On April 22 -23, 2025, AFN worked with the Alaska Municipal League (AML) and the Governor’s Office of Infrastructure to deliver the 5th Annual Infrastructure Development Symposium. The mission being to “work towards and review progress on federal infrastructure investments” and where possible “maximize the benefits to Alaska through active engagement and coordination.” Our goal is to work together. AFN considers AML one of its trusted partners and highly encourages you to check out their website at akfederalfunding.org. AML built their website so that all Alaskans have access to a wealth of information and tools.
Tribal outreach is the AFN Navigator’s primary goal at this event, so that we can establish a personal connection with our tribes. The Navigators host a table, answer questions, encourage and support compliance efforts and build relationships with their tribal representative attendees. This year the conference had a different character.
The focus of the conference was on the new federal priorities and adaptation strategies which translate into “how will we protect our communities now and into the future”. Traditional funding mechanisms are changing or being dissolved or eliminated. There were three days of sessions and discussion surrounding – how to proceed, what opportunities will survive, what programs or institutions stand to be eliminated next, how do we work together and what are future opportunities?
There was a lot to talk about this year. Grant programs have been abruptly canceled in many government agencies – who or what will be next? Technical support contracts have been cancelled; knowledgeable personnel have been laid off or indiscriminately fired.
One notable survival strategy stands out. Our communities around the state must have tools, skills and training to meet the required compliance standards for every grant issued.
Three years ago, the lack of adequate internet was the primary, overriding factor in non-compliance. Our remote communities are now adapting rapidly, and internet/broadband access is expanding. Going forward, training in digital skills and links to professionals such as grant writers (such as those listed on the AML website (akfederalfunding.org) and links to qualified accountants and bookkeepers and IT support would be of great assistance to our overworked city managers and tribal administrators.
The key message for these uncertain times is working together. Communities that work together, learn from each other, have a much stronger ability not just to survive uncertain times but also to thrive. We hope that every tribe, city, and village corporations located in the same community are talking, strategizing and planning together. Not necessarily agreeing on every issue or project, but talking, sitting down and planning together for the future.