Eaglexit aims to help the business community within the proposed Chugach Regional Borough (CRB) in several ways, primarily by fostering local economic growth and ensuring local control over resources and services:
Tailored Economic Development: Eaglexit plans to promote growth that aligns with the community's values, including fostering small businesses, investing in outdoor recreation, and responsibly managing local resources. The sources explicitly state a concern that the commercial sector of Eagle River is "dying," with few new businesses, contrasting this with the growth seen in the Mat-Su Valley. Detachment is presented as a way to revitalize this sector and encourage new construction and business operations.
Stronger Fiscal Accountability: By detaching, the tax dollars generated within the CRB would stay local, funding their own school district, maintaining roads, and providing services that directly benefit the communities. This localized control over funds can lead to investments in infrastructure and services that support local businesses.
Control Over Public Services & Infrastructure:
Healthcare Facilities: Eaglexit believes that becoming their own borough would allow them to entertain proposals from any hospital to build and open a facility with emergency care in Eagle River/Chugiak. Currently, residents must travel to Anchorage or Wasilla for emergency medical treatment, and a previous proposal for an emergency facility in Eagle River was denied. A local hospital would not only serve community needs but also represent significant economic development and job creation.
School District Contracts: The proposed CRB School District plans to award competitive contracts with local businesses to the maximum extent practicable to streamline operations and reduce administrative costs. This directly creates business opportunities for local companies.
Creating a Stronger, More Attractive Community: By building a strong education system and fostering a community where residents feel their voices are heard and resources are managed locally, Eaglexit aims to build a generation of smart, intelligent citizens who will want to return to a strong community for the opportunities for themselves and their children. This focus on retaining talent and creating an appealing living environment can benefit businesses by ensuring a skilled workforce and a vibrant local customer base.