Valdez Socioeconomic Baseline Indicators Study December 10 2015

Transcription

Valdez Socioeconomic
Baseline Indicators
December 2015
Thompson Pass, fall 2015
prepared for
City of Valdez
Economic Diversification Commission
by
Sheinberg Associates and
McDowell Group
Cover photograph of Thompson Pass, fall 2015 courtesy Matthew S. Brown www.PhotosonTheWildSide.com Valdez Economic Sector icons created by graphic illustrator Averyl Veliz www.averylveliz.blogspot.com/ Table of Contents
Common Data Sources and Geography ................................................................................................................ i
1 Introduction, Purpose, Methods, and Study Deliverables............................................................................1
2 Demographics........................................................................................................................................................2
Population ..............................................................................................................................................................2
Profile of Age Groups and Race ..........................................................................................................................5
Migration to and from Valdez .............................................................................................................................7
3 Community and Individual Income .................................................................................................................9
Measures of Personal Income (household, per capita, family) .......................................................................9
Total Resident Income ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Income Distribution and Equality .................................................................................................................... 13
4 School Performance ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Valdez City School District Performance ........................................................................................................ 17
Prince Williams Sound Community College .................................................................................................. 20
5 Civic and Social Indicators ............................................................................................................................... 22
Crime Rates .......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Voter Participation .............................................................................................................................................. 23
Library Use .......................................................................................................................................................... 23
6 Cost of Living ...................................................................................................................................................... 24
7 Housing ................................................................................................................................................................ 26
Housing Stock...................................................................................................................................................... 26
New Housing Development .............................................................................................................................. 28
Cost of Housing, Affordability, and Vacancy Rates ...................................................................................... 29
Housing Needs of an Aging Population .......................................................................................................... 32
8 Undeveloped Land in Valdez ........................................................................................................................... 33
9 Overview-Valdez Workforce and Earnings, Top Economic Activities ..................................................... 40
Complete Valdez Work-Related Economy ...................................................................................................... 40
Valdez Nonemployer Businesses...................................................................................................................... 44
Valdez Employment and Wages ....................................................................................................................... 46
Resident/Nonresident Workforce ..................................................................................................................... 48
Seasonality of Workforce ................................................................................................................................... 51
Unemployment.................................................................................................................................................... 52
10 Transportation Data ........................................................................................................................................... 53
Valdez Pioneer Field ........................................................................................................................................... 53
Richardson Highway .......................................................................................................................................... 54
Alaska Marine Ferry System ............................................................................................................................. 54
Valdez Ports and Harbors .................................................................................................................................. 56
11 Oil Industry ......................................................................................................................................................... 58
Employment and Wages .................................................................................................................................... 58
Current Trends .................................................................................................................................................... 59
12 Local Government .............................................................................................................................................. 61
Wages and Employment .................................................................................................................................... 61
Services and Revenue ......................................................................................................................................... 62
Top 10 Property Tax Payers ............................................................................................................................... 63
13 Commercial Fishing & Seafood Processing ................................................................................................... 65
Valdez Resident Participation ........................................................................................................................... 66
Participation and Earnings in Prince William Sound Seine and other Fisheries ....................................... 67
Value of Prince William Sound Seine Fishery ................................................................................................. 69
Valdez Landings ................................................................................................................................................. 70
Seafood Processing ............................................................................................................................................. 71
14 Health Care & Social Assistance ...................................................................................................................... 73
Valdez Health Care & Social Assistance Sector .............................................................................................. 73
Providence Valdez System Indicators .............................................................................................................. 75
Health Rankings for Valdez-Cordova Census Area ...................................................................................... 75
15 Visitor Industry ................................................................................................................................................... 78
Visitor Industry Employment and Wages ....................................................................................................... 78
Valdez Visitor Volume, Characteristics, and Activities or Destinations ..................................................... 80
Bed and Hotel Tax Receipts ............................................................................................................................... 82
Charter and Sport Fishing .................................................................................................................................. 83
16 United States Coast Guard ................................................................................................................................ 86
17 Environmental Indicators.................................................................................................................................. 87
Climate ................................................................................................................................................................. 87
Post Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Effects .................................................................................................................. 88
18 Sources .................................................................................................................................................................. 89
Appendix 1 – Dashboards: Industry Indicators, by NAICS ............................................................................ 94
Natural Resources and Mining ......................................................................................................................... 96
Construction ........................................................................................................................................................ 98
Manufacturing ..................................................................................................................................................... 99
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities ............................................................................................................... 102
Leisure and Hospitality .................................................................................................................................... 105
Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 108
Financial Activities ........................................................................................................................................... 110
Professional and Business Services................................................................................................................. 113
Education and Health Care Services .............................................................................................................. 116
Other Services (except Public Administration) ............................................................................................. 118
Government Services ........................................................................................................................................ 120
Acronyms
AADT
ACS
ADEED or DEED
ADF&G
ADOLWD or DOLWD
ADOR
ADOT&PF
AHFC
AMHS
BEA
BLS
BTS
CFEC
DCCED
DCRA
IFQ
IRS
NAICS
NOAA
PFD
PK-12
PWS
QCEW
USCG or Coast Guard
Average Annual Daily Traffic
American Community Survey
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Alaska Department of Revenue
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Alaska Marine Highway System
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission
Alaska Department of Commerce and Community Economic Development
Alaska DCCED, Division of Community and Regional Affairs
Individual Fishing Quota
Internal Revenue Service
North American Industry Classification System
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Permanent Fund Dividend
Preschool through 12th Grade
Prince William Sound
Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
United States Coast Guard
Common Data Sources and Geography
NAICS
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) two to six digit codes are the primary way
that businesses are classified for economic data reporting and analysis. NAICS are used for Alaska
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (ADOLWD) Quarterly Census of Employment and
Wages (QCEW), categorizing and reporting IRS/US Census Nonemployer Business establishments and
income, and by the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) for its economic and
industry analyses.
Businesses self-identify and report their NAICS classifications, and counts on this report’s dashboards
reflect this for both state and city business license purposes. Periodically ADOLWD recognize that a
business has misclassified itself and will correct this for its reporting purposes.
QCEW
QCEW is the ADOLWD Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. The program originated in the
1930s, and was known as the ES-202 program until 2003 when the current QCEW title was adopted. The
primary economic product is the tabulation of employment and wages of establishments which report to
i
the Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs of the United States. Employment covered by these UI
programs represents about 97% of all wage and salary civilian employment in the country.
QCEW is the most commonly used and reported employment data in Alaska. The QCEW data set counts
the number of jobs by place of work. It does not include business owners, the self-employed, unpaid
family workers, or private household workers. It counts all full-time and part-time jobs – so, if a person
holds two wage and salaried jobs, total industry employment will report both jobs. QCEW employment
data are released quarterly (with a time lag of about six months) for Alaska as a whole and for all of the
Alaska’s boroughs and census areas. QCEW data includes the number of jobs in an area held by
commuters who live outside the area (non-residents) as well as local residents.
To support the Valdez Socioeconomic Indicators study, the ADOLWD segregated Valdez QCEW data
from the Valdez-Cordova Census Area.
Nonemployer Statistics
Nonemployer businesses are those that either have no paid employees or they are self-employed soleproprietor businesses. Data on their income comes from annual or quarterly business income tax returns
filed with the Internal Revenue Service. In this report, nonemployer businesses are sometimes referred to
as Self-Employed or Sole Proprietor Businesses. The income of nonemployer business owners is not
included in QCEW data or other data sets that report on employee income, as this is income of business
owners, not employees.
The smallest geography that nonemployer data is usually available is the borough, however to support
this report the U.S. Census separated zip code 99686 (City of Valdez) data and prepared an analysis for
Valdez. Nonemployer business data availability lags one-year behind QCEW employment data. It is
common to combine 2014 QCEW data and 2013 Nonemployer data to better understand the whole workrelated economy. Annual analyses prepared the same way allow accurate year-to-year comparison of
indicators and trends.
To support Valdez Socioeconomic Indicators study, the US Census segregated Valdez Nonemployer
Statistics data from the Valdez-Cordova Census Area.
American Community Survey
The American Community Survey (ACS) is the largest household survey in the United States. The ACS is
conducted by the US Census Bureau and has replaced the former long-form sample questionnaire. Oneyear and 5-year ACS survey data is released, depending on the size of the place. For the City of Valdez,
only 5-year data is available; the most recent is the 2009-2013 5-year survey release. The 5-year estimates
from the ACS are "period" estimates that represent data collected over a period of time (as opposed to
“point-in-time” estimates, such as the decennial census). The 5-year estimate includes data collected over
a 60-month period. The primary advantage of using multiyear estimates is the increased statistical
reliability of the data for less populated areas and small population subgroups due to a larger sample
size. However, it is less current than one-year data. The 5-year estimate is not calculated as an average of
60 monthly values; nor is it the average of 5 single-year estimates. Rather, the ACS collects survey
information continuously nearly every day of the year and then aggregates the results over 5 years. The
ii
data collection is spread evenly across the entire period represented so as not to over-represent any
particular month or year within the period.
The City of Valdez, Valdez-Cordova Census Area, and Gulf Coast Economic Region
Valdez is a Home Rule City, incorporated in 1901. It is within the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, which is
not part of any organized borough. The Valdez-Cordova Census Area has 25 communities within it,
including the cities of Valdez, Cordova, and Whittier (Figure 1). The Valdez-Cordova Census Area is part
of the Alaska Gulf Coast Economic Region, which also includes the Kenai Peninsula Borough and Kodiak
Island Borough (Figure 2).
iii
Figure 1 – Valdez-Cordova Census Area
iv
Figure 2 – Alaska Economic Regions
v
1 Introduction, Purpose, Methods, and Study Deliverables
Valdez faces much the same fiscal uncertainties as the State of Alaska thanks to a high dependency on the
oil industry. It accounts for 80-85% of the Valdez annual city government operating revenue and much of
the community’s employment base. In response to expected oil industry decline, the Valdez City Council
determined in February 2014 that economic diversification must be the community’s number one
priority. Shortly thereafter, Valdez formed an Economic Diversification Commission to provide economic
development leadership.
A Community Strategic Plan adopted in 2014 identified three initial tasks for the new Economic
Diversification Commission to accomplish:
1.
Conduct a Year Round Mountain Recreation Site Feasibility Analysis
2.
Collect Socioeconomic Baseline Indicator Data
3.
Collect local Visitors Statistics Data
Through a competitive process, the City selected the Sheinberg Associates/ McDowell Group Team to
prepare this Socioeconomic Baseline Indicators Data report, called for in the Community Strategic Plan.
Information in this report establishes a 2014 baseline against which to measure economic diversification
and other economic and community efforts. In addition to 2014 baseline data, five to ten years of previous
data if offered for most indicators to allow consideration of current position and trends.
Three reports comprise the Valdez Socioeconomic Baseline Indicator study:
1.
Socioeconomic Baseline Indicators Study (full report with all indicator and socioeconomic data)
2.
Executive Summary - Socioeconomic Baseline Indicators Study (focuses on key indicators and
trends)
3.
Business Survey Report (results of September 2015 online business owner survey that 133 Valdez
business owners or non-profit managers completed)
The project team completed the following steps to prepare this report:
1.
Gather and analyze data from about 100 sources,
2.
Request and obtain City of Valdez/zip code 99686-only data from Alaska Department of Labor
and Workforce Development (ADOLWD) for Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
(QCEW) and from the US Census for Nonemployer Business Statistics;
3.
Receive assistance from City of Valdez for Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and
analysis of property, zoning, and development;
4.
Interview dozens of industry leaders to seek deeper understanding of local concerns and trends
as well as obtain data;
5.
Conduct an online Business Survey that was completed by 133 Valdez business owners and nonprofit managers;
6.
Review initial data with the Valdez Economic Diversification Commission on August 4, 2015; and
7.
Discuss data from the draft Executive Summary with the Valdez City Council and Economic
Diversification Commission at a joint meeting on October 20, 2015.
Valdez Socioeconomic Baseline Indicators Study  December 2015  Page 1
2 Demographics
Population
Looking back 25 years, the hallmark of Valdez’s population pattern has
been its stability: the population in 1990 was 4,068, and in 2014 it was 4,032 (Figure 4).

