As this year winds down and we take stock on 2024, we are looking back on a year of growth – both in staff, and in laying foundations for important work coming in 2025.
We added a fourth staff person, Reuben Brown, who serves as our Arctic Energy Ambassador to all Chugach region communities. Program Manager Lindsey Hammer has been immersed in the documentation needed for preparing the PWSEDD to operate a pilot kelp processing line in April, 2025, as well as facilitating community planning around childcare services and other workforce development initiatives. Lee Collins has been managing our Cordova Community Garden, supporting local gardeners growing produce in 30 garden planters located around town and managing a compost operation that’s absorbed 1,800 lbs. of food waste. PWSEDD Executive Director Kristin Smith focused primarily on housing, supporting PWS kelp farmers, and supporting our great staff! The PWSEDD has also worked to support regional partners with many grant applications from private businesses, Native village corporations, and other nonprofits.
Scroll through our News posts here to read more about the projects we’ve worked on this past year, and please let us know if you or your community wants to talk about pursuing funds for a local or regional priority.