A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA RECOGNIZING THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS PROVIDED TO THE CITIZENS OF ALASKA BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA AND SUPPORTING INCREASED AND IMMEDIATE STATE FUNDING BY THE ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, the University of Alaska provides the applied and basic research necessary for economic diversification and value-added business opportunities.

WHEREAS, the Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College, a unit of the University of Alaska, prepares and trains Homer residents for local employment and self-employment and helps meet the workforce and small business development of the City.

WHEREAS, according to a recent economic impact study by the McDowell Group, the University injects $840 million a year into Alaska's economy which is a return of $4.44 for every state dollar invested.

WHEREAS, the more education an individual receives, the less money government will spend on welfare, unemployment, child support enforcement, incarceration, health care and social services.

WHEREAS, the more education an individual receives, the more money they contribute to charities, the more active they are in local communities, and the more likely they are to stay married and raise healthy families.

WHEREAS, 60% of Alaska's college bound students leave the state and over half do not return; 80% of University of Alaska alumni stay in Alaska to work and raise their children.

WHEREAS, during the decade of the 90's, the higher education spending per other states increased by an average of 42% while Alaska's state funding increased by only 2%. The other oil states increased their state funding by 57% in the same period.

WHEREAS, University partnerships with business consortiums in Health, Process Technology, Transportation, Logistics, and Information Technology are resulting in unified new programs that meet industry needs and standards.

WHEREAS, the City of Homer strongly promotes the mission of the University of Alaska, Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer and the expansion of higher education and vocational opportunities to its residents and visitors. The City of Homer's Comprehensive Plan identifies as a goal to promote the growth of the Kachemak Bay Campus.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Homer, Alaska, encourages adequate and immediate funding for the University of Alaska.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 8th day of May, 2000.

CITY OF HOMER

ATTEST: ________________________________

JACK CUSHING, MAYOR

___________________________________

MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal note: NA