I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, under the authority of art. III, secs. 1 and 24, of the Alaska Constitution, establish the Alaska Diversified Economic Planning Team.
Purpose
The purpose of this Order is to create the Alaska Diversified Economic Planning Team (“planning team”) to establish and prepare a framework for the state’s future economic growth and to set state economic development goals and missions. The planning team shall identify the state’s strengths and weaknesses in economic development and determine practical strategies to implement both short-term and long-term economic development and economic diversification goals. The planning team shall develop a statewide strategic comprehensive economic development plan to guide the state now and in the future and develop a blueprint on how to respond to current economic conditions.
Alaska’s economic planning effort would be known as the “LEGACY” Plan. The name “LEGACY” is used to reflect two central goals of the plan. One goal is that this planning effort be an ongoing project used by successive administrations. It is not designed to produce a static document that is read and not used. Second, the name “LEGACY” reflects that a successful state plan would be a tool to shape the next 50 years of Alaska’s history. The plan is designed to reflect goals of providing jobs for Alaskans and diversifying the overall state economy.
The enumerated “LEGACY” goals are
- Lead Alaska to energy independence with an “all of the above” approach;
- Education, training, and workforce development;
- Global and national competitiveness of Alaska businesses and industries;
- Assist development of infrastructure and reduce transportation costs;
- Create jobs by promoting a favorable investment and regulatory climate; and
- Yearly benchmarks in standard-based development.
Background
Coordination among agencies that have a role in shaping state economic development policies and plans is necessary to eliminate duplication and better utilize state resources to create a long-term and ongoing state economic development plan. A comprehensive long-term plan would permit fiscal predictability and workforce development, lay a foundation for diversified economic development in all regions of the state, and enhance global and national competitiveness of Alaskan businesses and industries. It would permit the development of infrastructure needed for economic development, promote education and training, and improve utilization of all of Alaska’s energy resources. Both the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority are already engaged in strategic long-term planning to improve the economy. With the cooperation of other state agencies, this planning and coordination can be enhanced to further economic development and make sure that resources are used wisely.
The coordination of the “LEGACY” Plan for economic development initiatives can be furthered through improved interagency planning at the state level. Therefore, the role of the planning team is to facilitate and enhance the coordination and integration of the “LEGACY” Plan and economic development policy and initiatives throughout the state.
Duties
The planning team shall serve as the advisory committee to the governor to develop policy and procedural recommendations for the “LEGACY” Plan and existing and future state strategic economic development plans and policies, and provide a forum for interaction with the private sector, local governments, boroughs, tribes, and other interested parties throughout the state. These plans and policies are administered primarily through the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation; the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; and the Alaska Energy Authority.
The planning team shall perform the following duties:
- identify state, federal, and local government agencies, and private entities that support or prepare economic development plans;
- identify, at the state, federal, and local levels, barriers to coordination that serve to inhibit strategic and diversified economic development;
- recommend the removal of barriers that inhibit economic development in the state and recommend affirmative measures to promote economic development in the state;
- propose changes in statutes or regulations that would facilitate strategic economic development;
- reach out to and involve stakeholders in economic development, including representatives from the private, public, and non-profit sectors;
- develop mechanisms and incentives for creating in the state a diversified and strong economy that makes use of the state’s abundant energy resources, workforce, educational facilities, and strategic location;
- identify potential financing needed to foster long-term economic development throughout all regions in the state; and
- prepare and issue the “LEGACY” Plan, a strategic and comprehensive economic development plan that can be updated annually and provide a blueprint for future generations.
Membership
The planning team consists of seven voting members, as follows:
- the commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, or the commissioner’s designee; that person shall serve as chair;
- the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, or the commissioner’s designee;
- a representative from the office of the governor;
- the chair of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, or the chair’s designee;
- the executive director of the Alaska Energy Authority, or the executive director’s designee;
- the executive director of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, or the executive director’s designee.
Other Provisions
The planning team may set operating procedures as bylaws and establish standing and workgroup committees as it considers appropriate. Workgroup committees may include individuals who are not members of the planning team.
A planning team member does not receive compensation as a member of the planning team. Per diem and travel expenses for a member of the planning team are the responsibility of the state agency, authority, or entity that the member represents.
The planning team may use teleconferencing or other electronic means, to the extent practicable, in order to gain the widest public participation at minimum cost.
Meetings of the planning team shall be conducted, and notice of regular meetings provided, in accordance with AS 44.62.310 and 44.62.312 (open meetings of governmental bodies). A majority of appointed voting members of the planning team constitutes a quorum for conducting business.
Records of the planning team are subject to inspection and copying as public records under AS 40.25.100 – 40.25.295 (Alaska Public Records Act).
Support Services
The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority shall provide administrative support for the planning team.
Duration
The planning team shall forward its initial report to the governor on or before December 15, 2009 and shall provide to the governor an updated report on or before December 15 of each calendar year thereafter. This Order takes effect immediately.
DATED at Juneau, Alaska this 21st day of January, 2009.
/s/Sarah Palin
Governor