During the last 25 years, the population peak for both the city and census area occurred in 1995.
During this period, the number of residents grew as high as 4,305 (1995) and dropped as low as
3,819 (2009).

Alaska’s population during this 25 year period increased 140%.
While stability has been the long-term trend, the Valdez population dropped in 2013 and 2014 by 2.5%.
Figure 3 – Key Demographic Indicators, Valdez City
2000-2014
2000
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2010-2014
2013-2014
change
change
change
(15-year)
(5-year)
(1-year)
Population
4,036
3,976
4,040
4,136
4,097
4,032
-0.1%
1.4%
-1.6%
Median Age
35.4
36.7
36.2
35.2
36.3
36.0
-0.6 yr
-0.7 yr
-0.3 yr
Number age 0-4
297
279
305
338
317
309
4.0%
10.8%
-2.5%
Number age 5-19
989
831
793
823
828
801
-19.0%
-3.6%
-3.3%
Number age 65+
141
220
240
261
279
283
100.7%
28.6%
1.4%
4,006
3,480
3530
3587
3,619
3,444
-14.0%
-1.0%
-4.8%
868
673
688
686
638
614
-29.3%
-8.8%
-3.8%
Number of PFDs
PK-12 School District
Enrollment (FY)
Sources: Population-US Census (2000, 2010, ADOLWD Est. (2011-2014); PFD--Alaska DOR; Enrollments Alaska DEED
Figure 4 - Local, Regional, and State Population - Estimates and Projections
Year
Valdez
Valdez-Cordova Cen. Area
Alaska
Year
Valdez
Valdez-Cordova Cen. Area
Alaska
1970
1,005
4,955
302,583
2008
3,941
9,679
686,818
1975
6,512
7,100
371,000
2009
3,819
9,494
697,828
1980
3,079
8,348
401,851
2010
3,976
9,636
710,231
1985
3,667
9,917
543,900
2011
4,040
9,847
722,818
1990
4,068
9,952
550,043
2012
4,136
9,936
731,191
1995
4,305
10,416
601,581
2013
4,097
9,811
735,662
2000
4,036
10,195
626,932
2014
4,032
9,567
735,601
2001
3,995
10,083
632,716
2002
4,161
10,140
641,729
2017
N/A
9,851
770,417
2003
4,126
10,298
649,466
2022
4,105**
9,724
806,479
2004
3,980
10,102
659,653
2027
N/A
9,552
839,191
2005
4,028
10,177
667,146
2032
4,010**
9,368
868,902
2006
3,958
9,951
674,583
2037
N/A
9,171
897,034
2007
3,892
9,818
680,169
2042
3,899**
8,985
925,042
Projections
Sources: 1970-1990: U.S. Census, except Valdez 1975: Baring-Gould; 1990 -2014 Population Est, ADOLWD; 2017-2042
Population Projections, ADOLWD; **Sheinberg Associates
Figure 5 - Population Growth Rates (average annual)
City of Valdez
Valdez-Cordova
Census Area
Alaska
19701980
19801990
19902000
20002010
20102014
20102011
20112012
20122013
20132014
12.5%
1.5%
-0.1%
-0.1%
0.3%
1.6%
2.4%
-0.9%
-1.6%
5.2%
1.8%
0.2%
-0.6%
-0.6%
2.2%
0.9%
-1.3%
-2.5%
2.8%
3.1%
1.3%
1.2%
0.0%
1.8%
1.2%
0.6%
0.0%
Source: ADOLWD, Sheinberg Associates
While Valdez’s population has been stable, the Valdez-Cordova Census Area population has been
shrinking over the last 15 years.

The census area’s population is down 6.2% since 2000. Throughout the census area, most
communities besides Valdez and Whittier, have been losing population (since 2000, Cordova is
down 7%, Kenny Lake down 25%, and Copper Center down 22%, etc.).

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (ADOLWD) projects continued
population decline for the census area.
If past patterns of births/deaths and in/out-migration continue, a shift share analysis suggests that the
city of Valdez population will remain stable for about ten years, even as the Valdez-Cordova Census
Area population shrinks, and then begin a slow decline (Figure 6).
Figure 6 - Local, Regional, and State Population Estimates and Projections
12,000
1,000,000
900,000
800,000
700,000
8,000
600,000
6,000
500,000
400,000
4,000
300,000
Valdez City
State Population
CA and City Population
10,000
200,000
2,000
100,000
2040
2035
2030
2025
2020
2015
2010
2005
2000
1995
1990
1985
1980
1975
0
1970
0
Sources: 1970, 1980, 1990: US Census Bureau Decentennial Census; 1975, 1985, 1995: US Census Intercensal Population
Estimates; 1975 Valdez Estimate: Baring-Gould, M. and Bennet, M; 2000 - 2014 Population Estimates: ADOLWD; 2017 2042 Population Projections: For Census Area and State - ADOLWD Population projections 2017 - 2042, vintage 2012.
City of Valdez population projections: Sheinberg Associates.
Seasonality of Population
The city’s annual population fluctuates seasonally. In 2014, ADOLWD QCEW data shows 788 more
workers employed in Valdez in August than in January. These are seafood processing workers employed
at the processing plants and hatcheries, contractors and workers living at the Valdez Airport Mancamp
supporting Alyeska Valdez Marine Terminal and construction work, and retail, food, and
accommodations workers supporting summer visitor industry businesses.
Number of PFD Applicants
Despite the stable Valdez population during the last 15 years, the number of Permanent Fund
Dividend (PFD) applicants has declined 15% since 2000 (Figure 7).

Between 2010 and 2013 the number of PFD applicants grew, but in 2014 dropped almost 5%, the
largest decline in a decade.
The population and number of PFDs are never perfectly correlated, as individuals must reside in Alaska
for one year beginning January 1 before applying for a dividend. However, the disparity between the
stable population and declining PFD applicants could signal an increasing number of non-residents living
in Valdez since 2000. Average employment in Valdez has increased since 2000 (see Figure 57, chapter 9)
while the overall population has remained steady; another factor that suggests increased non-residents in
town.
Figure 7 - Valdez Permanent Fund Dividend Applicants
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Adults
2,722
2,745
2,698
2,655
2,740
2,644
2,614
2,658
2,661
2,682
2,580
Children
1,067
1,048
1,013
964
886
887
866
872
926
937
864
Total
3,789
3,793
3,711
3,619
3,626
3,531
3,480
3,530
3,587
3,619
3,444
0%
-2%
-2%
0%
-3%
-1%
1%
2%
1%
-5%
Percent change
Source: State of Alaska Department of Revenue, Annual Reports
School Enrollment
School enrollment has declined almost 30% over the last 15 years and 12% over the last five years
(2011-2015), a trend seen in many Alaska communities (Figure 8).

The number of school-age youth (ages 5-19) is also decreasing, though not as rapidly. One reason
for this is enrollment in home schools. There are approximately 35 enrolled at Chugach School
District FOCUS home school and reported to be additional private home schools in Valdez.
Youth enrolled at the Valdez Home School (launched in fall of 2014 with 11 students and with 23
in fall of 2015) are included in Valdez City School District total student count, though the district
receives less per pupil reimbursement for these students.
Figure 8 - Valdez City School District Enrollment, PK-12
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
TOTAL
FY 04 FY 05 FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10 FY 11 FY12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15
874
836
801
756
729
698
673
688
686
638
614
608
Valdez Home School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
11
Valdez High School
300
285
278
262
244
229
226
222
228
200
184
168
Hermon Hutchens Elementary
430
414
400
383
375
364
332
354
358
301
285
276
George H Gilson Jr High
144
137
123
111
110
105
115
112
100
137
145
153
Source: Alaska DEED, School Enrollment Totals
Profile of Age Groups and Race
Like the nation, the City of Valdez is home to a significant population of baby boomers. By the year 2025,
all members of this generation will have reached the age of 60, and most will be over the age of 65.
The percent of Valdez’s population that is age 65 or older has increased 29% over the past five years
(Figure 4).

In 2014, the median age in the City of Valdez was 36.0, for the Valdez-Cordova Census Area it
was 39.0, and for Alaska it was 34.4 years old.

In 2014, the percentage of the population that is age 65 or older in the City of Valdez was 7% and
in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area it was 10%.

