KEDC COUNCIL RESOURCE

Clear information. Connected work.

A quick, source-linked guide to what the Kodiak Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) is, what the organization has delivered, what is underway, and how the work supports Kodiak’s economy.

Updated July 2026

AT A GLANCE

• Organization: Independent, private nonprofit 501(c)(3)
• Founded: 2021
• Service area: Kodiak Archipelago
• Core role: Convene partners, organize reliable local information, coordinate projects, and help practical work move forward

WHAT KEDC DOES

Economic development is the long-term work of strengthening a community’s economy and quality of life. In Kodiak, that means connecting housing, workforce, business vitality, infrastructure, emerging industries, and reliable local information.

KEDC does not replace the work of government, businesses, schools, tribal organizations, developers, or community groups. KEDC helps partners understand shared needs, align around opportunities, develop useful plans and tools, attract resources, and maintain momentum.

CURRENT WORK

HOUSING
KEDC coordinated the community-driven Kodiak Housing Action Plan and supports continued implementation through the Housing Steering Committee and Housing Action Plan Dashboard. The work turns local concerns and data into an organized roadmap for coordinated action.

Housing overview: https://kodiakedc.com/housing
Housing Action Plan: https://kodiakedc.com/s/Kodiak-HAP-Final-Report_121625.pdf
Housing dashboard: https://kodiakedc.com/hap-dashboard
Voices Across the Island: https://kodiakedc.com/koniag-kana-roundtable

WORKFORCE
KEDC convenes employers, educators, workforce partners, students, jobseekers, and community members to better understand recruitment, retention, training, readiness, and career-pathway needs. The 2026 Kodiak Workforce Forum report summarizes what participants shared and identifies practical follow-up work.

Workforce overview: https://kodiakedc.com/workforce-development
Workforce Forum report: https://kodiakedc.com/s/Kodiak-Workforce-Forum-Report-3.pdf

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY
KEDC listens directly to businesses and community partners, supports relationship-building and technical assistance, and helps local participants understand how needs and opportunities connect across Kodiak’s economy.

Community Value Chains: https://kodiakedc.com/value-chains
Business Climate Analysis 2024: https://kodiakedc.com/bca2024

MARICULTURE AND THE BLUE ECONOMY
KEDC supports grant-funded feasibility work, business planning, partner coordination, and workforce conversations related to mariculture and other emerging opportunities that may diversify Kodiak’s economy.

Mariculture and Blue Economy: https://kodiakedc.com/mariculture

STRATEGY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
KEDC shares public plans, reports, dashboards, events, updates, and leadership information so community members and decision-makers can see both the work and the evidence behind it.

Kodiak Economic Development Strategy: https://kodiakedc.com/kodiak-ceds
How KEDC Serves Kodiak: https://kodiakedc.com/how-kedc-serves-kodiak
Meetings and events: https://kodiakedc.com/meetings-and-events
Updates: https://kodiakedc.com/blog
Mission and vision: https://kodiakedc.com/mission
Board and leadership: https://kodiakedc.com/kedc-board

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS KEDC A CITY DEPARTMENT?
No. KEDC is an independent, private nonprofit 501(c)(3), founded in 2021 and governed by its own board. KEDC works with the City, Borough, tribal organizations, villages, schools, employers, nonprofits, agencies, and other partners when priorities overlap.

WHAT DOES KEDC ACTUALLY DO?
KEDC listens, gathers and organizes information, convenes the right people, develops plans and funding opportunities, and supports follow-through. The visible products include reports, dashboards, forums, grant-supported projects, working groups, public updates, and partner coordination.

DOES KEDC BUILD HOUSING, HIRE WORKERS, OR MAKE PUBLIC POLICY?
Usually, no. KEDC helps the community understand problems, coordinate responses, prepare projects, and attract resources. Government bodies make public policy; employers hire and invest; developers build; educators and training partners prepare workers. KEDC helps those efforts connect.

WHY ARE HOUSING AND WORKFORCE PART OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?
They are inseparable from business vitality and community stability. Employers need workers; workers need attainable housing; students and jobseekers need visible career pathways; and families need a community where they can remain and thrive.

DOES KEDC SERVE ONLY THE CITY OF KODIAK?
No. KEDC’s mission and project work are archipelago-wide. The organization works to include road-system and village perspectives and to connect communities with information, partners, and opportunities.

HOW CAN THE PUBLIC OR COUNCIL TRACK KEDC’S WORK?
Start with the public plans, reports, dashboards, project pages, updates, meetings, and leadership information linked above. KEDC can also provide focused briefings when decision-makers need context on a particular project or emerging issue.

WHAT IS KEDC WORKING ON NOW?
Current work includes Housing Action Plan implementation and data tools; workforce follow-up and public information; Community Value Chains; mariculture and blue-economy planning; direct business listening; and partner technical assistance.

HOW CAN THE CITY COUNCIL WORK EFFECTIVELY WITH KEDC?
Council members can use KEDC’s reports and dashboards as shared reference points, identify questions early, request focused briefings, align City priorities with community and regional work where appropriate, and clarify where policy, funding, infrastructure, or coordination is needed.

QUESTIONS OR A REQUEST FOR A BRIEFING?
KEDC welcomes questions and corrections. If a Council member or City staff member needs a specific source, project update, or short briefing, please contact KEDC.

Contact: https://kodiakedc.com/contact