Regional Strategy (CEDS)

Southeast Conference as the designated Economic Development District (EDD) and Alaska Regional Development Organization (ARDOR) is responsible for identifying regional priorities for economic and community development. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Southeast Alaska, released in May 2025, presents this work. 

This 2030 Southeast Alaska Economic Plan is a strategy-driven plan developed by a diverse workgroup of local representatives from private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Over the course of a year, more than 30 workshops and strategic planning meetings Southeast Conference members developed and prioritized 45 economic initiatives, 7 priority objectives, a resilience plan, regional and industry specific SWOTs analyses, and much more. More than 400 stakeholders representing small businesses, tribes, Alaska Native organizations, municipalities, and nonprofits were involved in various elements of the planning process. 

The document includes the latest regional data, which will be updated annually. The top priorities of the economic plan were identified as 1) Support the sustainable development of housing, 2) Support the stability, sustainability and longevity of the Marine Highway Systems of Alaska, 3) Increase Child Care Capacity in Southeast Alaska. 

Objectives are identified for key industries including:

This strategy driven plan helps guide the work of Southeast Conference for the next five years. The CEDS can also be utilized as a tool for organizations across the region to help identify priorities, pursue certain funding opportunities, and build partnerships. 

View or download the latest CEDS report here or explore our other strategic and supporting publications below including Southeast Alaska by the numbers and the Business Climate Survey.