Valdez’s overall population is a little younger than the Census Area as a whole.
The percent of people age 65 or older in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area is projected to double by
2022, according to the ADOLWD (Figures 9 and 10). Those ages 65 and older are expected to increase
from 962 people today (10% of the population) to 2,119 people (22% of population) by 2022.
And in the census area, the percentage of the population that is age 85 or older, a group typically with
more intensive needs, is expected to double as well, increasing from 66 in 2014, to 125 in 2022. By 2032,
this demographic will more than triple, reaching 195.
Similar or slightly smaller increases to the percentage of the population that is older can be expected in
Valdez, compared to the Census Area as a whole.
The growth of residents age 65 and older will affect health care, housing, community engagement, and
other needs.
Figure 9 - Age Distribution Projections,
Valdez-Cordova Census Area
1% 1%
85+
2%
4%
1%
2%
9%
19%
17%
15%
14%
20%
20%
19%
16%
16%
26%
27%
27%
2014
2022
2032
80-84
26%
65-79
50-64
19%
35-49
20-34
0 -19
Sources: ADOLWD Population Est.; 2022-2032 ADOLWD Population Projections by Age and Sex, vintage 2012
Figure 10 - Age Distribution for Valdez City, the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, and Alaska
2014
Age
0-19
Valdez City
2022 Projections
Census Area
2032 Projections
State
Census Area
State
Census Area
State
Pop.
% of
Pop.
Pop.
% of
Pop.
% of
Pop.
Pop.
% of
Pop
% of
Pop
Pop.
% of
Pop.
% of
Pop.
1,110
28%
2,525
26%
28%
2,601
27%
29%
2,541
27%
29%
20-34
849
21%
1,818
19%
23%
1,498
16%
21%
1,491
16%
20%
35-49
834
21%
1,784
19%
19%
1,929
20%
20%
1,897
20%
21%
50-64
956
24%
2,478
26%
21%
1,405
15%
17%
1,312
14%
14%
65-79
252
6%
834
9%
8%
1,783
19%
12%
1,565
17%
12%
80-84
17
0.4%
62
0.6%
1%
211
2%
1%
367
4%
3%
85+
14 0.3%
36.0
66
0.7%
1%
34.4
125
1%
1%
35.4
195
2%
2%
36.1
Median Age
39.0
40.5
40.3
Sources: 2014-ADOLWD Population Est. by Age and Sex; 2022-2032 ADOLWD Population Projections by Age and Sex,
vintage 2012
Valdez is less racially diverse than Alaska as a whole (Figure 11).

The percent Alaska Natives in Valdez is slightly less than the statewide average. The big
difference is the lack of people of other races in Valdez compared to Alaska as a whole.
Figure 11 - Population by Race and Ethnicity, 2009-2013
Race
Valdez % of
Alaska % of
Population
Population
White
80%
67%
Black or African American
1%
4%
American Indian or Alaska Native
11%
14%
Asian
1%
5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1%
1%
Other Race
2%
8%
More Than One Race
5%
8%
100%
100%
Total Population
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates
Migration to and from Valdez
Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) records are used to track the movement of Alaska residents through
address changes in annual dividend applications. PFD-based migration data has broad in-state coverage
but is slow to record new migrants from outside the state (because residents aren’t eligible for the PFD
until they’ve lived in Alaska for one calendar year). Similarly, PFD data does not capture people who do
not live in Alaska long enough to qualify for a PFD. However, this data is available by zip code and
provides useful insight into migration to and from Valdez.
PFD migration data shows that the majority of Valdez residents (over 3,000) stay in place from year to
year (Figures 12 and 13).

Between 2013 and 2014, a net 36 PFD applicants left Valdez.

Of those leaving Valdez in 2014, the majority (273 or 58%) left the PFD program altogether
meaning they either moved out of Alaska or died. The remainder (199 or 42%) moved
somewhere else in the state (Figures 12 and 13).

The majority of new PFD applicants in Valdez in 2014 (315 or 72%) were new to the PFD
program, meaning they either were born in Valdez that year or moved there from out of state.
3,500
600
3,400
500
3,300
400
3,200
300
3,100
200
3,000
100
2,900
0
2,800
In
Out
No. Who Stayed in Place
No. of In or Out Migration
Figure 12 - Migration In and Out of Valdez
700
Stayed in Place
Figure 13 - Change in Place of Residence for PFD Applicants in City of Valdez
Stayed
in
Valdez
In from
Other
Place in
Census
Area
In from
Other
Place in
Gulf Coast
In from
Other
Part of
State
New to
PFD
(incl.
births)
Total
IN
Out to
Other
Place in
Census
Area
Out to
Other
Place in
Gulf
Coast
20043,261
17
21
107
309
454
15
18
2005
20053,220
24
25
122
249
420
19
16
2006
20063,152
25
11
95
250
381
25
16
2007
20073,139
14
24
119
274
431
13
12
2008
20083,095
19
12
110
230
371
24
16
2009
20093,043
21
13
133
319
486
13
11
2010
20103,085
17
18
117
317
469
31
10
2011
20113,100
26
17
123
351
517
13
14
2012
20123,111
18
17
123
276
434
19
18
2013
20133,073
15
13
93
315
436
13
32
2014
Source: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Research and Analysis Section
Out to
Other
Part of
State
Left
PFD
(incl.
deaths)
Total
OUT
Net
Change
134
277
444
10
161
299
495
-75
195
252
488
-107
134
235
394
37
176
259
475
-104
162
237
423
63
164
239
444
25
126
301
454
63
137
332
506
-72
154
273
472
-36
3 Community and Individual Income
Economic development policies often seek ways to maximize retention
and recirculation of income within the community as well as increase
new income and revenue from outside sources.
This chapter presents information about:
1.
Personal Income (for households and families, per capita, and
adjusted gross)
2.
Total Resident Income by Type (from work, investments etc.)
3.
Measures of Income Distribution and Income Equality
This information comes from several data sources; each with strengths and weakness.
When all data sources and information are considered together, a picture emerges that suggests Valdez
residents earned approximately $140 to $145 million in work-related income including benefits in
2014. When investments, rents, transfer payments, other community income sources and non-resident
work earnings are included, a total of between $190 and $230 million circulates annually in the
community.
Measures of Personal Income (household, per capita, family)
Data for household, per capita, and family income comes from the US Census Bureau American
Community Survey (ACS). These numbers are calculated from five years of survey data; therefore, the
2013 estimate is based on data collected from 2009-2013. The 5-year ACS is the only household and family
income data source available for the Valdez city.
Valdez remains among Alaska’s top communities in terms of median household income, at $93,625.

Valdez was well above the Alaska median of $70,760, and above nearly all other municipalities in
Alaska (Figure 14).
Valdez remains among Alaska’s top communities in terms of median family income, at $95,734.

Valdez was well above the Alaska median of $82,870, and above most other municipalities in
Alaska (Figure 14).
Valdez ranks highly for per capita income in Alaska.

Per capita income in Valdez was an estimated $35,243. This is a measure of total community
income divided by community population, though the ACS estimates do not include income for
children under 15. Of the communities listed on Figure 14, only Anchorage, Juneau, and Cordova
had higher per capita incomes.
Figure 14 - Valdez Income Measures Compared to Select Alaska Communities,
2009-2013 Estimate
Community
Median Household
Income
Valdez
$93,625
Cordova
Juneau
Per Capita Income
Median
Family Income
$35,243
$95,734
$96,875
$37,992
$116,115
$81,490
$37,558
$95,112
Anchorage
$77,454
$36,214
$90,466
Palmer
$59,966
$25,352
$74,301
Sitka
$69,405
$32,521
$78,000
Fairbanks city
$54,781
$28,872
$76,815
Kenai city
$63,019
$31,710
$76,815
Homer
$53,750
$32,046
$74,583
Glennallen
$47,500
$21,858
$83,125
Whittier
$42,500
$29,583
$51,806
Alaska
$70,760
$32,651
$82,870
United States
$53,046
$28,155
$64,719
Source: American Community Survey 2009-2013 5-year Estimate
Despite the high 2009-2013 income levels in Valdez, when inflation is considered, income has been
flat since 2000 (Figure 15).

Measured in inflation adjusted dollars, median household income in Valdez has been flat over
the past 15 years. Median household income of $93,625 in 2013 is equivalent to a 2000 median of
$93,810 (as measured in 2013 dollars, or $66,532 in 2000 dollars).

Per capita income has actually declined since 2000. When adjusted for inflation, Valdez’s 2000 per
capita income of $27,341 is the equivalent of $38,550 in 2013 dollars. But, in 2013 it was only
$35,243 (in actual or nominal dollars).
Estimates of median family income show less change over the past several years than median
household income. Median family income was steady at around $98,000 over the 2011 to 2013 period
(Figure 15).
Caution is required in using ACS income estimates. The estimates are based on survey samples, with
attendant error margins. For example, the 2009-2013 estimate of $93,625 for Valdez median household
income has an error margin of plus or minus $23,000. The 2013 estimate of $95,734 in family income has
an error margin of plus or minus $17,000.
Due to the size of the error margins, caution is also required when considering year-to-year change. For
example, the difference between the 2009-2013 and 2008-2012 estimated median household income of
$13,100 is within the margin of error. Therefore the difference between the two estimates may not be
statistically significant.
Figure 15 - Valdez Per Capita, Houshold, and Family Income
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
2000
2006-2010
2007-2011
2008-2012
2009-2013
Per Capita Income
$27,341
$34,822
$34,614
$36,609
$35,243
Median HH income
$66,532
$69,536
$73,068
$80,476
$93,625
Median Family Income
$74,188
$81,458
$94,841
$96,862
$95,734
Sources: US Census (2000) and ACS 5-Yr Estimates (2010-2013)
Total Resident Income
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reports personal income data for boroughs and census areas.
According to the BEA, personal income for residents of the Valdez-Cordova Census Area totaled $504
million in 2013. Valdez’s share of that is $211 million (42% of the census area total) in 2013 based strictly
on a proportional distribution by population.
Again, based on census area
population distribution, two-
Figure 16 - Personal Income for
Valdez Residents, by Source, 2013 (as reported by BEA)
thirds (68%, approximately
$143 million) of that income
Transfer
payments
13%
derives from workplace-related
income (wages, salaries and
proprietor’s income), 19% ($40
million) from “dividends,
interest and rent,” and 13%
Dividends,
interest, and
rent
19%
($27 million) from transfer
payments (payments from
Workplacerelated
income
68%
government to individuals,
including the Permanent Fund
Dividend) (Figure 16).
Source:
McDowell Group
estimates based
on BEA CA30 data
Approximately one-quarter of workplace-related income (23%), is the value of employer paid benefits,
such as health insurance and retirement contributions. Excluding these benefits, Valdez residents earned
about $110 million in workplace-related income in 2013.
The US Census Bureau’s ACS estimate of resident community income yields a similar result as the BEAbased estimate. Using per capita income estimates, total community income for Valdez residents was
approximately $145 million in 2013.
A third estimate of Valdez community resident income is from individual tax returns filed with the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS). There were 2,100 tax returns filed by Valdez residents in 2012; these can
be from individuals, married couples, or families. Together, they indicate that total adjusted gross income
(AGI)1 for Valdez residents was $149 million in 2012 (the most recent available data).
Adjusted gross income reported on individual income tax returns by Valdez residents has increased
33% from 2004 to 2012 (Figure 17). However, if adjusted for inflation, the real increase is about 8%.

