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AEDC Launches Initiative to Attract Remote Workforce to Anchorage

Sep 8, 2020 | News, Nonprofits, Professional Services

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. 

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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. 

 

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In This Issue
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF ALASKA + INDUSTRY SUPPORT
January 2026
In our first issue of 2026, we are again featuring two special sections: Junior Achievement of Alaska and Industry Support.

We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.

And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.

Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!

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