HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2025-121 Child CareSponsored by:Council Member Warner
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-121
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA,ESTABLISHING CHILD CARE AS AN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY AND DIRECTING THE CITY
ADMINISTRATION TO INCLUDE CHILD CARE IN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND STRATEGIES
WHEREAS,the Seward 2030 Comprehensive Plan identifies equitable access to
education,family well-being,and workforce readiness as core community values that directly
affect Seward’s economic vitality;and
WHEREAS,the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District’s (KPEDD)2025 State
ofthe Economy report highlights that while the Borough gained approximately 200 children per
year between 2019 and 2023,Seward’s population declined by 8.6%,indicating that young
families are leaving due to limited supports such as housing and child care;and
WHEREAS,2025 Seward Comprehensive Plan Survey data show that residents view
affordable housing,indoor recreation,and child care as top needs for supporting a year-round
economy.Over one-third of respondents stated that the lack of child care directly affects their
ability to work or operate a business,while others noted that becoming a licensed provider is
difficult and not financially viable;and
WHEREAS,the Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB)recognizes quality early
care and education as essential to workforce readiness,economic stability,and crime reduction;
and
WHEREAS,the 2024 Governor’s Task Force on Child Care found that 61%of Alaskans
live in child care deserts,Alaska has lost nearly 10%of its licensed child care providers since 2020,
and called for public-private partnerships to increase affordability and accessibility statewide;and
WHEREAS,research by the U.S.Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Alaska
Chamber of Commerce (Untapped Potential:How Child Care Impacts Alaska ‘s Workforce
Productivity and the State Economy,2021)shows that Alaska’s economy loses approximately
$165 million each year due to child care breakdowns,including $152 million in employer costs
and $13 million in lost tax revenue.Reliable child care enables approximately 50,000 Alaskans to
work,generating $4.6 billion in annual earnings;and
WHEREAS,strengthening child care availability aligns with KPEDD’s Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)goals to support sustainable growth,increase labor force
participation,and reduce barriers to employment;and
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-121
WHEREAS,the Seward 2030 Comprehensive Plan prioritizes a balanced economy that
serves both residents and visitors,supporting infrastructure that benefits families,education,and
small businesses.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD,ALASKA,that:
Section 1.The City of Seward hereby recognizes that child care is a form of economic
development infrastructure,essential to workforce participation,job creation,and long-term
community sustainability.
Section 2.The City Council hereby directs the Administration to:(a)Include child care in
City economic development planning,strategies,and partnerships;(b)Coordinate with the Kenai
Peninsula Economic Development District (KPEDD),the Seward Chamber of Commerce,and
other partners to support development of licensed child care programs and facilities,subject to
available funding and applicable law.
Section 3.This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward,Alaska this 1
5th
day of December 2025.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA7L
Sue McClure,Mayor
U
Li
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Barnwell,Calhoon,Crites,Osenga,Draper,Warner,McClure
None
None
None
1A—
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
U