ANCHORAGE – Today, the Partnership for a New American Economy Research Fund (PNAE) and Welcoming America announced the selection of Anchorage as part of the Gateways for Growth Challenge.
Launched in December 2015, Gateways for Growth invited communities across the United States to apply for research, technical assistance, and matching grants to support the development and implementation of multi-sector strategic plans for welcoming and integrating new community residents. The Municipality received all three levels of the award.
Gateways for Growth Challenge communities are part of a national trend in which local government, business, and civil society leaders embrace research showing that being inclusive toward immigrants and new arrivals helps cities and counties thrive economically.
“We can do much more than simply acknowledge diversity, we can harness it. Anchorage gets strength, resilience and opportunity from the many peoples that make up our community. We are eager to get the data and implement the policies that flow from this grant, and are very thankful for the support from Wells Fargo, the State of Alaska, Partnership for a New American Economy, and Welcoming America,” said Mayor Ethan Berkowitz.
The Gateways for Growth funds match financial support provided by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce and Community Economic Development and Wells Fargo. The Municipality of Anchorage is partnering with the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation and 40 community partners. The funding supports two projects of the Welcoming Anchorage initiative: a multi-sector strategic plan and economic research. The strategic plan will focus on integrating newcomers into Anchorage, whether they arrive from across Alaska, the United States, or from around the world. The economic research will identify how to expand economic integration and entrepreneurship.
“Anchorage is a leader in the broader and growing trend to be more inclusive,” says Executive Director of Welcoming America David Lubell. “Inclusive economic growth strategies that take into account both U.S. and foreign-born communities make cities more vibrant, attractive places for all residents to live, work, and thrive.” PNAE and Welcoming America have produced an interactive map showing similar initiatives across the United States.
For more information, contact Felix Rivera at (907) 343-7150.
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Learn more about Welcoming Anchorage at http://bit.ly/1URJ9xo, The Partnership for a New American Economy at http://www.renewoureconomy.org/ and Welcoming America at http://www.welcomingamerica.org/.