In 2015, the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island (ACSPI), located on St. Paul Island in the Bering Sea, initiated a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) planning process. ACSPI led the project, in partnership with the City of St. Paul, the Tanadgusix Native Corporation, the Central Bering Sea Fisherman’s Association, and other community organizations and partners. The first step of the project included a community-driven economic visioning effort, community meetings, focus groups, youth engagement, and other community-based outreach. The project also included a strategic planning element for all three ACSPI tribal branches, including the environmental department, the department of business and economic development and the health and wellness department. As preliminary strategies and ideas emerged through the planning process, Agnew::Beck brought in agency experts and representatives from neighboring communities to discuss potential options and build on similar successful economic development efforts in the region. Ultimately the CEDS documented economic development strengths, challenges, and opportunities in the community and identified prioritized strategies and actions to bolster the economy on St. Paul Island. Agnew::Beck worked with the tribe’s departments to support CEDS implementation.