In 2012, 79% of adjusted gross income reported on Valdez tax returns was from salaries and
wages; 10% from pensions and retirement; 2.5% from business or profession net income; 2% from
social security; 2.1% from interest, dividends, and capital gains; and about 5% from other sources
(Figures 18 and 19).
Income ( in 000s )
Figure 17 - Valdez Total Resident Income, 2004-2012 (as reported by IRS)
$180,000
$160,000
$140,000
$120,000
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Salaries and wages
2009
2010
Other income
2011
2012
Source: IRS Individual
Income Statistics.
Figure 18 - Sources of Valdez Residents Income, 2012
Pensions and
retirement, 10%
SS and
unemployment, 2%
Other income, 5%
Interest, dividends,
capital gains, 2%
Business or
profession net
income, 2%
Salaries and
wages , 79%
Source: IRS Individual
Income Statistics
1
Adjusted gross income equals gross income less a variety of expenses: health savings account deductions;
certain moving expenses; one-half of self-employment tax; certain retirement contributions; college tuition,
fees, and student loan interest; and others.
Figure 19 - Valdez Total Resident Income, 2004-2012 (dollar values in $000s) (as reported by IRS)
Number of
Returns
Salaries and
Wages
Other Income
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2,144
2,076
2,050
2,144
2,161
2,148
2,155
2,149
2,100
$94,294
$91,812
$95,538
$100,240
$106,811
$111,524
$112,855
$110,234
$117,045
$18,074
$22,989
$23,153
$28,503
$34,296
$27,810
$43,277
$39,666
$31,940
Business or
profession net
$1,363
$2,568
$1,733
$2,647
$2,156
$1,822
$3,010
$1,991
$3,659
$2,843
$4,133
$4,534
$6,067
$5,342
$3,534
$12,745
$3,515
$3,129
n/a
n/a
n/a
$11,888
n/a
$13,012
$13,712
$13,964
$14,817
n/a
n/a
n/a
$2,355
n/a
$2,711
$3,479
$3,217
$3,037
$13,868
$16,288
$16,886
$5,546
$26,798
$6,731
$10,331
$16,979
$7,298
$112,368
$114,801
$118,691
$128,743
$141,107
$139,334
$156,132
$149,900
$148,985
income (less loss)
Interest,
dividends, capital
gains
Pensions and
retirement
SS and
unemployment
Misc. other
income
Adjusted Gross
Income
Source: IRS Individual Income Statistics
Income Distribution and Equality
Several sources of information provide insights into income distribution in Valdez. These include:

IRS tax returns provide data for 2,100 Valdez individuals and families in 2012

The 2009-2013 Census Bureau’s ACS Estimate reports income data for 1,340 Valdez households
and 1,103 families. It also lists the percent locally who qualify for federal Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) and that live below the federal poverty level. The 5-year ACS also
reports on the “Gini Index,” which provides a measure of income inequality.

Alaska DEED provides information on the number of students who qualify for a free or reduced
fee school lunch.
ACS data for household income show that among the 1,340 households in Valdez, 27% earned less than
$50,000 in annual household income, and 44% earned over $100,000 (Figures 20 and 22) in 2009-2013.
Similarly, among Valdez families, 27% made less than $50,000 in annual income, and 45% earned
greater than $100,000 (Figures 20 and 22) in 2009-2013.
IRS tax returns for residents (individuals and families) indicate that those with an adjusted gross
income in 2012 that is greater than $100,000 account for about one-quarter of all Valdez 2012 tax
returns, and 60% of the total community income (Figures 20 and 21).
Figure 20 - Measures of Valdez Income Distribution
Income
% of Total Tax
% of Total Community
% of Total Households
% of Total Families
Returns (2012)
Income (2012)
(2009-2013)
(2009-2013)
Based on…
1,340 Households
1,103 Families
Under $25,000
31%
2,100 Individual Tax Returns
5%
10%
10%
Under $50,000
50%
14%
27%
27%
Over $100,000
26%
61%
44%
45%
Sources: % of Total tax returns & total community income - 2012 IRS Tax Returns; % of total households and families 2009-2013 5-yr ACS
Figure 21 - Valdez 2012 Income Distribution, based on IRS Tax Returns
Number of
% of Total of
Adjusted Gross
% of Total
Returns
Returns
Income
Income
2,100
-
$148,985,000
-
$1 under $25,000
660
31.4%
$6,759,000
4.5%
$25,000 under $50,000
390
18.6%
$14,202.000
9.5%
$50,000 under $75,000
270
12.9%
$16,486,000
11.1%
$75,000 under $100,000
240
11.4%
$20,307,000
13.6%
$100,000 under $200,000
440
21.0%
$62,028,000
41.6%
$200,000 or more
100
4.8%
$29,203,000
19.6%
All combined
Source: IRS Individual Income Statistics
Figure 22 – Distribution of Valdez Household and Family Income, 2009-2013 (as reported by ACS)
No. of Households
% of
No. of Families
% of
(Total=1,340)
Households
(Total = 1,103)
Families
Less than $10,000
32
2.4%
32
2.9%
$10,000 to $14,999
22
1.6%
0
0.0%
$15,000 to $24,999
81
6.0%
81
7.3%
$25,000 to $34,999
74
5.5%
55
5.0%
$35,000 to $49,999
151
11.3%
130
11.8%
$50,000 to $74,999
209
15.6%
148
13.4%
$75,000 to $99,999
186
13.9%
166
15.0%
$100,000 to $149,999
408
30.4%
314
28.5%
$150,000 to $199,999
110
8.2%
110
10.0%
Income
$200,000 or more
67
5.0%
67
6.1%
1,340
100%
1,103
100%
Median household or family income
$93,625
--
$95,734
--
Mean household or family income
$95,145
--
$98,960
--
totals
Source: American Community Survey 2009-2013 5-year Estimate
In addition to income data, there are other measures to gauge poverty and wealth distribution. One such
measure is the number of students eligible for free and reduced cost school lunches. The Alaska
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (ADEED) provides information on the
number of students who qualify for free or reduced fee school lunches. If a family of four earns less than
185% of the federal poverty level the students qualify for a reduced fee lunch, and if earning less than
130% of the federal poverty level, they qualify for a free school lunch. For example, the students in a
family of four making less than $55,167 qualify for a reduced fee lunch and if earning less than $38,766,
qualify for a free lunch. For a single parent with one child, the annual income limit to qualify for a
reduced fee lunch is $36,371 or $25,558 for a free school lunch.
The number of students that qualify for reduced or free lunches in Valdez Schools has trended
upward over the last 10 years (Figure 23).

In 2014, over one-quarter (28%) of Valdez students live in a household whose income is less than
185% of federal poverty limits. This is fewer than the percentage that qualify in Alaska statewide
(47%) or other Southcentral Alaska School Districts such as Kenai Peninsula Schools (39%) and
Anchorage Schools (46%) (Figure 27).
Figure 23 - Valdez Free and Reduced School Lunch Eligibility Percentage, 2004-2014
35%
32%
30%
25%
20%
18%
18%
2004
2005
23%
23%
23%
23%
2006
2007
2008
2009
25%
25%
2010
2011
26%
28%
15%
10%
5%
0%
2012
2013
2014
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
According to the 2009-2013 ACS Survey, 4.8% of Valdez households receive federal Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits (“food stamps”), with an error margin of plus or
minus 2.9%.
For 2009-2013, an estimated 7.8% of Valdez individuals earned income below the federal poverty level
($14,580 for an individual), with an error margin of plus or minus 3.5% (Figures 24 and 25).
Figure 24 - Individuals Living Below the Poverty Level, 2009-2013
Place
Individuals Below Federal Poverty Level
Valdez
7.8%
US
15.4%
Alaska
9.9%
2009-2013 5-yr ACS Survey.
Cordova
1.0%
Note: The margin of error for
Glennallen
4.7%
these ACS estimates is sizable;
Homer
10.2%
for Valdez, it is +/- 3.5%
Kenai Peninsula
8.6%
Soldotna
5.0%
Anchorage
7.9%
Whittier
18.0%
Source for Figure 24:
Figure 25 - Valdez Individuals Living Below the Federal Poverty Limit
2000
Valdez
6.2%
Individuals below Poverty Limit
2006-
2007-
2008-
2009-
2010
2011
2012
2013
4.7%
5.1%
5.5%
7.8%
Sources: 2000-US Census; 2010-2013 5-yr American Community Survey Estimates. Note: The margin of error for
these ACS estimates is sizable. For 2013, the margin of error for individuals is +/- 3.5%
The American Community Survey also tracks the “Gini Index,” which provides a measure of income
distribution inequality. A Gini coefficient of zero expresses perfect equality, where all values are the same
(for example, where everyone has the same income). A Gini coefficient of one (or 100%) expresses
maximal inequality (for example, where only one person has all the income).
Valdez’s Gini Index of 0.3414 in 2013 was below the Alaska statewide and national measures (Figures
26 and 27).
Figure 26 - Valdez Gini Index of Income Inequality, 2010-2013
2006-2010
2007-2011
2008-2012
2009-2013
Estimated Gini Index
0.3520
0.3555
0.3548
0.3414
Margin of Error
0.0300
0.0460
0.0452
0.0435
Source: 2010-2013 5-yr American Community Estimates
Figure 27 - Valdez Poverty Measures Compared to Selected Alaska Communities
Community
Gini Index
(2009-2013 Estimate)
Individuals below
Students Qualifying
Poverty Level
for Free or Reduced
(2009-2013 Estimate)
School Lunch (2014)
Valdez
0.3414
7.8%
28%
Cordova
0.3769
n/a
53%
Juneau
0.3869
6.2%
27%
Anchorage
0.4145
7.9%
46%
Mat-Su
0.3955
9.9%
39%
Sitka
0.3774
10.0%
33%
Fairbanks
0.4066
8.4%
39%
Kenai Peninsula
0.4266
8.6%
39%
Homer
0.4499
10.2%
37%
Glennallen
0.3867
n/a
51%
Whittier
0.4224
18.0%
n/a
Alaska
0.4143
9.9%
47%
United States
0.4735
15.4%
n/a
Sources: 2009-2013 ACS Estimate; DEED
4 School Performance
Valdez City School District Performance
The Valdez City School District is very high performing, and is
an asset to the Valdez economy.
For the last two years, the elementary, middle and high schools in
Valdez have received 4 out of 5 stars from the Alaska Department of
Education and Early Development (DEED) Alaska School Performance
Index (ASPI).
 The new ASPI star rating issued by DEED replaces the former "Annual Yearly Progress" rating. It
has only been used in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years. The ratings themselves, as well
as press releases and other info sheets about the system, are available here. The 5 star rating is
based on a 100 point scale, which is based on state assessment testing, attendance rates, high
school graduation rates, and college entrance exam results.
The Valdez City School District was rated the 3rd top school district in Alaska for 2014-2015 and top
ranked for 2013-2014 by SchoolDigger.com

