So says a team of consultants from Austin, Texas-based TIP Strategies Inc., that on Thursday unveiled a strategic plan for economic development in Mat-Su.
The key to busting out of the 'burbs and attracting more high-wage jobs is competing directly with Anchorage to draw businesses, TIP managing director Jon Roberts told a room full of business owners and professionals at a Wasilla luncheon where the plan was revealed.
"You grew because housing was cheap," Roberts said. "That really replicates what we see in Texas, California, Oregon, Washington, Mississippi, everywhere."
As a first step, Roberts said, Mat-Su should lure businesses now operating in Anchorage.
"The businesses in Anchorage ... could just as well operate here and in many cases would be happy to operate here. But we have to provide them that opportunity," he said.
Some of the suggestions Roberts mentioned are controversial. But it's up to the community whether to follow the plan, he said. He and project manager Alex Cooke suggested developing a large business partnership to keep local professionals involved and the plan on track. More than 180 Valley professionals helped create the strategic plan.
Cooke suggested borough officials form a business-retention program to help existing businesses grow locally. Roberts said the borough also needs to work with developers to address the lack of high-quality office space in the Valley.
Borough Economic Development Director David Hanson said the Assembly paid $125,000 for TIP to craft a plan for business growth in an effort to attract more higher-wage jobs. The plan includes 80 "bite-size" steps, Hanson said.
Some who participated in the plan say borough policies and a negative Valley image are to blame for the lack of growth.
Jake Libby, owner of advertising company Crystal Clear Creative, said Anchorage businesses are familiar with the Valley's negative image -- "Valley trash" and unrestrained sprawl. He said he saw the plan as a way to change that perception and a step toward adopting rules that will change the underlying issues of misguided development.
If the Valley plans to become its own economic force, residents should also prepare for changes, perhaps including higher taxes and less affordable housing.
"The reputation of an affordable community is the reputation of a community on the decline. Affordability is not a draw," Roberts said. "We do believe a community that commits itself to higher standards means higher costs."
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