BEAR Group Meets with Dept of Defense, Continues Work to Protect Anchorage Economy

Mayor's Office

9/9/2015

ANCHORAGE — Today, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz convened the second meeting of the Base Economic Analysis Review (BEAR) group. On July 8th, after learning of the potential force reduction at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Mayor Berkowitz immediately reached out to the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment for assistance. Mayor Berkowitz launched the BEAR group in late July, responding to the Department of Defense’s decision to reduce the 4-25th Brigade Combat Team from JBER by 2017.

“We need good information to make the right decisions moving ahead. OEA and BEAR will help us identify and understand the economic and community impacts associated with any potential personnel reductions. At the same time, we will continue to work with the Governor and our Congressional delegation to reverse the decision,” said Mayor Berkowitz.

The Municipality has applied for an OEA planning grant to assess the economic impacts on Anchorage and the region as well as to develop a strategy for offsetting those potential impacts. The meeting today will include Ric Solander, a representative of the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment, (OEA) who will brief the BEAR group on its work to assist Anchorage.

The BEAR group will next focus on two key tasks:

  • Identify and develop areas where the Municipality can partner with the military on joint services to create efficiencies and cost-savings to the military.
  • Engage the community to strengthen and illustrate Anchorage’s appreciation of the military members and spouses living and working in the Municipality.

Early estimates provided by the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) suggest that the proposed reduction of 2,631 active duty personnel and 3,500 military dependents will substantially impact local businesses providing services to the military, the housing and rental market, work force availability, and local spending.

For more information, contact Myer Hutchinson at (907) 343-7133.

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