Economic Systems

The purpose of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is engagement with stakeholders: local governments, businesses, associations, membership organizations, tribes, and State and Federal agencies to implement the collective best practices for the improvement of the regional economy. The CEDS is to be an evolving, guiding document for SWAMC, providing direction that supports economic development in the region backed by quantifiable data and the insight of our leadership.

The Bering Strait Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy: 2019-2024 (CEDS) is the result of a continuous planning process at the local and regional level in the Nome Census Area of Northwestern Alaska. The goal of this process is to provide for sustainable and responsible development that benefits the people of the Bering Strait Region and improves the quality of life through economic opportunity. The current CEDS builds on the work of previous strategy committees and provides strategic direction for organizations and stakeholders in the region for the next five years.

Two significant priorities to accomplish in FY 2015-2016 include identifying sustainable funding and strengthening the capacity and role of the commission as a catalyst for positive Eskimo Walrus Commission: A Business Plan for Sustainability 2015-2020 November 2015. The development of this Business Plan for Sustainability is directly tied with outcomes identified for both of those priorities.

"Through the Bristol Bay CEDS and other initiatives, the region is implementing the Bristol Bay Regional Vision. The Bristol Bay Partnership with Bristol Bay Native Association as the lead organization sponsored the Vision to hear from the people about their hopes and dreams for the future. The CEDS is a planning tool used to map out where Bristol Bay wants to go, reduce redundancies, attract investment, and encourage partnerships."