ITEM TITLE:
#26-34 - Amending the 2026 City Budget By Accepting a Rasmuson Tier One Grant for the Valdez Voices and Visions Placemaking Project in the Amount of $25,000
SUBMITTED BY: Martha Barberio, Economic Development Director
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: $25,000
Unencumbered Balance: $25,000
Funding Source: Rasmuson Tier 1 Grant
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution 26-34.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The City of Valdez has been awarded a $25,000 Tier 1 Grant from the Rasmuson Foundation to support the Valdez Voices and Visions Project. Valdez Voices and Visions is a community placemaking initiative designed to celebrate and preserve the unique history, culture, and identity of Valdez through interpretive signage, storytelling, public art, and wayfinding enhancements.
Deliverables for the project include: multi-media wayfinding that includes audio & video of earthquake survivor stories; art panels; digital videos of old town stories; interpretative panels to be placed along old town walking tour.
The project highlights the stories of the original townsite, the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, Alaska Native heritage, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline era, and the individuals and families who have shaped Valdez throughout its history. These improvements are intended to strengthen community identity, enhance the visitor experience, and provide lasting educational and cultural benefits for residents and visitors alike.
Alignment with City Council Priorities
The Valdez Voices and Visions Project directly advances several City Council priorities and goal qualifiers related to tourism, recreation, economic development, and community identity. Specifically, the project:
• Enhances the visitor experience through placemaking, interpretive signage, and storytelling that encourages longer stays and increased visitor spending.
• Strengthens community identity and pride by preserving and sharing the stories of Valdez, including Alaska Native heritage, the original townsite, the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, maritime traditions, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline era.
• Supports economic development by creating cultural assets that attract visitors and benefit local businesses.
• Improves quality of life by investing in public spaces and creating opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the history and culture of Valdez.
• Advances tourism and recreation objectives by developing amenities and experiences that contribute to Valdez's position as a premier destination and gateway to Prince William Sound.
• Leverages outside funding to implement community enhancement projects without requiring additional local funding.