This rank was based on standardized test scores, adjusted using a normal distribution of test
scores for each subject test at each grade level. The standard score they calculate for each test is
therefore an assessment of how Valdez student performance compares by grade level to other
districts.
Figure 28 - School Indicators
Dropout Rate
ACT Test Scores English,
Valdez/Alaska
ACT Test Scores Math,
Valdez/Alaska
SBA Assessments, % students
proficient - English Valdez/Alaska
SBA Assessments, % students,
proficient - Math Valdez/Alaska
Prince William Sound - Annual
Credit Hours
5 year
1 year
change
change
0.4% (13/14)
-0.5%
-1.4%
21.8 / 20.1
22.2 /
+0.8 (Vz)
+0.4 (Vz)
21.3 / 21.2
21.7 / 21.1
22.9 /
+1.6 (Vz)
+1.2 (Vz)
93.1% / 81.9%
89.8% / 78.2%
91.6% / 80.1%
-1.5% (Vz)
+1.8% (Vz)
85.0% / 71.1%
84.2% / 69.4%
87.0% / 68.4%
+2.0% (Vz)
+2.8% (Vz)
8,524
7,177
7,315
-1,209 hr
138 hr
2010
2013
2014
0.9% (09/10)
1.8% (12/13)
21.4 / 20.3
Other: 2015 Business Survey respondents rank the quality of local education as one of the greatest advantages of
doing business in Valdez.
Sources: Alaska DEED, Prince William Sound Community College, Valdez School District
Across all grades and all subjects, Valdez students have consistently performed better on Standards
Based Assessment (SBA) testing over the last five years than Alaskan students on average (Figure 29).
The year 2014 was the last time that the Alaska DEED administered the SBA test, which was given to all
3rd through 10th graders in reading, writing and math, and to 3 rd, 7th and 10th graders in science. While this
metric will not be comparable to future statewide student assessments, the past record of student
performance across the District in comparison to Alaska-wide averages nonetheless illustrates the quality
of public education in Valdez.
92% of Valdez students in grades 3-10 tested were proficient in reading, 87% were proficient in
writing, and 87% were proficient in math.

By comparison, statewide only 80% of students in this age range tested were proficient in
reading, 68% were proficient in writing, and 69% were proficient in math.
Figure 29 - Standards Based Assessment (SBA) Results for Grades 3, 7 and 10
(Total % of students proficient by subject)
Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Valdez
Alaska
Valdez
Alaska
Valdez
Alaska
Valdez
Alaska
FY’10
93%
82%
87%
71%
85%
71%
76%
56%
FY’11
90%
78%
87%
69%
83%
69%
75%
57%
FY’12
91%
80%
85%
69%
80%
69%
65%
56%
FY’13
90%
78%
87%
69%
84%
69%
71%
57%
FY’14
92%
80%
87%
68%
87%
68%
82%
58%
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, District Report Cards to the Public
Valdez students routinely perform as well or better than the state average in all areas on ACT college
preparatory tests (Figure 30). These test results provide an indicator of the degree to which students are
prepared for post-secondary schooling.

The one exception is in math, where Valdez High School students have historically achieved
results slightly below the Alaska-wide average. However, in the most recent year than
comparisons are available (2013) Valdez scores jumped above statewide averages.
Respondents to the 2015 Business Survey conducted as part of this study rank the quality of local
education as one of the greatest advantages of doing business in Valdez (September 2015 Online Business
Survey Report, Sheinberg Associates/McDowell Group).
 When asked to rank advantages and barriers to doing business in Valdez, respondents list the
quality of local education as the 3rd highest ranking advantage.

46 respondents (out of 115) call the quality of education a significant or moderate advantage to
their business. 14 rank this as a significant or moderate barrier to their business, which is also the
3rd lowest concern when all barriers are considered.
Figure 30 - Average ACT scores, Valdez High School and State Average
English
Math
Reading
Science
English Comp.
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
VHS
23.1
21.7
19.9
21.4
20.9
20.4
21.8
22.15
AK
N/A
20.3
20.1
20.3
20.3
20.3
20.1
VHS
23
21.7
20.2
21.3
19.3
20.5
21.7
AK
N/A
21.2
21.2
21.2
21.4
21.3
21.2
VHS
23.8
23.7
21.9
22.9
20.9
22.2
24.3
AK
N/A
21.8
21.8
21.7
21.7
21.8
21.7
23
21.4
21.3
22.6
19.5
20.7
22.4
AK
N/A
20.8
20.8
20.9
21
20.8
21
VHS
23.4
22.3
21
22.2
20.2
21.1
22.5
AK
N/A
21.2
21.2
21.1
21.2
21.1
21.1
VHS
22.91
23.8
22.38
21.59
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, District Report Cards to the Public
Valdez School District enjoys an exceptionally low drop-out rate among students in grades 7-12, at
0.4% in FY 2014, down from a ten year high of 2.4% in FY 2009 (Figure 31).
Attendance rates have remained stable and high. The 94% attendance rate in FY 2014 was the highest
the district has seen since FY 2004 (Figure 31).
Figure 31 - Valdez School District Statistics
School Year
Attendance Rate
VHS Graduation Rate2
Dropout Rate3
2003/2004
94.6%
81.2%
2.9%
2004/2005
93.6%
90.4%
1.7%
2005/2006
86.1%
79.1%
2.0%
2006/2007
93.8%
83.1%
1.1%
2007/2008
93.1%
88.4%
0.6%
2008/2009
91.9%
96.2%
2.4%
2009/2010
92.1%
92.2%
0.9%
2010/2011
92.8%
88.2%
0.9%
2011/2012
92.6%
92.1%
1.2%
2012/2013
92.6%
91.7%
1.8%
2013/2014
94.0%
90.7%
0.4%
Sources: All Data – Alaska Department of Education and Early Development except Attendance Rate and
Graduation Rate 08-09 through 13-14 – Valdez City School District, VHS year-end Report 2013-2014
2
3
Calculated as the percentage of students in a cohort who graduate high school within four years.
Calculated from total students grades 7-12.
Prince Williams Sound Community College
Prince Williams Sound Community College (PWSCC) has served Valdez and surrounding communities
for many years through its combined role as the provider of higher education, workforce development,
and personal enrichment opportunities to varied audiences including local residents, non-resident
students, and community visitors. The school’s largest program has traditionally been a General
Associate of Arts degree, which affords students an opportunity to complete core requirements needed to
progress to a Bachelor’s degree at one of the state’s 4-year universities or elsewhere. Other traditionally
strong programs include the Industrial Technology (Millwright) programs, Computer Information and
Office Systems programs, and Disability Services programs.
Perhaps because of the presence of the Community College, Valdez residents are more likely to
complete some college or attain an Associate’s Degree when compared to residents statewide.

According to the 2009-2013 ACS, individuals aged 25 and over who have attained a high school
education or less make up 24% of the Valdez adult population, whereas this group makes up 35%
of the adult population statewide. 42% of Valdez residents attended some college, and 14%
attained an Associate’s Degree, whereas statewide 29% of residents have attended some college,
and 8% have an Associate’s Degree.
PWSCC is a primary workforce development and post-secondary training program in Valdez. During
the last two years, PWSCC has taken steps to redirect its efforts to align more closely with both
regional and statewide demand.

As part of this process, the Community College eliminated some low-performing programs,
revised and/or expanded some existing programs, (including the Millwright and Outdoor
Leadership programs) and has begun discussions about creation a small number of new
programs targeted to meet the changing economic demands of the area.

In the Millwright program, administrators are exploring the creation of emphasis areas within
mining, energy production, and fisheries.

The college is also exploring options for new programs in information technology and business,
and is offering new web development and mobile applications software development courses in
the fall of 2015.
Enrollment levels rose at the Prince Williams Sound Community College in the 2014-2015 school year
(Figure 32).

PWSCC experienced a cycle of growth, followed by a decline, and more recently a rebounding in
enrollment. Many community colleges had enrollment increases during the 2008-2011 national
economic downturn as displaced workers sought to expand their education and/or potential new
entrants to the workforce delayed job seeking in favor of additional training or education.
Figure 32 - Prince William Sound Community College Utilization Rates
Term
Enrollment Headcount
Credit Hour Totals
Summer
Fall
Spring
2008-09
300
1,143
1,055
7,164
2009-10
253
1,286
1,283
8,428
2010-11
311
952
1,615
8,524
2011-12
518
957
1,731
9,122
2012-13
214
753
1,712
8,162
2013-14
175
834
1,328
7,177
2014-15
134
749
1,959
7,315
Source: Prince William Sound Community College
5 Civic and Social Indicators
Measures such as library circulation rates, voter turnout, and the crime rate help assess the degree to
which community members are civically minded, engage in current community issues, and provide a
sense of well-being.
Crime Rates
Valdez has a lower average overall crime, violent crime, and property
crime rate per 1,000 people than several other Southcentral
communities, including than Seward, Homer, and Soldotna.

Only Cordova’s crime rate is lower, among Southcentral
communities of similar size.
Business survey respondents listed the 2 nd highest advantage to doing
business in Valdez as low crime rates and sense of safety.

