage the public through community forums and structured conversations. The guiding principles of the strategy are clear: resiliency and consistency.
