As Arctic development gains global attention, the City of Nome is preparing to host an Arctic Investment Summit on April 18, bringing together political, business, tribal and research leaders to discuss the region’s future. A public open house will follow on April 19 to gather community input on Nome’s long-term economic priorities.
The summit, held at Old St. Joe’s Hall, will spotlight Nome’s growing importance as a gateway to the Arctic, according to a news release from the summit’s organizers. With construction underway to expand the Port of Nome into the nation’s first deep draft Arctic port, city leaders say Nome is poised to become a major hub for international shipping, scientific research, national security, fisheries and Arctic tourism.
“Nome isn’t just a remote city — it’s a rising center of gravity for Arctic opportunity,” Mayor John Handeland said. “We’re bringing people together to align investments with community values to chart a course forward.”
The summit’s agenda includes sessions on science, tourism, public infrastructure, workforce development, critical minerals and hospitality development. Keynote speakers include U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Bering Straits Native Corporation Chairman Roy Ashenfelter, Kawerak Inc. CEO Melanie Bahnke, and King Island Native Corporation Chairwoman Marilyn Koezuna-Irelan, among others.
Other featured speakers will represent organizations such as the Denali Commission, the Marine Exchange of Alaska, Graphite One, the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Huna Totem Corporation.
The two-day event reflects Nome’s broader strategy to ensure that Arctic development is guided by local residents and Indigenous leadership, the release stated. Nome is home to four federally recognized tribes.
A public open house scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon April 19 at Old St. Joe’s Hall will invite residents to share their visions for Nome’s future. Topics will include infrastructure, housing, workforce development, business attraction, downtown revitalization,and support for traditional economies such as ivory art.
Stephanie Queen, economic development consultant for the City of Nome, will facilitate a live survey during the session to help inform the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Virtual access for both the summit and open house will be available via Zoom. Registration details and the full event agenda can be found at nomealaska.org.
City officials said the summit and public open house are key steps toward building a Nome economy that reflects both Arctic innovation and community values.
“Nome is uniquely positioned to balance innovation with tradition, growth with stewardship, as the Arctic opens to new trade routes, scientific exploration, and global attention,” Handeland said.
