STRIVE January 2018 | Page 35

community groups to set up farmers markets in city parks .
In addition to pursuing food security , we are also seeking to be a welcoming city for all residents and visitors . Anchorage : Welcoming And REsilient ( AWARE ) merges two city initiatives that reaffirm Anchorage as a city that is inclusive , ready , and sustainable . This is innovative in itself : While cities usually differentiate between welcoming and resiliency efforts , data indicates that resilient communities are often the ones that are the most welcoming and inclusive . Because equity and inclusivity are critical drivers of resilience , the policies and ideas formulated through AWARE influence our decisions when it comes to making sustainable investments .
Economic opportunity and fiscal responsibility
In 2017 , the municipality officially launched the Innovation Team . This four-person team is focused on addressing community problems related to economic opportunities , cost of living , and access to services in low-income neighborhoods .
Photo by RDTviews © 2018
They ’ re one of a network of 24 Innovation Teams around the world funded by a three-year grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies . Soon the team will start looking at employee health costs and economic diversification in the city . Economic strength can lead to better resiliency in times of change , especially as the community looks to tackle climate change and strengthen its position as a gateway to the Arctic .
Anchorage is positioned to be a leader in innovation , and its government is the catalyst to make that happen . Ultimately , one of my most important responsibilities as mayor is to ensure the safety of the people in my community . This is core to the Alaska ethos of “ always preparing .” By developing and implementing programs that reduce our costs , increase our efficiencies , and prepare us to face challenges and weather difficulties , I ’ m confident we will be well-positioned for the future , whatever it brings .
Mayor Ethan Berkowitz earned an undergraduate degree studying Government and Economics at Harvard University , graduating with honors . He received a Master ’ s degree from the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University , and a law degree from Hastings College of the Law .
He worked as an assistant district attorney before serving for 10 years in the Alaska State Legislature . As a state legislator he supported fiscal responsibility and a more comprehensive and sustainable energy policy . After serving as Minority Leader for eight years , Mayor Berkowitz helped jumpstart several technology and energy projects , including the installation of a sub-marine fiber optic cable from Europe to Asia through the Northwest Passage and a major geothermal project in Northwest Alaska .
Mayor Ethan Berkowitz Municipality of Anchorage January 2018 35