About SWAMC

The Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference (SWAMC) is a non-profit regional economic development organization for Southwest Alaska. SWAMC serves three subregions of Southwest Alaska: the Aleutian/Pribilofs, Bristol Bay, and Kodiak.

SWAMC was formed out of common interests of the region encompassing the Aleutians East Borough, the Aleutians West Census Area, the Bristol Bay Borough, the Dillingham Census Area, the Kodiak Island Borough, and the Lake & Peninsula Borough. In 1988, municipal leaders from the region forged a partnership to advocate for the needs of rural communities and the development of the region’s core economic sector – commercial seafood harvesting and processing.

MISSION

SWAMC is a regional membership organization that advances the collective interests of Southwest Alaska people, businesses, and communities. SWAMC helps promote economic opportunities to improve quality of life and influences long-term responsible development.

Organization

The Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference was incorporated in January 1988 and received 501(c)4 nonprofit status from the IRS.

In 1989, SWAMC received certification as an ARDOR from the State of Alaska. As a member of the State of Alaska’s Regional Development Organization (ARDOR) Program, SWAMC uses regional development strategies, local knowledge, and coordination to champion economic development projects and planning for Southwest Alaska communities.  

SWAMC was designated an Economic Development District (EDD)  in 1991.  As an EDD, SWAMC compiles a tri-annual Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)  for the Southwest region and provides funding partnerships for community development projects.

Economic Development Designations

The Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference (SWAMC) holds several State and Federal economic development designations.

These designations include:

Alaska Regional Development Organization (ARDOR)

The State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development certified SWAMC as an ARDOR in 1989.

Click to read SWAMC’s most recent ARDOR Annual Report provided to the Alaska Legislature.

Economic Development District (EDD)

The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) recognized SWAMC as an Economic Development District in 1992.

Click to read SWAMC’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, developed through EDA funding.