*Due to road conditions and ASD's remote learning day, this forum will be virtual via Zoom.*
Quality child care and early education equip the next generation with necessary tools for the future, support working families, and help grow a strong economy. But Anchorage, like most communities across the nation, is facing a child care crisis. Over half of Alaskan families cannot fully participate in the labor force due to the cost, availability, or quality of child care, impacting employers and the broader economy.
Thankfully, in April of last year, Anchorage voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 14, which dedicates all of the Municipality’s marijuana tax revenue to fund child care and early education programs (Anchorage Child Care & Early Education Fund, or ACCEE Fund).
We want to hear from Anchorage businesses – experience you’ve had with child care, challenges you’ve faced, and how you think we can address existing problems with the new ACCEE Fund. Please join us and be ready to share your thoughts!
TAKE THE ACCEE SURVEY!
For more info, visit careforkidsanchorage.com.
Austin Quinn-Davidson served on the Anchorage Assembly from 2018-2023 and as Acting Mayor of Anchorage from 2020-2021, during one of Anchorage’s most challenging periods. In both roles, Austin was a strong advocate for working families and kids. She is now leading the implementation of Anchorage’s newly-passed Child Care and Early Education Fund, which dedicates the City’s marijuana tax revenues to supporting and strengthening the child care and early education sector. With experience as an employer and as a current parent of a toddler, Austin understands how limited child care availability impacts our community and looks forward to making improvements to the sector that will benefit families, providers, employers, and the broader economy. Austin enjoys adventuring with her two dogs, wife Stephanie, and son Wilder.
Eric Croft was born in Alaska in 1964 and made the mistake of leaving in 1982. He returned in 1992 with a BS from Stanford, a law degree from the University of California at San Francisco, and the love of his life, Joanna. He served as a State Representative and local member of the Anchorage Assembly and School Board. He is most proud of his children Shannon and Burke. Croft is the author of Proposition 14 and is currently active in the efforts to implement it.
As Executive Director, Nolan Klouda provides overall leadership for the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development (UA CED). He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council, and serves as chair of the Municipality of Anchorage Budget Advisory Commission. He lives in Anchorage with his partner Michelle, daughter Cecilia, and son Winston.
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