AEDC Launches Initiative to Attract Remote Workforce to Anchorage
As Americans across the country consider relocating to less densely populated areas due to both COVID-19 concerns and an increasingly decentralized workforce, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) wants to make sure Anchorage is a part of that conversation.
From increased spending at local businesses and restaurants, to bolstering the available workforce with new energy and skill sets, attracting a remote workforce to Anchorage has a direct benefit to the local economy.
“We’re looking to attract remote workers whose lifestyles are a great fit for Anchorage—people who might have been living here all along if it wasn’t for that perfect job tying them to a different city,” said Bill Popp, president and CEO of AEDC. “We see a lot of opportunity here over the next few years and we’re starting out by targeting areas with high concentrations of remote workers, zeroing in on people with interests that complement living in Anchorage, and seeing what kind of response we get.”
AEDC’s newly created landing page for remote workers aims to highlight the perks of living in Anchorage, and provide resources for those considering relocating alongside testimonials from Anchorage residents.
Current Issue
May 2024
With 42 percent of the US labor force currently working from home full time, and companies like Twitter, Slack, Nationwide Insurance, Mastercard, and more announcing plans to continue the option of remote work indefinitely, this is expected to be, for some, a permanent shift in work culture extending far beyond a temporary pandemic response.
“As economic development models diversify from targeting only site selectors and large corporations, the focus instead is on the individual making that choice about where they want to live,” said Emma Irish, director of strategic initiatives at AEDC. “The fact is, Anchorage is already set up for a remote workforce—we have professional co-working spaces, 5G mobile data, 1 GIG internet speeds, and a seemingly endless selection of coffee shops. Now we’re just opening our door and inviting this workforce in.”
AEDC’s message to members of the remote workforce? When you can work from anywhere, live in Anchorage.
Making History
The track of oil and gas development in Alaska shows the footprints of bold companies and hard-working individuals who shaped the industry in the past and continue to innovate today. The May 2024 issue of Alaska Business explores that history while looking forward to new product development, the energy transition for the fishing fleet, and the ethics of AI tools in business.