Kodiak Workforce Forum:
Supporting Today’s Industry, Building Tomorrow’s Opportunities
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Kodiak Workforce Forum
Introduction & Invitation
Kodiak employers, educators, and workforce partners are invited to the Kodiak Workforce Forum on April 28. Learn how this event connects industry needs with training pathways and why your participation matters. -
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Kodiak Workforce Forum: Why This Matters Now
Kodiak Workforce Forum 2026 | Workforce Development Event in Kodiak Alaska
This forum brings employers, educators, and workforce partners together to better align jobs, training, and opportunity in Kodiak. -
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Building What’s Next: Mariculture and Kodiak’s Workforce
Mariculture in Kodiak Alaska | Workforce Opportunities and Industry Growth
From kelp farming to processing, mariculture is creating new opportunities in Kodiak. Learn why this matters for employers and workforce development. -
![Workforce training and career pathway development in Kodiak, Alaska.]()
Kodiak Workforce Forum: Connecting Students and Jobseekers to Opportunity in Kodiak
Kodiak Workforce Forum | Career Pathways & Training Opportunities
Learn how training programs, technology, and partnerships are connecting students and jobseekers to careers in Kodiak. Join us at the Kodiak Workforce Forum.
LEARN MORE HERE -
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Kodiak Workforce Forum: Supporting Employers and Workforce Pathways
Kodiak Workforce Forum | Supporting Employers and Workforce Pathways
Kodiak employers are facing real workforce challenges. This forum brings together industry, educators, and partners to share input, explore opportunities, and strengthen career pathways in Kodiak.
OUR VISION
A thriving, resilient Kodiak Archipelago where all local businesses and regional communities are connected to economic innovation and opportunity.
KEDC is leading impactful projects that strengthen our local economy.
Kodiak Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) is leading efforts to strengthen and diversify Kodiak’s economy through strategic initiatives in housing, mariculture, business development, and workforce training. We look to partner with Kodiak businesses, organizations, and anyone dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for our island community.
The Kodiak Housing Action Plan
Housing is the foundation of a strong and resilient Kodiak. Over the past year, the Kodiak Economic Development Corporation, together with the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, worked closely with partners across the island to understand housing challenges and identify actionable, community-driven solutions. The result is the Kodiak Housing Action Plan, a roadmap for coordinated effort and tangible outcomes that reflect the voices of residents, employers, and leaders throughout the Kodiak Archipelago.
Kodiak’s Housing Action Plan Dashboard: A Data-Driven Tool for Our Community
KEDC’s Housing Action Plan Dashboard offers data on Kodiak’s housing crisis, empowering residents and leaders to find solutions.
A dashboard is an interactive tool that organizes complex data into a clear, visual format with charts, graphs, and maps. Much like a car’s dashboard simplifies vehicle information, this tool makes housing data approachable and actionable. Dashboards are used widely, and created for all users, not just experts. The goal is turning raw numbers into insights anyone can understand. At least that has been our goal. We hope to hear from you if we have met that challenge.
LATEST UPDATES
Building A Thriving & Resilient Economy for KODIAK
KEDC is leading impactful projects that strengthen our local economy.
KEDC Board Updates
Kodiak Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) thanks Karl Hertz for his service on our board. His leadership as KEDC President provided guidance and direction in housing, mariculture, and workforce. He has elevated the organization, and our community.
In June, KEDC Board elected Jascha Zbitnoff to President and Corey Gronn to Vice President.
Jascha Zbitnoff, KEDC President
Corey Gronn, KEDC Vice President
HOUSING ACTION PLAN
KEDC taking bold steps to tackle Kodiak’s housing crisis with the development of a Housing Action Plan (HAP). With funding secured, we are working alongside the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Center for Economic Development (UAA CED) and community partners to create real solutions that will make housing more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for residents across the island.
This project brings together local voices, businesses, and experts to identify barriers, propose solutions, and map out a clear path forward for housing development.
MARICULTURE & BLUE ECONOMY GROWTH
A grant from the Alaska Mariculture Cluster will fund a feasibility study for a regional mariculture processing hub, potentially at Gibson Cove, addressing the processing bottleneck that limits Kodiak’s kelp farmers. This study will guide the design of a facility that expands market opportunities, creates jobs, and strengthens local businesses.
Additionally, a USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) will support business planning and market research. In partnership with the Center for Economic Development, this project will analyze industry trends, conduct stakeholder engagement, and develop a strategic business plan to ensure the facility’s long-term success.
These grants position Kodiak as a leader in Alaska’s mariculture industry, creating new economic opportunities while promoting sustainability and innovation. KEDC is committed to building a resilient, diverse economy for our island—stay tuned for updates as this work progresses!
STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP), a pilot initiative established with support from the City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) to breathe new life into Downtown Kodiak. Over the past year, SIP has offered local businesses reimbursement grants of up to $7,500 for exterior upgrades
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & CAREER EXPO
At Kodiak Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), we’re committed to cultivating a strong and resilient workforce that meets the evolving needs of our local businesses. Through hands-on career exploration, employer partnerships, and workforce readiness initiatives, we help bridge the gap between education and employment. Whether it’s connecting students with in-demand job opportunities, supporting skill development, or fostering industry collaboration, our efforts ensure that Kodiak’s workforce is prepared, engaged, and ready to grow with our community.
RECHARGE OUR COMMUNITY’S ECONOMY WORKSHOP SERIES
Kodiak faces unique challenges, from housing shortages to workforce development, but it also holds tremendous potential. This workshop series is a chance to come together, explore innovative solutions, and ensure that the ideas shaping our future come from the people who know Kodiak best—YOU!
The ROCE Workshop Series starts in March and welcomes all participants—no prior experience in leadership or economic development is required. Whether you’re a business owner, a professional, a service member, or simply someone with a vision for Kodiak’s future, your voice matters. CLICK HERE to learn more.
WHO WE ARE
KEDC is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving economic opportunities for Kodiak businesses, industries, and residents. Since our founding in 2021, we have worked to:
Develop long-term economic strategies
Provide support for local businesses
Promote workforce training and job creation
Invest in innovative industries like mariculture
GET INVOLVED TODAY:
KEDC is dedicated to understanding the needs of our partners, those they serve, as well as the community of Kodiak.
Reach out to use to learn how we can put our expertise to work for strengthening your organization!
Get in touch.
Have comments or questions? KEDC would like to engage further with you. To connect with KEDC, fill out the form below and click submit. A representative from KEDC will contact you.
KEDC Events
