Report highlights Welcoming Anchorage’s success

National non-profit shows economic gains, livability tied to a Welcoming community

Mayor's Corner

9/17/2018

ANCHORAGE— Anchorage recently ranked in the top 30 of America’s largest cities for its welcoming policies, practices and socioeconomic outcomes for foreign-born residents. The New American Economy (NAE) released its first Cities Index, a national assessment of local integration policies and socioeconomic outcomes for immigrants and refugees. Anchorage earned distinction in Government Leadership, Livability, and Civic Participation.

“In Anchorage, we know that building a more inclusive community makes us more prosperous and resilient,” said Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. “In this place, on traditional Dena’ina lands, we are honored to carry on the traditions of welcoming and proud that NAE recognizes us for leading on this issue.”

Anchorage joined the Welcoming Cities network in 2014 and adopted the Welcoming Anchorage Strategic Roadmap in 2017, identifying the community’s core values – inclusivity, equity, and justice.  In addition to the Strategic Roadmap, the work done through the Welcoming Anchorage initiative has helped the City better understand how Anchorage's diversity is a vital part of our city's future.  According to NAE, foreign-born Anchorage residents contributed $1.9 billion to Anchorage's GDP in 2014, and represented $573 million in spending power.  Foreign-born residents also bring education and experience to our economy, representing 10.3 percent of the labor force in our city, and nearly ten percent of STEM jobs.

Consistent with Welcoming values and NAE assessment criteria, the City recently finalized its Language Access Policy (LAP).  The LAP provides linguistically accessible services for residents and visitors interacting with MOA departments. Also, in the coming weeks, the MOA will launch our “Welcome to Anchorage Guide” website, which will assist newcomers and residents in navigating our city.

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 Welcoming Anchorage Strategic Roadmap

For more information on the NAE Cities Index visit http://www.newamericaneconomy.org/

About New American Economy

New American Economy (NAE) brings together more than 500 Republican, Democratic and Independent mayors and business leaders who support immigration reforms that will help create jobs for Americans today. NAE’s State and Local Initiatives produces original research and works with local leaders to highlight the economic contributions of immigrants and facilitate immigrant integration. Learn more at http://www.newamericaneconomy.org/.

Media contact: Kristin DeSmith, Communications Director, Office of Mayor Berkowitz, (907) 231-2226 or desmithk@muni.org