MAYOR'S E-MAIL REPORT

Mayor George Wuerech
Anchorage, AK
Jan. 17,2003

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

On Monday, January 20 we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Please take time to reflect on this civil rights leader whose contributions to equal rights and sweeping influence changed the course of history.

Municipality of Anchorage's Workforce Development Division to Help K-Mart Employees

The Municipality's Workforce Development Division is working with K-Mart management to offer career assistance to K-Mart employees who will lose their job when the chain closes its Alaska stores in April. Career center employees will meet first with large groups of employees to explain the services available and then meet individually to offer one-on-one job search help. The city's workforce division opened in response to last year's BP layoffs and has served nearly 1,500 residents. The center offers job search assistance, employment workshops, financial and career counseling and skills training for re-employment.

Mayor's Business Roundtable

To help foster vigorous economic growth, a dynamic local economy, and a well-trained and productive Anchorage workforce, I have appointed long-time businessman Kevin Bruce as Economic Development Director for the city. Kevin's first assignment is to put together a business roundtable to address the initiatives identified in the Chabin Report to the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. The independent, non-profit and non-partisan organization will direct research, supervise preparation of position papers, recommend policy and speak out on economic issues.

Creekside Towncenter One Step Closer to Reality

Today the Municipality of Anchorage received title to land for the proposed integrated middle school, community center and library complex in Muldoon. The acquisition is a big step in moving the Creekside Towncenter forward because it helps fulfill the master plan of creating a mix of complementary public and private developments. This community revitalization project, driven by the private sector and approved by the community, is a win-win for the city because it helps fulfill the civic, housing and retail needs of Muldoon. The town center concept is a critical part of the Anchorage 2020 Land Use Plan.

Senior Center Expands

Alaska's pioneers now have an expanded facility to help enrich their lives. It was an honor for Brenda and me to attend this week's grand opening of the senior center expansion. After the eight month renovation, the building added 11,000 square feet thanks to fundraising efforts of former Mayor George Sullivan and, of course, Senator Ted Stevens.