Fairbanks economic panel could recommend changing its role in sister city ties

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Economic Development Commission could recommend changes to its role in the borough's sister city relationships when it meets Nov. 20, according to the meeting agenda.

Under borough code, sister city ties are meant to develop international trade and tourism, educate residents and build cultural awareness. The borough formally became a sister city of Mombetsu, Japan, in 1991, according to the Consulate-General of Japan in Anchorage.

The code also created a separate, nine-member Sister City Commission in 2004. It is to advise the mayor and Assembly on new sister city affiliations, develop a sister city program and review proposals from citizen committees.

In July, Tom Hewitt, special assistant to Mayor Grier Hopkins, asked for the economic development commission's feedback on updating its own responsibilities for sister city relationships. Members discussed the Sister City Commission's history, incorporating new duties and possible relationships with other countries, according to the July minutes. They planned to come back with more research and a draft recommendation.

Any recommendation would go to Hopkins, who chairs the commission. He could then propose changes by ordinance for the Borough Assembly to consider.

The commission will also hear from the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Business and Security Management on the university's efforts to identify and address local workforce needs, support talent development and contribute to economic development.

Difficulty finding workers could restrict Fairbanks' growth, according to the state labor department's 2026 forecast. The borough had 6,800 fewer adults ages 18 to 64 in 2024 than in 2012, the year its population peaked. Since 2012, the number of residents over 65 has grown 88% to more than 13,000.

The forecast called for 300 more jobs in the borough this year, a 0.8% increase, after a gain of 500 in 2025. It expected gains or stability in every sector except federal and local government. UAF was expected to account for most of the 100 state government jobs added, though it faces cuts to research and other federally funded programs.

The special meeting starts at 2:30 pm in the Chizmar Conference Room at the Juanita Helms Administration Center in Fairbanks.