Nearly one-half (60) of the respondents to the 2015 Online Business Survey listed low crime and a
feeling of safety as a significant or moderate advantage to doing business in Valdez. Only eight
listed this as a barrier.
Crime rates are measures of reported criminal activity averaged against a community’s population. Data
are reported by the national Uniform Crime Reporting program (UCR), which relies on local police
records. UCR data are only a measure of reported crimes; rural populations routinely under-report
criminal activity due to the desire to maintain positive relations with neighbors, and to a common
tendency to take care of issues without calling police or Troopers. Additionally, some crimes, such a
vehicle theft, are far more likely to be reported than violent crimes, especially incidences of domestic
violence or rape. Nonetheless, UCR’s data collection is consistent across the country and is the best source
available to gauge criminal activity in Valdez. On Figure 33, for each city listed the number of reported
crimes and population are averaged from 2009 to 2013, and used to generate a 5-year average rate of
crime incidents per 1,000 people.
Figure 33 - Five Year Average Reported Crime Rates per 1,000 Residents 1
Community
Overall Crimes
Violent Crimes 2
Property Crimes 3
Cordova
21.0
8.6
12.4
Valdez
38.2
12.7
25.5
Seward
54.5
18.1
36.5
Homer
56.0
14.5
41.6
Kenai
62.9
21.8
41.1
Soldotna
63.7
24.2
39.4
Sources: Alaska Dept. Public Safety Statewide Services Section, “Crime in Alaska” Reports, 2009-2013; ADOLWD
Population Estimates 2000-2014; Sheinberg Associates. Notes: 1 - Rates calculated using mean averages of
actual crime incidents and ADOLWD population estimates from 2009 to 2013. 2- Includes manslaughter,
assault, robbery, and rape. 2 - Includes burglary, larceny/theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Voter Participation
Valdez residents consistently have lower voter participation rates in national elections than Alaska as
a whole.

Figure 34 - Valdez Voter Participation
Over the last decade,
Valdez
Alaska has experienced
high voter turnout,
Year
especially in presidential
election years, peaking at
66% in 2008. That same

Valdez
Alaska
Participation,
Participation,
Participation,
Local General
National General
National General
Elections
Elections
Elections
2004
39%
48%
65%
2005
18%
N/A
N/A
year, 44% of Valdez
2006
27%
40%
51%
residents voted in the
2007
30%
N/A
N/A
national elections.
2008
31%
44%
66%
Valdez turnout is also
2009
31%
N/A
N/A
reasonably high for
2010
34%
41%
52%
municipal elections,
2011
19%
N/A
N/A
reaching 34% in 2010 and
2012
N/A
40%
60%
27% in 2013.
2013
27%
N/A
N/A
2014
24%
40%
56%
Sources: Alaska Division of Elections, Valdez City Clerk’s Office
Library Use
Library circulation for total materials at the Valdez Consortium library remained relatively stable from
2009 to 2013, ranging around 5-6 items per capita over the course of a year.

This rate of circulation is similar to that of the Cordova Public Library, but less than at peer
community Soldotna’s library.
According to library staff, the Valdez Consortium Library serves two distinct populations in Valdez. The
first are families with young children who come to the library to check out books or attend programs. The
second group includes seasonal or traveling workers, who utilize the library as a home base for internet
use.
Figure 35 - FY 2013 Library Usage
While all public libraries in
Alaska monitor public computer
use annually, this is no longer a
Total
No. of
Annual Attendance
Circulation,
Volunteers,
Library Events,
Per Capita
Hr/Year
Per Capita
reasonable measure of library
Valdez (pop 4,101)
5.16
40
9.28
activity, as more and more
Cordova (pop 2,303)
5.62
30
9.86
people access the library
Soldotna (pop 4,284)
8.41
110
14.94
wireless connection from their
Kotzebue (pop 4,074)
2.35
0
7.93
personal device.
Source: Alaska State Library, Alaska Public Library Statistics
6 Cost of Living
Combining information on the cost of essential commodities such as
electricity, heating fuel, food, gasoline, and housing provides an
overall sense of the relative cost of living in Valdez.
Food, rent, and gasoline cost more in Valdez than in other comparison
southcentral Alaska communities. Electricity, heating oil, and propane
costs less in Valdez than in most of the comparison communities (Figure 36).

The price of a gallon of gasoline was higher in Valdez than any of the other Southcentral Alaska
comparison communities; in 2014 it was almost a dollar higher per gallon than in Anchorage.

In 2014, food was more expensive in Valdez than in all comparison Southcentral communities
except Cordova; it was 39% more expensive than in Anchorage.

Heating oil prices in Valdez are less than in all comparison communities except Anchorage.

The price of electricity for residences in Valdez is close to the Anchorage rate and significantly
less than in communities on the Kenai Peninsula.
The big difference for Valdez residential utility payers is that they purchase more heating fuel than
their neighbors and thus pay a significantly larger proportion of their income toward household
energy. Valdez residents spend an average of 13% of their income on household energy (Figure 37)
(AHFC, 2014 Housing Assessment).

This is due to a combination of the local climate, the age of the housing stock, and because over
one-quarter of all housing are (generally older) mobile homes.

This suggests that home weatherization efforts in Valdez could reap significant reward.
The cost of housing is typically the largest factor in community cost of living because people usually pay
more for housing than for any other good.
Valdez has some of the highest monthly costs for rental housing in Alaska.

More information on housing in Valdez is found in the next Chapter of this report on Housing.
Figure 36 - Cost Of Living Indicators
Valdez
Anchorage
Cordova
Homer
Kenai
$288
$207
$333
$264
$234
Week of Food for a Family of Four w/Children
(June 2014)
% of Anchorage
139
100
161
127
113
Mat-Su
Borough
$223
108
Median Rent (2009-2013, ACS)
$1,205
$1,142
$777
$892
$885
$1,026
Electricity-Residential $/1000 kWh (Oct 2015)
$171.70
$170.93
$168.77**
$243.62
$243.62
$197.79
Heating Oil ($/gal) (Aug 2014)
$4.13
$3.71
$4.62
$3.66
$3.88
$4.54
Gasoline ($/gal) (June 2014)
$4.76
$3.85
$4.66
$4.28
$4.41
$3.85
Propane ($/gal) (Aug or June 2014)
$4.50
$4.58
$4.98
$4.43
$4.79
N/A
Per Capita Income (2009-2013, ACS)
$35,243
$36,214
$37,992
$32,046
$31,710
$29,534
Notes: ** Cordova is the only community in this sample that receives Power Cost Equalization from the state; if it did not, its Oct
2015 rate for 1000/kwh would be $278.27
Sources: Food and Gasoline Prices: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Food Cost Survey, June 2014. Propane and Heating Fuel #1
Prices: Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Fuel Price Survey, August 2014; except Mat-Su Borough Heating Fuel, UAF Alaska Food Cost
Survey. Electricity Rates: October 2015 Residential Rates from Homer Electric Association, Matanuska Electric Association, Chugach
Electric Corporation, Cordova Electric Cooperative, Per Capita Income: 2009-2013 ACS Survey. Median Rent: includes all housing costs for
renters such as utilities, source is 2009-2013 ACS Estimate
Figure 37 - Household Energy Costs as a Percent of Annual Income
Anchorage
3.7%
Valdez
13.0%
Cordova
9.7%
Homer
10.8%
Kenai
5.2%
Mat-Su
5.2%
Sitka
0.0%
7.1%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
12.0%
Source: Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, 2014 Housing Assessments
14.0%
7 Housing
Several factors combined result in a tight Valdez housing market and
reduced available housing choice. This chapter reviews data for each factor.

Over one-quarter (28%) of the Valdez housing stock are mobile
homes. This is a higher rate than in Alaska (5%) or the rural US (7%).
This leaves a large proportion of the population vulnerable to energy
inefficient aging structures and, if they reside in a mobile home park, a lack equity in real
property. An immediate housing crisis facing the city is the pending August 2016 closure of the
60-unit Aleutian Village Trailer Park, leaving park residents with few alternatives for affordable
housing.

The number of dwelling units constructed per year in Valdez has declined sharply over the last
15 years; from an average of 29 per year during 2000-2002, to 11 per year in 2003-2011, to 4
constructed per year during 2012-2014. The decrease in new construction creates an aging
housing stock and limits housing options for buyers and renters.

Over the last five years, the average household size for both owner- and renter-occupied housing
has increased.

Median rent, at $1,205 for the Census Area, is very high. The 2015 Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation survey of landlords for Alaska census areas and boroughs estimates that rents in the
Valdez-Cordova Census Area are exceeded in Alaska only by those in Kodiak and Juneau.

Compared to the state average, median home prices are rising faster in Valdez (an estimated 12%
for Valdez over last four years versus 6% statewide).

Realtors report that high property tax rates discourage home purchases by retirees looking for

summer homes and first time home buyers.
As the senior population doubles between now and 2022, so too will grow the need for a range of
senior housing including independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care.
Housing Stock
A number of sources track the number of housing units in Valdez; the most accurate and current source is
from the City of Valdez’s annual population estimate, based on a survey that combines randomly
selected households with households participating in the city’s energy assistance program. The most
recent year that this city survey data is available is for 2012; on Figure 40 this is updated with the state’s
count of new housing units constructed between 2012 and 2014 (based on city permit data provided to
state).
There are an estimated 1,750 dwelling units in Valdez today, including 107 in group quarters (Figure
38).

Group housing includes dwelling units on the Coast Guard base, man-camps, bunkhouses for
seasonal seafood and other industry workers, Prince William Sound Community College dorms,
and the Valdez Senior Center independent living facility.
Figure 38 – Most Recent Valdez Housing Unit Count
Housing Type
Housing
% of Total
Units
Housing Units
Single Family (SF)
790
New units 2012-2014**
12
Total
802
Duplexes/Zero Lots
111
6%
Multi-Family
238
14%
Mobile Homes
492
28%
Boats/Other
46%
Unknown
Group Quarters
107
Total
6%
1,750
Sources: Number of Housing Units & Vacancy Rates: City of Valdez, SFY 2012
Population Determination Challenge; **ADOLWD for 2012-2014 Number of
New Housing Units
Over one-quarter (492 or 28%) of the Valdez housing stock are mobile homes; this proportion of total
housing stock in mobile homes is higher than the average for the US (7%), rural US (15%)4, or Alaska
(5%)5.

These mobile homes are partly remnants of the housing demand boom during the 1970’s pipeline
construction and the 1989 Exxon-Valdez oil spill response efforts.
An immediate housing crisis facing Valdez is the pending August 2016 closure of the 105 space
(currently 60-units filled) Aleutian Village Trailer Park, leaving park residents with few alternatives
for affordable housing.

