2026-10-22 Community of the Year - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2026

WRANGELL RECEIVES SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE'S 2026 COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR AWARD

Recognition reflects the work of Borough staff, community leadership, and partners across the region

Wrangell, Alaska - The City and Borough of Wrangell has received Southeast Conference's 2026 Community of the Year Award. The Borough is grateful for the recognition, which reflects years of work by staff, elected leadership, community members, and partners to strengthen Wrangell's economy and prepare for its future.

The award recognizes community achievements that have regional importance, overcome geographic or financial barriers, build public and private partnerships, and support long-term employment. These criteria reflect the work underway in Wrangell and the practical challenges of moving projects forward in Southeast Alaska.

Southeast Conference is the region's federally designated Economic Development District and state-designated Alaska Regional Development Organization. It brings together municipalities, Tribal governments, businesses, and public agencies to address shared needs. Its economic research, regional planning, advocacy, and technical assistance help communities make informed decisions and pursue opportunities in transportation, energy, maritime industries, tourism, and other sectors.

For Wrangell, recognition from an organization that understands the region's challenges is truly meaningful. Developing infrastructure and creating economic opportunities in an island community takes coordination, technical knowledge, and persistence. Progress often depends on working through complex funding requirements, land issues, regulatory processes, and competing demands with limited resources.

Borough staff have continued to work through those challenges, adjusting plans when needed, finding workable solutions, and maintaining momentum across departments. Their ingenuity and technical skills have helped turn community priorities into projects that can move forward.

The Mayor and Borough Manager's leadership has been central to that work. Together with the Borough Assembly's shared vision and commitment, it has provided clear direction and the support needed to pursue long-term goals. That consistency matters when projects require years of preparation and decisions made today will shape the community for the next generation.

Community participation gives this work its direction and purpose. Residents, businesses, consultants, organizations, and volunteers have shared ideas, asked questions, participated in public discussions, and supported efforts to move Wrangell forward. That involvement helps shape decisions and build the community support needed to carry them through.

This award is a moment to recognize that collective effort. There is more work ahead, and the Borough will continue approaching it with persistence, practical problem-solving, and optimism.

Wrangell is looking forward. We are grateful to Southeast Conference for this honor, to our partners for their continued engagement, and to the community for its support. Together, we are building a future that offers opportunity for Wrangell, the region, and beyond.

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