Anchorage Economic Development Corporation

05/28/2026

AEDC Meets with EXIM, US Trade Resource

AEDC's CEO Jon Bittner and Economic Development Manager Jennifer Adams had the incredible opportunity to meet with Mr. Mitsu Saito, the Regional Director for the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM).

Mitsu was in town for the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, held May 19th - 20th, in Anchorage to share opportunities for business owners learn about export opportunities for their business. Mitsu is committed to helping business owners with their export sales grow their business by utilizing EXIM’s trade finance programs.

To discover how export financing can unlock new global opportunities for your business visit https://grow.exim.gov/mitsu-saito

05/28/2026

Summer of Heroes is a partnership program between Alaska Communications (ACS) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, promoting education, awareness, and support for youth development programs throughout the state. Summer of Heroes includes two main components - a youth recognition and scholarship award, and a cause-related sales promotion.

During the Summer of Heroes, May 5-June 14, 2026, Alaska Communications is seeking nominations from across the state for youth who are doing good in their local communities.
Additionally, ACS will donate a portion of proceeds from every new Home Internet or Business Internet subscription, up to $15,000 total to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska.
LINK: https://www.alaskacommunications.com/About/Summer-of-Heroes

05/28/2026

🎉 Celebrating the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Downtown Edge Condos at the Rail!

Huge congratulations to The Petersen Group, the Alaska Railroad, and the Municipality of Anchorage on this incredible public-private partnership! Shoutout to Mayor LaFrance and everyone who came out to support the Anchorage Chamber's ribbon-cutting ceremony.

👉 Learn more about Anchorage's newest neighborhood: https://downtown-edge.squarespace.com/

05/28/2026

Summer of Heroes is a partnership program between Alaska Communications (ACS) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, promoting education, awareness, and support for youth development programs throughout the state. Summer of Heroes includes two main components - a youth recognition and scholarship award, and a cause-related sales promotion.

During the Summer of Heroes, May 5-June 14, 2026, Alaska Communications is seeking nominations from across the state for youth who are doing good in their local communities.

Additionally, ACS will donate a portion of proceeds from every new Home Internet or Business Internet subscription, up to $15,000 total to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska.

Link in the comments

05/27/2026

Huge congratulations to the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) and the Municipality of Anchorage!

Recent data from the 'Point in Time Count' (PITC), as reported by the *Anchorage Daily News*, shows some incredible steps forward and highlights the power of collaborative, sustainable solutions for our community. By working together to identify real needs, these teams are making sure more neighbors have a safe place to sleep.

Here are the major takeaways from the 2025 to 2026 report:

* **Progress on the Streets:** There is an overall **6% decrease** in unhoused individuals, and a massive **28% decrease** in unsheltered persons!
* **Supporting Our Veterans:** An incredible **91% of identified veterans** are now reported as sheltered.
* **Downtown Progress:** Downtown Anchorage saw a **19% reduction** in reported unsheltered individuals.

# # # Understanding the Need & Planning Ahead

While we celebrate these wins, the data also gives us the clear insights needed to build a better future.

* Anchorage’s 2,609 beds were at **95% occupancy**, proving the critical need for additional housing options—and several plans are already underway to meet that demand.
* The count also identified a rising need in the Girdwood area (moving from 0 in 2025 to 30 unhoused individuals), allowing organizations to swiftly target resources where they are now needed most.

Thank you to ACEH, the Municipality, and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes. Together, we are building a safer, stronger, and more supportive Anchorage! 💙

---

Data from the 2026 Point in Time Count shows a 28% reduction in the number of people sleeping outside compared to the year prior.

05/21/2026

Today, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced a new rule that will double the SBA’s cumulative 7(a) and 504 loan limit from $5 million to $10 million - giving small businesses the capital to hire, grow, and meet rising demand driven by President Donald J. Trump’s America First agenda.

https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/05/18/sba-doubles-cumulative-7a-504-loan-limit-10-million

05/21/2026

AEDC President and CEO Jon Bittner hosted the YPG's CEO Luncheon Thursday, May 14th. Jon shared insight with the young professionals group on being a leader in Alaska and the experiences he has gained rising through the ranks.

Attendees included Kaila P., Alaska Children's Trust, Nicole S., Assoc. Financial Advisor, Alaska Wealth Advisors, Brooklynn S., Membership, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Jacki Oliver, Membership & Events Associate, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Stella S., Development Services & EasyPark, Anchorage Community Development Authority, Calvin C., 49SAF Associate, Municipality of Anchorage, Vlad F., Marketing Strategist, Alaska Wealth Advisors, Patricia O., Nuvision Credit Union, Alaysha J., Nuvision Credit Union, Skye N., Managing Partner, The Bridge Co., Ari Z., Exec Sales Associate, TOTE Maritime Alaska, April A., Admin Mgr, Rasmuson Hall Bldg Mngr, UAA, College of Business and Public Policy, Eddie P., Sponsorship Coordinator, Upper One Studios

05/18/2026

Shoutout to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport for Southwest Airlines' inaugural flight! ✈️

05/18/2026

Love Anchorage? Make sure your business voice is heard! Click Here - >
https://aedcweb.com/2026-ak-survey/

Share your feedback and help impact the economic future of Anchorage.

This survey is sponsored by Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Alaska and Furniture Enterprises of Alaska