The potential impact of the removal of 60 affordable dwelling units highlights the vulnerability of
mobile home park residents. A new mobile home park has not been constructed in Valdez since
2006. Creative financing and land use solutions will be needed to accommodate this population.
Mobile homes are a common source of affordable housing in Valdez, but many mobile homes and parks
in the community date back to the 1970’s. The older age of many mobile homes often means they are
energy inefficient and have higher heating costs. In Valdez and other places these older units are not
designed to meet today’s minimum construction code standards. Years of wear in the harsh Valdez
environment has taken its toll on the overall integrity of many of these units.
Frequently, mobile home owners live in mobile home parks owned and managed by another by entity,
leaving residents with no control over the land, utilities, or upgrades to the property. There is no
incentive to make property improvements, because mobile home park residents are renters and cannot
gain equity on the increased value of the property. Across the state as utility systems at parks fail, it is
often more profitable for the landowner to sell the park for redevelopment than upgrade the utilities.
4
Berlin, Loren. July 2015. “From Stigma to Housing Fix: The Evolution of Manufactured Homes.” Land Lines.
Wiebold, Karinne. June 2015. “Juneau’s Housing Market.” Alaska Economic Trends. Alaska Department of Labor and
Workforce Development.
5
Over the last five years, the average household size for both owner and renter occupied housing in
Valdez has increased (Figure 39).
Figure 39 - Valdez Average Household Size, 2010-2013
2006-2010
2007-2011
2008-2012
2009-2013
Owner-occupied
2.47
2.53
2.64
2.76
Renter-occupied
2.07
1.88
2.40
3.03
Source: sequential 5-year ACS Estimates
The majority (63%) of Valdez’s housing was built between 1960 and 1989 (Figure 40).

These older homes frequently come with increased maintenance costs and are likely to be less
energy efficient than their modern counterparts, a critical affordability consideration for residents
in the snowiest city in the US.

Based on AKWarm estimates, annual energy costs constitute approximately 13% of median area
income in the City of Valdez6 (Figure 37).
Figure 40 - Valdez Existing Housing, by Decade Built
2000Pre-1940s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2014
0
39
97
94
644
370
263
201
0%
2%
6%
6%
38%
22%
15%
12%
Number of Housing Units
% of total
Sources: 1940s-1990s: 2009-2013 ACS 5-Year Estimate; 2000-2014: ADOLWD/AHFC counts of residential development
New Housing Development
The number of dwelling units being constructed per year in Valdez has declined sharply over the last
15 years; from an average of 29 per year during 2000-2002, to 11 per year in 2003-2011, to an average of
four constructed per year during 2012-2014 (Figure 41).

The decrease in new construction creates an aging housing stock and a limited range of housing
options for both buyers and renters.

Those familiar with the housing sector in Valdez attribute the decline after 2003 to a combination
of factors: the 2011 retirement of one prolific builder who constructed homes in developments on
parcels sold by the city; a recent lack of larger city land disposals; more limited available
financing for affordable home purchases; the challenges of a seasonal economy and housing
demand; high property taxes deterring prospective homeowners (at 20-mill, Valdez has the
highest municipal property tax levy in Alaska); and the escalating cost of building materials and
transportation (in 2014, the cost of construction materials in Alaska increased by 7%) 7.

Despite the decline in the amount of new residential construction, the number of building
permits issued has been relatively steady, indicating that homeowners are renovating and
improving their dwelling units (Figure 42). The total valuation of residential construction that
6
2014 Valdez Housing Assessment, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
7
2015 Construction Cost Survey, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
these permits authorize has dropped in the last three years, coincident with the decrease in new
home construction.
Figure 41 - New Housing Built Units in Valdez
35
Multi-family 5+ units
Average 29/yr
Mobile homes
30
25
Multi-family 3-4 units
1
Duplex
16
Single Family
20
Average 11/yr
31
15
26
3
3
10
1
12
11
5
4
1
9
7
Average 4/yr
11
10
11
13
9
6
6
3
0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
3
2012
2013
2014
Source: ADOLWD, Research and Analysis Section
Figure 42 - Valdez Residential Building Permits, Number of and Valuation ($000s)
Residential
Development
Permits
Valuation (000s)
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
103
84
87
92
123
86
109
112
80
98
$3,164
$1,759
$3,265
$2,710
$3,675
$4,968
$2,710
$1,464
$1,971
$1,435
Source: City of Valdez, Community & Economic Development Department
Cost of Housing, Affordability, and Vacancy Rates
Valdez has some of the highest monthly costs for rental housing in Alaska.
(Median rental housing costs listed in Figures 43 and 44 include rent payments, utilities, taxes, insurance, and
other monthly housing expenses.)
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (ADOLWD) and Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation (AHFC) conduct an annual residential rental market survey in boroughs and census areas of
landlords across the state.
The 2015 ADOLWD/AHFC survey of landlords done at the census area/borough level estimates that
Valdez-Cordova Census Area rents in 2015 are exceeded in Alaska only by those in Kodiak and Juneau
(Figure 43).
The 2009-2013 rental cost survey by the American Community Survey also estimated that Valdez had
the most expensive monthly rents compared to several Southcentral communities (Figure 44),
Figure 43 – 2015 Rental Costs and Vacancy Rates
(All Units, Select Boroughs and Census Areas)
Borough or Census Area
Average Adjusted Rent
Number of Units
Vacancy
(includes utility costs)
Surveyed
Vacant
Rate
City and Borough of Juneau
$1,300
1,084
37
3.4%
City and Borough of Sitka
$1,208
298
26
8.7%
Fairbanks North Star Borough
$1,217
3,034
485
16.0%
$992
1,043
71
6.8%
Ketchikan Gateway Borough
$1,077
422
56
13.3%
Kodiak Island Borough
$1,446
390
18
4.6%
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
$1,214
1,198
40
3.3%
Municipality of Anchorage
$1,255
8,247
323
3.9%
Valdez-Cordova Census Area
$1,289
236
8
3.8%
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Wrangell-Petersburg Borough
Survey Total
$869
132
5
3.8%
$1,229
16,379
1,096
6.7%
Source: ADOLWD prepared for AHFC – 2015 Residential Rental Market Survey
Figure 44 - Median Monthly Housing Costs, 2009-2013
Valdez
$2,000
Homer
Mat-su
Sitka
Soldotna
Whittier
Kenai
Cordova
Anchorage
Homer
Mat-su
Sitka
Soldotna
Whittier
Kenai
Anchorage
Valdez
Cordova
Homer
Mat-su
Sitka
Soldotna
Whittier
Renter-occupied housing
units
Owner- occupied without
a mortgage
Owner- occupied with a
mortgage
Anchorage
$1,142
$703
$2,011
Valdez
$1,205
$527
$1,660
Cordova
$777
$570
$1,851
Kenai
$885
$510
$1,365
Homer
$892
$509
$1,670
Mat-su
$1,026
$463
$1,678
Sitka
$1,139
$554
$1,862
Soldotna
$990
$469
$1,317
Whittier
$750
$588
$854
source: ACS 5-yr. estimate, 2009-2013
$0
Kenai
$500
Anchorage
$1,000
Cordova
Valdez
$1,500
The 2009-2013 ACS estimates that in Valdez overall, 21% of households, or about one in five, were
cost-burdened (Figure 45). This is even more pronounced among renters, over a quarter of whom (28%)
were cost-burdened. (A household is considered cost-burdened if it pays more than 30% of its total
income on housing costs, including rent or mortgage, utilities, and energy.)
Figure 45 – Percent of Valdez Cost Burdened Households and Median Housing Costs
2006-
2007-
2008-
2009-
2010
2011
2012
2013
46.1%
51.7%
32.9%
27.5%
19.5%
18.2%
16.7%
19.3%
12.3%
8.8%
3.9%
4.3%
Median Monthly Housing Costs (includes rent, utilities etc)
Median monthly gross rent
Median monthly housing costs for owners with mortgage
$1,082
$1,103
$1,111
$1,205
$1,406
$1,444
$1,550
$1,660
Median monthly housing costs for owners without a mortgage
$516
$528
$514
$527
Cost of Homes
Valdez, Median Value Owner Occupied Units
$159,000
$162,400
$172,100
$177,900
Alaska, Median Value Owner Occupied Units
$229,100
$235,100
$237,900
$241,800
Percent Cost Burdened, by Type
Percent paying over 30% of income for Housing
- Renter Occupied
- Owners with Mortgage
- Owners without a Mortgage
Source: sequential 5-year ACS Estimates (2006-2010, 2007-2011, 2008-2012, 2009-2013)
Compared to the state average, median home prices are rising faster in Valdez (an estimated 12% for
Valdez over last four years versus 6% statewide) (Figure 45).
Valdez has the highest property tax rate in state, at 20 mills, which adds to monthly housing payments.

For a $200,000 home, deducting the City’s allowed $20,000 reduction in value, yields a property
tax payment of $3,600 annually, or $300 a month, to mortgage payments.

To assist homeowners Valdez currently exempts 30%, up to a cap of $20,000, from homeowner’s
property valuation.

Of note, Alaska law recently changed (AS 29.45.050 a) and cities have the option of exempting up
to $50,000 per home, if approved by local voters.
Housing Needs of an Aging Population
Just as Valdez’s housing stock is aging, the city’s population is also growing older.

The ADOLWD projects that the percent of people age 65 or older in the Valdez-Cordova Census
Area will double by 2022, as will the percentage of the population that is age 85 or older (refer to
chapter 1 of this report).
As the older senior population grows, so too will the need for a range of senior housing including
independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care.

Valdez is well positioned to keep elders in the community with its Valdez Senior Center, the
Senior Apartments with ten independent living apartments, and a Long Term Care facility.

