Senate Bill 62 extends the termination date of the Alaska Regional Economic Assistance Program. The program is the funding source for the Alaska Regional Development Organizations (ARDOR) program.

The ARDOR Program is the State's contribution to regional initiatives for developing Alaska's economy. In 1988, the Legislature established the ARDOR Program to create a network of organizations to plan and support economic development at the regional level.

There are currently 13 ARDOR's. The ARDORs, like their counterparts nationwide:

• Enable local officials and businesses to pool their limited resources and work together on economic development issues
,
• Develop partnerships among public, private and other organizations, and
• Provide needed technical assistance via direct links with local citizens.

The ARDOR Program is providing a return for the State's investment. The State provides $620,000 in grant funds for the ARDOR Program. In turn, the ARDORs have used the $620,000 in State grant funds to leverage over $3.6 million in other funds.

Board member participation reflects a local commitment to the ARDOR Program. The 13 ARDOR boards, each with 10-20 members, constitutes 150 plus local, civic-minded individuals who volunteer their time to achieve a stronger economic base in their region.

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ARDOR Questions & Answers

What is an ARDOR?

An ARDOR is a non-profit organization of local volunteers, representing numerous public and private interests, working together to achieve economic development in their region. An ARDOR is organized in accordance with Alaska Statute 44.33.895 and the Alaska Administrative Code (3 AAC 54).

Why have a regional organization do economic development?

The Legislature established the ARDOR program in 1988, and again in 1997 and 2000, in support of the widely held belief that a locally driven initiative, in partnership with the State and other entities, can most effectively stimulate economic development and produce healthy, sustainable local economies.

What are the ARDOR Program goals?

Encourage a healthier economic climate to increase the number of jobs; strengthen existing businesses; attract new businesses; and encourage economic diversification.

How does an ARDOR get established?

DCBD approves an ARDOR designation. To be approved, the ARDOR must

1. be large enough and contain adequate resources to support a regional economic development program, and
2. be an economically viable unit with shared interests, resources, traditions, and goals.

What does an ARDOR actually do?

Each ARDOR is different with regard to existing economic development; infrastructure; a marketable natural resource; an educated work force; and a cohesive leadership organization-factors in achieving economic development. Thus, what each ARDOR does, is unique to that ARDOR. Generally, however, ARDOR's:

• conduct economic development related research and planning, including develop and implement a regional economic development strategy;
• respond to information requests;
• coordinate ARDOR's activities with other development activities in the region;
• provide services designed to encourage economic development in the region;
• collect and distribute economic information;
• develop and maintain community and village economic profiles;
• coordinate State economic or business development efforts in the region; and
• serve as a liaison between State government and the region.

How is an ARDOR funded?

DCBD awards annually, a State grant to each ARDOR that satisfies the statutory and regulatory requirements of the ARDOR Program, including the requirement that each ARDOR provide a local, non-State match. The State grant and required match are usually not the ARDOR's only source of funding. ARDOR's can and do receive funding from a variety of sources.

How does an ARDOR work?

Each ARDOR is guided by a Board comprised of the economic development interests in the region. Board members are usually appointed by organizations in the region; however, some are elected. The Board hires an Executive Director to work with the Board to ensure an annual work plan is implemented. The Board oversees and directs the activities of the ARDOR.

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Alaska Regional Development Organizations -- ARDORs

There are currently 13 ARDORs that cover all parts of Alaska with the exception of a portion of the interior and the Lower Yukon.

1. Anchorage Economic Development Corporation;
2. Arctic Development Council;
3. Bering Straits ARDOR Program;
4. Copper Valley Economic Development Council;
5. Fairbanks North Star Borough Economic Development Commission;
6. Interior Rivers Resource Conservation & Development;
7. Kenai Peninsula Borough Economic Development District;
8. Lower Kuskokwim Economic Development Council;
9. Mat-Su Resource Conservation & Development, Inc.;
10. Northwest Arctic Borough Economic Development Commission;
11. Prince William Sound Economic Development Commission;
12. Southeast Conference;
13. Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference.

The lower Yukon ARDOR was decertified in 2002.

Source: Department of Community & Economic Development

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