The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutRES2025-121 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 of the 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 15th day of December 2025. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: Barnwell, Calhoon, Crites, Osenga, Draper, Warner, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: P City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: December 15, 2025 To: City Council From: Council Member Warner Subject: Resolution 2025-121: Establishing Child Care as an Economic Development Activity and Directing the City Administration to Include Child Care in Economic Development Planning and Strategies Background and justification: This resolution establishes child care as an economic development activity within the City of Seward, aligning City policy with state and regional initiatives that recognize early care and learning as vital infrastructure for a stable and thriving economy. The Seward Comprehensive Plan Survey Analysis Report (2025) revealed that families and employers consistently identify the lack of child care as a barrier to workforce participation and business operations. Many residents noted that "employees cannot work due to lack of child care" and that "becoming a licensed child care provider is difficult and not financially viable." These challenges directly impact Seward's ability to retain families, sustain small businesses, and maintain year-round employment. Respondents also prioritized affordable housing, family recreation, and educational opportunities, showing broad community support for infrastructure investments that make Seward livable for families. The Plan's Vision section emphasizes community connection, safety, and support for young families, all of which depend on reliable child care systems. The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (KPEDD) 2025 State of the Economy report identifies workforce attraction and retention as central to regional growth, recommending family supportive policies to maintain local employment. This resolution aligns with KPEDD's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy by adding child care to Seward's economic framework alongside housing, workforce, and infrastructure initiatives. The Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) and the Governor's Task Force on Child Care (2024) both emphasize that accessible, high -quality child care is essential for a healthy workforce and strong economy. The Task Force documented that Alaska has lost 10% of licensed providers since 2020 and that 61% of Alaskans live in child care deserts. National and state studies confirm that child care is not merely a social service but a fundamental economic driver. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Alaska Chamber's Untapped Potential study (2021) found that child care shortages cost Alaska's economy $165 million annually in lost productivity and tax revenue. The Role of Early Care & Education in Alaska's Economy (thread, 2023) estimates that 50,000 Alaskans are able to work because of child care availability, generating $4.6 billion in earnings. This resolution creates no immediate fiscal obligation. It provides a framework for collaboration between the City, KPEDD, the Seward Chamber of Commerce, and partners to pursue grants, technical assistance, and partnerships that expand local child care capacity. By integrating child care into economic development planning, Seward can attract and retain families, strengthen small businesses, and stabilize its year-round economy. Recognizing child care as economic development formalizes Seward's commitment to a strong workforce and resilient community. This resolution advances the Seward 2030 Comprehensive Plan's vision for a balanced, family centered, and economically diverse future. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: Strategic Plan: Other: Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: This legislation (✓): Creates revenue in the amount of: Creates expenditure in amount of: Creates a savings in the amount of: Has no fiscal impact X Funds are (✓): Budgeted Line item(s): Not budgeted Not applicable Affected Fund (✓): General Boat Harbor Motor Pool Available Fund Balance X Yes SMIC Parking Other Fund Balance Information Electric Water Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: Wastewater Healthcare Note: amounts are unaudited Finance Director Signature: Administration Recommendation X Adopt Resolution Other: