The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About09142026 Laydown KPEDD PresentationKENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT Building a Stronger Kenai Peninsula - Together Seward City Council l September 14, 2026 Annual Report: evaluating KPEDD's regional strategy and progress as we look head K'PE KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director 1 cassidi@kpedd.org I www.kpedd.org OUR ROLE KPEDD turns regional priorities into action Research. Convening. Partnerships. Funding. Implementation support. r � REGIONAL STRATEGY Maintain the CEDS as the Peninsula's shared roadmap for resilience, community well-being and economic opportunity. DATA -* DECISIONS Build usable research, assessments and GIS tools so communities can act from a common set of facts. PARTNERS -* PROJECTS Connect municipalities, industry, education, funders and state/federal partners around implementable projects. L QUALITY OF LIFE Treat housing, childcare, workforce and infrastructure as economic fundamentals - not side issues. L Mission: leadership to foster and promote responsible and sustainable economic development. KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director I cassidi@kpedd.org 2026-2031 L Three goals organize the work The last year has moved KPEDD from planning toward implementation across these connected priorities. 0 Natural Resources & Infrastructure Housing supply • energy diversification • transportation • resilience • innovation 0 Social & Community Well - Being Childcare • education • healthcare • retaining families • attracting individuals and families 0 Economic Opportunity Workforce • small business • industry diversification • affordability • partnerships The through -line: strengthen the conditions that allow people, employers and communities to thrive. KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director I cassidi@kpedd.org 411 A YEAR OF DELIVERY What KPEDD advanced A portfolio of connected work - not isolated projects. r EDS Completed the 2026-2031 regional strategy and shifted toward implementation. Lhttps://kpedd.org/ceds/ flCHILDCARF Developing the childcare economic impact study and live GIS capacity mapping to frame childcare as workforce infrastructure. ttps://kpedd.org/research/childcare/ HOUSING Completed the regional Housing Assessment with community -specific findings and practical tools. Lhttps://kpedd.org/research/housing/ GIS &DATA Expanded mapping for housing, transportation, childcare, population, education, employers and industries. WORKFORCE Advanced the regional technical -training concept with AVTEC, KPBSD, KPC, City of Kenai and industry. rARICULTURE Moved equipment and business support from planning into deployment, outreach and long-term stewardship. KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director I cassidi@kpedd.org SEWARD SPOTLIGHT KPEDD 2026 Industry Overview Forum Seward as the Catalyst for Economic Growth Interconnected Economic Sectors • Infrastructure & transportation, Supply Chain Logistics • Housing & community needs • Energy Infrastructure, Housing and Education • Mariculture & the blue economy • Small business & entrepreneurship • Economic outlook & investment As a premier deepwater port and the home of state -level maritime research and technical training, Seward serves as the vital geographic anchor where multi- million dollar infrastructure upgrades, coastal mariculture innovation, and regional energy initiatives converge. By seamlessly aligning municipal strategy with foundational housing, K-12 education, and localized AVTEC workforce pipelines, Seward transforms these diverse regional economic priorities into a single, unified blueprint for long-term sustainable growth across the Kenai Peninsula. i KPEDD 2026 INDUSTRY OVERVIEW FORUM Informing Today. Building Tomorrow. Strengthening the Kenai Peninsula_ f SPRINU 2U2r Gateway to Opportunity 'LC,. (r aseadr_, Y sit HLGIONAL PARTNERS, INDUSTRY LEADERS. COMMUNITY VOICES. A STRATEGIC CONVERSATION FOR OUR REGION'S FUTURE The KPEDD Industry Overview Forum brings together business leaders, poficymakers, industry experts. and community stakeholders to explore the forces shaping the Kenai Peninsula's economy and identify opportunities for collaboration and growth. LL By working together, we can strengthen our economy. support Deer industries, and builda more resilient future for the Kenai Peninsula. 9 WHY IT MATTERS r Shore wedge and industry Strengthen regional partnerships I identify sdutions to stared challenge, FORUM FOCUS AREAS CI) INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION Strengthening porn roach, w attles. and caraP corlswernty to wwor, emrwnar sewed. HOUSING & COMMUNITY NEEDS Ad fuming ncesione howwy, d•x«., and ....ride taste aity s ENERGY B NATURAL RESOURCES esaorirg «rm awrvecarbn. remurn, &wlgn..a, and e rW.o.rrxr.tal st.w'dshp. ,11 Podtion the region for sutra nable, long-term growth KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT MARICULTURE & BLUE ECONOMY Achano g suat.iruhle aduarvAve. Menne rnduttrxs. WWI eteau-brua i revvedan SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP S upadating lyre ImInrssea. «oref«re d.relopeerrt «.d e nt,epren«.t,.l gacrodt, ECONOMIC OUTLOOK ▪ INVESTMENT Wdrnta dnt *scow* mods ad.nr.c,ag ...esmiw w Tong -term p'o.penty. Stay informed and yet involved. Visit 4 pudd. -g for updates and forum details. KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director I cassidi@kpedd.org HOUSING AS ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE The Housing Assessment connects directly to growth If workers cannot find housing, workforce and industry strategies cannot succeed. 2026 ANNUAL REPORT 2026 KPEDD HOUSING ASSESSMENT During the reporting period, KPEDD completed the 2026 Kenai Peninsula Housing Assessment, providing a comprehensive analysis of nousing conditions, development opportunities, and long-term cdmmunity needs across the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Developed through extensive collaboration with economists, municipal planners, builders, real estate professionals, property managers, private lenders, RurAL CAP, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), and other regional partners, the assessment examined the factors contributing to the Borough's housing challenges while identifying practical solutions tailored to individual communities. Using demographic trends, market data, housing affordability, and local development patterns, the assessment evaluated how housing shortages affect workforce recruitment, economic growth, and community sustainability. Because each community on the Kenai Peninsula has unique development standards, Infrastructure capacity, and zoning requirements, the report also distinguishes community -specific barriers and opportunities rather than relying on a one -size -fits -all approach. The completed Housing Assessment serves as a strategic resource for communities, decision -makers, and funding artners by providing data -driven recommendations that pport responsible residential development, strengthen improve housing availabilit su la. OUR COMMITMENT KPEDD remains committed to advancing solutions that create re housing opportunities, support workforce stability, anc enhance the quality of life for all residents of the Kenai Peninsula Borough. UNDERSTANDING THE REGION'S HOUSING NEEDS AREAS OF FOCUS The Housing Assessment examined opportunities to: • Increase housing affordability across the Borough •Ezpand housing c'holces for seniors, families, anti the workforce • Encourage incremental residential development • coentity regulatory barriers affecting new housing nstruction •Support infrastructure improvements needed for future growth •Explore Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUsj and other flexible housing options • Evaluate Community Land Trust models and innovative housing strategies •Strengthen partnerships between local governments, developers, lenders, and housing organizations •Preserve the unique character of Kenai Peninsula commun hies white supporting sustainable growth POPULATION GROWTH Change since 2020 change 2020 2023 2024 Kenai Peninsula Borough Anchorage Mat -Su Borough Alaska 4.395. 58,799 61,350 -0210 291,247 290,261 stk. to],Pen 116,313 I.IY 733,391 741,147 l rid sao,s Sauce,ll.S. Census 9,raau, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population nrm KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 1 1 1 Availability Workforce Families Expand inventory and housing choices - not simply track price. Pair talent pipelines with places for workers to live. Support long-term community stability and retention. Implementation Use local levers, infrastructure strategy and funding resources to move projects. By uniting data, cooperative models, and strategic funding, KPEDD drives the connections necessary to achieve sustainable, locally - driven economic solutions. www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director I cassidi@kpedd.org SEWARD HOUSING SNAPSHOT A strong economy is colliding with a very thin housing market The challenge is not one number - it is supply, seasonality, land and infrastructure working together. 2,526 2025 population L r +2.1% 2025 population growth $439K median single-family sale price r 27 single-family sales in 2025 L J r What stakeholders told us Where the City already has tools • Missing -middle and affordable multi -unit housing is scarce. • Developer reimbursement support for utilities and roads. • ADUs allowed with a building permit. • Short-term rentals reduce year-round supply. • Higher building -height limits to improve apartment • Flat, buildable land is constrained. feasibility. Utility and road extension costs remain a major barrier. KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director 1 cassidi@kpedd.org FROM FINDINGS TO LEVERe Practical choices that can unlock housing KPEDD can help connect local decisions with data, peer examples and funding pathways. Land affordability Expand discounted lots + build -ready terms Lower entry cost Utilities & infrastructure Target water/sewer extensions Unlock feasible density Zoning & permitting Enable ADUs, missing -middle + infill More unit types / faster delivery Seasonal & project housing Plan temporary workforce capacity Protect local rentals CEDS alignment Tie housing to workforce + diversification Stabilize labor capacity Localization drives real impact. KPEDD aligns housing market evaluations directly with community needs, ensuring long-term regional relevance. KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director I cassidi@kpedd.org Kenai Peninsula Workforce Industry & Readiness Engine KPEN WIRE A Shared Regional Framework for Workforce Development Maximizing Regional Impact The Instructional Service Center functions to complement and significantly expand training services throughout the Kenai Peninsula Borough without reducing our core local investments. Strengthening Seward's Economy Scaling up vocational capacity region - wide creates an interconnected talent pipeline that directly protects and sustains Seward's maritime, tourism, and foundational industries. Mutual & Shared Success Broadening workforce access stabilizes the regional marketplace —ensuring every borough community, especially Seward, benefits from a resilient and highly skilled local labor force. Expand access. Grow capacity. Retain talent. Strengthen A VTEC. Build Alaska's workforce from within. KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www-kpedd_org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director I cassidi@kpeddorg \�� Kenai Peninsula Workforce & Industry Readiness Engine KPEN WIRE A Shared Regional Framework for Workforce Development r A RISING TIDE FLOATS ALL BOATS AVTEC is a cornerstone of Alaska's workforce - development system and an important economic asset for Seward. KPEN WIRE is designed to strengthen that mission —not relocate or replace it —by expanding AVTEC's reach through an additional instructional service center on the central Kenai Peninsula. Greater geographic access can help AVTEC serve and attract more students, increase training capacity in high - demand programs, and ultimately grow the pool of skilled Alaska workers available to employers across the Peninsula and statewide. KENAI PENINSULA F.CON U MIC DEVELO`MENT ll151 KIL ,0K... CONVENE COORDINATE " ADVOCATE INVEST arm , Our PaP6. ur Future A collaborative workforce development ecosystem creating local opportunities for Kenai Peninsula residents to live, work, play, and thrive. AV • rec KPENWIR KENAI PENINSULA WORKFORCE & INDUSTRY READINESS ENGINE PEOPLE I PARTNERSHIPS l OPPORTUNITIES I THRIVING COMMUNITIES AVTEC HANDS-ON TRAINING REAL -WORLD SKILLS KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH COMMUNITY SUPPORT & INVESTMENT W • KPEDD REGIONAL LEADERSHIP & COORDINATION A STRONGER KENAI PENINSULA A BRIGHTER ALASKA SKILLED PEOPLE. VIBRANT COMMUNITIES. LASTING OPPORTUNITIES. KENAI PENINSULA COLLEGE EDUCATION PATHWAYS FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS 31 City of Kenai CITY OF KENAI INFRASTRUCTURE & OPPORTUNITY 11 a INDUSTRY PARTNERS JOBS, MENTORSHIP & CAREER PATHWAYS ram_ - 4 0- • +N. LOCAL TALENT. BRIGHTER FUTURES. FOR THE KENAI PENINSULA. FOR ALASKA. A READY WORKFORCE Preparing residents for high -demand careers across all industries. STRONGER BUSINESSES A reliable local talent pipeline helps businesses grow and innovate. THRIVING COMMUNITIES Good jobs keep families here, building vibrant, resilient communities. A STRONGER ALASKA A skilled workforce positions the Kenai Peninsula — and our state — for long-term economic success, LEARN SKILLS FOR REAL OPPORTUNITIES WORK BUILD MEANINGFUL CAREERS O PLAY ENJOY INCREDIBLE PLACES THRIVE STRONG PEOPLE. STRONGER COMMUNITIES. www.kpedd.org cassidika kpedd.org Cassidi Cameron Executive Director DEVELOP • RETAIN • ATTRACT • ADVANCE — LIVE • WORK • PLAY • THRIVE KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director I cassidi@kpedd.org COMMUNITY CAPACITY Childcare + GIS turn hidden constraints into visible data Economic development depends on the systems that let people participate in the workforce. 2026 ANNUAL REPORT GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM MAPPING KPEDD's Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tools provide critical data and visual insights that support Informed oecrsom -making, strategic planning, and economic develapsnt across the Kenai Peninsula. e 0 TRANSPORTATION Public Transportation infrastructure is a critical component of every thriving economy. Public transportation increases access to jobs, reduces traffic congestion. lowers travel costs per capita, drives investment, and creates new employment opportunities. KPE DO'S transportation map highlights the individual routes and routine stops made by all Peninsula providers. CHILDCARE Childcare centers area necessity fora thriving economy with high worldorce participation rates- Outside of It-1-2 schools, childcare service centers support early childhood development. increase economic mobility. boost tax rev -eerie, encourage gender equality in the workforce, and drive economic growth. Areas withwR access to childcare experience stagnation in business growth. higher unemployment rates, and lower levels in overall spending, The childcare map tests current childcare providers on the Peninsula and highlights 15-minute drive time zones to identify any areas without reasonable access to services. HOUSING hloesing supports workforce availability- drives jab creation, and stimulates consumer spending, Adequate and affordable housing allows workers to Gee near employment opportunities- helping businesses recruit and retain employees while enabling communities to grow. A strong housing supply helps attract investment. supports population growth, and strengthens long-term economic resilience, The Lousing -specific map details the nunbar of sales, age, price per square font, and median sales price in 2025_ us, CORK i KPEDD Transportation Dashboard raaaaeeeeet.,wesyees - liesicUleirileiseLliateSerina seisalenesielhinet Ancarpry • mic LLC KPE0C_ rr,getstas tbp 1� r� y 7 .� KPEDD KPB Drive Times for Childcare Centers Dashboard Chlaews Creme came s gun rr.ra.au ameereinmem .ar,einaeCanns Omer jgleeew awrar.. KPEDD 2025 Home Sakes Analysis Dashboard Map r Childcare KPEDD is quantifying how childcare availability affects labor - force participation, retention, employer costs and family stability - supported by a live regional GIS map. GIS + decision tools Current mapping work brings together housing, transportation, childcare, migration, education, workforce capacity, leading employers and industry trends for planning and site -selection decisions. KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director 1 cassidi@kpedd.org COMMUNITY CAPACITY What Does It Take to Build a Thriving Kenai Peninsula? Understanding Childcare's Crucial Role in Economic Vitality and Quality of Life Childcare Infrastructure In partnership with Hyper, KPEDD is developing a Childcare Impact Study to quantify how localized care shortages act as an economic barrier on the Peninsula. By uncovering the direct link between childcare availability and workforce participation, this study aims to build data -driven strategies that strengthen both regional business growth and family economic mobility. On The Kenai Peninsula... • Workforce Deficits: Childcare challenges cost local working families an estimated $215 million in lost wages. • Productivity Drains: Employers shoulder $350 million in productivity losses due to staffing disruptions and high turnover. • Expansion Opportunities: Over 2,200 children lack slots, highlighting a massive regional L...._ demand for expanded care services. Economic Impacts of Childcare- Evaluation of Childcare as Infrastructure: COMING SOON! KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT www.kpedd.org I Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director I cassidi@kpedd.org DIVERSIFICATION & RESILIENCE Growing opportunity from the Peninsula's assets KPEDD is helping emerging sectors move from ideas to durable economic infrastructure. Build Back Better (BBB) Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) Mariculh.r.—the famn.ng of shellfish and seaweed —is becoming on :citing new opportunity lo. Atasko•s coos -tot communities. creating potent.ol for new lobs. local businesses. and ...rota growth. Throughout the first quarter o1 2026, KPE DO confined wanking with partners across the region to help build the foundation needed for this grovang industry to succeed on the Kenai P.mnsula. Much of the work focused on developing the tools, equipment, and ,nfrostructur► that loco' grown need to.:pond their operotrons. Progress was mad. on a shellfish nursery system that helps young shrill is grow before being ploced on forms. and on industrial seaweed processing moch,ne was completed and is scheduled to orrive to Horner this spring. These investments are helping create resources that can support bath current and future ,none allure producers. Beyond infrastructure. o rotor focus has been rnlroduc.ng more people to the moriculture industry and the opportunities it eon provide Mrs summer, visitors and residents will have opportunities to 10001 more through maricu'ture tours of Homer HorborFest and Interactive exhibits such os the 'Kelp Kiddie Corner of Soimo nt.st These events ore designed to give people a firsthand look of how ...fish and seaweed farming work. ti.e products being developed. and the roe morrcuMure con ploy In Alaska's future. The growth of moncullur. .s mode possible through collaboroten among KPEDD, community members, growers. loco! governments. tribal orgonisot.ons, and regional partners. By working together. the region .s helping great• new economic opporhenities while supporting sustainable use of Alaska's coastal resources- As the Industry continues to develop. these efforts will help ensure that communities ocrou the Kenai Peninsula are well -positioned to benefit from this emerging sector. v.....rs...altar:viz, :• (1 ' f HIGHLIGHTS • Dereioprng cnt.Co: equipment and �0 ,n,.truct. to support local growers and empanel operations Completed an .drama' seaweed processing machine. arriving ,n Horsier this spring. Engaging the comnsrnay ,*+rough nariculture roue at Homer rearborFest and -Kelp Kiddie Come. at $oinpnest. Colloboroting with growers, common... tribal argonisa loos, I,xol governments, and regional partners. r r Mariculture: from grant activity to industry capacity • Business planning and capital -access support • Processing equipment procurement and deployment • Long-term equipment custody and maintenance frameworks • Public outreach and regional market visibility • Partnerships connecting growers, processors, tourism and research The larger goal: diversify the economy while keeping value, skills and infrastructure rooted in Peninsula communities. L https://kpedd.org/industries/mariculture/ 41111 www.kpedd.org Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director cassidi@kpedd.org KENAI PENINSULA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT Stronger together. Building opportunity. Advancing our future. THANK YOU Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Questions + discussion Cassidi Cameron, Executive Director cassidi@kpedd.org I www.kpedd.org KEN, 1)1' P£NINSI fA KCONOMIl. LOPMFNT THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT Together, we are building a resilient, diversified economy that enhances the quality of life for all residents of the Kenai Peninsula. nl OUR MISSION LEADERSHIP TO FOSTER AND PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHAT WE DO COMMUNITY& STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION ECONOMIC RESEARCH & PLANNING FUNDING & GRANT INDUSTRY GROWTH ADMINISTRATION & DIVERSIFICATION WWW.KPEDD.ORG Q 907-283-3335 O 14896 KENAI SPUR IiWY, SUITE 103A KENAI, AK 99611 BUSINESS ASSISTANCE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 6a S'Gtaoftev