Increased capacity in these facilities will likely be needed. More personal care attendants to help
people stay in their homes will be needed, as will assisted living. The demand will increase for
smaller affordable housing units located walking distance from the grocery store and other
services.
8 Undeveloped Land in Valdez
This chapter analyzes how much undeveloped land there is in Valdez and provides maps showing
where it is located, how it is zoned, and who owns it.
Chapter 7 on Housing reviewed the increasingly tight housing market in Valdez: Median rental costs are
among the highest in the Alaska; an average of four homes/year were built during 2012-2014; the number
of occupants per household in Valdez is increasing; and there is the potential loss in 2016 of 60+
affordable housing units in a mobile home park slated for closure.
There are many potential actions to address the housing market and spur development. These could
include the sale of additional city land for housing development, zoning and other regulatory changes to
encourage certain types of housing development, the creation and funding of a low interest housing
development loan fund to stimulate certain types of development, formal partnerships with for and nonprofit developers, additional exemptions to property taxation, and so on.
To begin considering these matters, the City of Valdez Community and Economic Department’s
Geographic Information System (GIS) staff, with assistance from the City Assessor, helped develop the
information and maps in this chapter to analyze the location, quantity, zoning and ownership of
undeveloped land in Valdez.
These maps were developed using the Valdez property tax roll, which for property assessment purposes
determines an assessed value for the land and for any built improvements upon the land, for each parcel.
To identify lands that are undeveloped, parcels were segregated that have “$0” value for built
improvements – in other words there is no structure upon the land. All parcels with $0 value for built
improvements were also grouped together by ownership type. Excluded from this set of undeveloped
parcels are right-of-ways, snow lots, and easements. Parcels zoned as specific land-use types that prohibit
development were also excluded from the tallied and mapped undeveloped land; instead they are
identified on the maps as “excluded zoning districts”.
Figure 46 lists the acreage of undeveloped land in Valdez, by zoning district and by landowner.
Figure 47 tallies the undeveloped acres of land zoned only for residential development.
The four maps that follow (Figures 48-51) parcels of undeveloped land zoned for residential
development in and near the town core, and undeveloped municipal entitlements.
Figures 50 and 51 show municipal entitlements; these are City-owned lands but have not yet been
officially conveyed from the State of Alaska to the City of Valdez.

Municipal entitlements are lands conveyed to the City to expand the tax base, generate revenue
through land sales and leases, provide land for public areas or facilities, provide a land base for
community expansion, and for similar municipal purposes.

A survey of municipal entitlement land must be prepared (generally by the City, who must bear
the cost) and accepted by the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in order to complete
the conveyance procedures. Valdez has interim management authority for these lands, but
cannot subdivide or sell them until formal conveyance occurs.

Currently Tract A-1 (614 acres) and A-2 (437 acres) of the Robe Lake Entitlement Selection ASLS
2004-6 has been surveyed with preliminary plats submitted to DNR for approval. Sections 33, 34,
and 27 (640 acres each) of the Browns Creek Entitlement Selection ASCS 98-30 are still in the
survey process. Both of these areas must go through the City’s master planning process before
they can be developed, subdivided, and/or sold.
For the four maps (Figures 48-51), note the following disclaimers:
Source: Base map provided by City of Valdez, GIS Services.
Drawing compiled by City of Valdez, Community & Economic Development Department.
All features associated with these maps are subject to the City of Valdez Disclaimer for accuracy and use.
Figure 46 – Acres of Undeveloped Land in Valdez,
by Landowner and Zoning District in 2015
Private
State
Federal
City
Central Business District
Zoning District
3
0
0
2
5 acres
Commercial Residential
80
13
0
3
96 acres
General Commercial
82
30
0
9
121 acres
Heavy Industrial
224
15
0
2,915
Light Industrial
179
144
23
412
758 acres
Multiple-Family Residential
45
0
0
0
45 acres
Neighborhood Commercial
1
0
0
0
1 acres
Residential Mobile Home
10
0
0
2
12 acres
Rural Residential
336
489
0
35
860 acres
Semi-Rural Residential
5
0
0
0
5 acres
Single-and Two Family Residential
0
0
0
0
0 acres
208
50
0
223
Unclassified Lands
0
20,858
0
2,974
Waterfront Industrial
0
0
0
12
1,173 acres
21,599 acres
23 acres
6,587 acres
Single-Family Residential
Totals
Sources: City of Valdez Community and Economic Development Department, Valdez GIS and Assessment Data
using 2015 property tax roll
Totals
3,154 acres
481 acres
23,832 acres
12 acres
29,382 acres
Figure 47 – Residential Zoned Land - Acres of Undeveloped in Valdez,
by Landowner and Zoning District in 2015
Zoning District
Private
State
Federal
City
Commercial Residential
80
13
0
3
96 acres
Multiple-Family Residential
45
0
0
0
45 acres
Neighborhood Commercial
1
0
0
0
1 acre
Residential Mobile Home
10
0
0
2
12 acres
Rural Residential
336
489
0
35
860 acres
Semi-Rural Residential
5
0
0
0
5 acres
Single-and Two Family Residential
0
0
0
0
0 acres
208
50
0
223
685 acres
552 acres
0 acres
263 acres
Single-Family Residential
Totals
Sources: City of Valdez Community and Economic Development Department, Valdez GIS and Assessment Data
using 2015 property tax roll
Totals
481 acres
1,500 acres
E a s t M a i n To w n
DATE | 11.09.15
Robe River Dr
W Hanagita St
RM
RM
Hanagita St
Cottonwood Dr
Oumalik St
Gulkana St
RA
RM
Nabesna St
Foraker St
Mendeltna St
Eklutna St
Lowe St
RA
RA
Klutina St
Chena St
RC
G
Dr
RB
E
W Klutina St
Dadina St
an
Hazelet Ave
W Lowe St
Eg
Copper
Dr
RC
RC
RA
Bremner St
Jago St
WP
G
ion
eer
Meals Ave
RC
Alatna St
Iditarod St
St
Pioneer Dr
LI
WE
ga n
CBD
CBD
G
G
G
Fairbanks Dr
CBD
CBD
Dr
Egan Dr
G
Galena Dr
Dr
Wrangell
Me
S
LI
als
Av
e
G
G
G
N Harb
tt
Kennico
RA
G
Chitina
G
S Hazelet Ave
Harris Ave
LI
E Pioneer Dr
or Dr
Dr
Clifton
Fidalg
o Dr
LI
S Harb
or Dr
LI
Ferry Termin
al
LI
LI
®
1 inch = 870 feet
UNDEVELOPED PARCELS
BY OWNERSHIP
ZONING EXCLUDED
FROM ANALYSIS
CITY OF VALDEZ
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
AVALANCHE HAZARD
STATE
CONSERVATION
OTHER PARCELS
DELINEATED
DEVELOPED,
SNOW STORAGE,
OR EASEMENTS
ZONING LETTERS
CBD = Central Business District
RA = Single-Family Res.
RB = Single&Two Family Res. CR = Commercial Res.
G = General Commercial
RC = Multiple-Family Res.
LI = Light Industrial
RR = Rural Res.
WI = Waterfront Industrial
RM = Res. Mobile
= Unclassified
U
We s t M a i n To w n
DATE | 11.09.15
RA
U
Cliffside Ct
RA
ts
Ko
Anchorcrest
RA
a
in
Ct
e
re
RC
Cottonwood Dr
ka
Pl
ay
RC
W Lowe St
S Morain
RR
e
S Glacier
o
oh
S Whirlw
M
in
e
ra
l
Ct
C
Copper
Dr
e
RA
N Morain
St
C
nt
as
Al
o
Fr
W Hanagita St
RA
k
RA
R
W Klutin
a St
RB
Homestead Rd
W Egan
rk
Birch
d
Aspen
ll R
Winter
Pa
b
Hi
Dr
U
LI
RA
ion
eer
St
LI
Harris Ave
G
WP
G RC
LI
G
RA
Salm
e rry
onb
G
y
Wa
RA
®
Ferry Termin
al
1 inch = 920 feet
UNDEVELOPED PARCELS
BY OWNERSHIP
ZONING EXCLUDED
FROM ANALYSIS
CITY OF VALDEZ
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
AVALANCHE HAZARD
STATE
CONSERVATION
OTHER PARCELS
DELINEATED
DEVELOPED,
SNOW STORAGE,
OR EASEMENTS
ZONING LETTERS
CBD = Central Business District
RB = Single&Two Family Res. CR = Commercial Res.
G = General Commercial
RC = Multiple-Family Res.
LI = Light Industrial
RR = Rural Res.
WI = Waterfront Industrial
RM = Res. Mobile
= Unclassified
U
Hazelet Ave
ue
Bl
ry
er
Tonsina
Clark Av
e
Av
e
W
ha
le
n
CR
RC
Shoup
RC
Browns Creek Municipal Entitlement Area
DATE | 11.03.15
RR
RR
RR CR
CR
RR
CR
RR
Section 27
Richardson Hwy
RR
Old Richardson Hwy
il
12 M
RR
4 A pl
e Sta
RR
te Gr
RR
1 Rd
avel
Pit
Lo
we
Riv
er
Section 34
Section 33
®
1 inch = 2,258 feet
UNDEVELOPED PARCELS ZONING EXCLUDED
FROM ANALYSIS
BY OWNERSHIP
CITY OF VALDEZ
PRIVATE
STATE
PUBLIC
OTHER PARCELS
DELINEATED
DEVELOPED,
SNOW STORAGE,
OR EASEMENTS
ZONING LETTERS
CR = Commercial Res.
U = Unclassified
MUNICIPAL ENTITLEMENTS
Section 33 ASCS 98-30
Robe Lake Municipal Entitlement Area
DATE | 11.03.15
Robe Lake
RC
CR
Tract A-1
Richard
RR
Cor
son Hwy
RR
RR
bin
RR
RR
Deep L
ake
RR
U
RR
Tract A-2
U
Lowe River
®
1 inch = 2,764 feet
UNDEVELOPED PARCELS ZONING EXCLUDED
FROM ANALYSIS
BY OWNERSHIP
CITY OF VALDEZ
PRIVATE
STATE
PUBLIC
OTHER PARCELS
DELINEATED
DEVELOPED,
SNOW STORAGE,
OR EASEMENTS
ZONING LETTERS
CR = Commercial Res.
U = Unclassified
MUNICIPAL ENTITLEMENTS
Tract A-1
ASLS 2004-6
Tract A-2
ASLS 2004-6
9 Overview-Valdez Workforce and Earnings,
Top Economic Activities
Complete Valdez Work-Related Economy
The most commonly used datasets to analyze the economy are only
available at the borough or census area level. However, to support this
Valdez 2015 Baseline Socioeconomics Report, both the Alaska
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (ADOLWD) and the
US Census provided unique reports to separate Valdez city data from the Valdez-Cordova Census Area.
In addition, the US Coast Guard provided data for enlisted personnel in Valdez.
To obtain the most current and complete tally of the Valdez workforce and earnings, data are combined
from ADOLWD Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2014; US Census Nonemployer Statistics,
2013; and USCG civilian and enlisted personnel information from 2014/2015. NAICS industry sector
codes are used to aggregate all data8.
Total annual work-related earnings in the City of Valdez are $139 million (including local business
owners and all USCG), which are generated by:

336 self-employed individuals and small business proprietors whose income is 11% ($15.5
million) of all work related earnings.

182 firms and government agencies that collectively have 2,238 employees (average annual)
whose wages account for 89% ($123.5 million) of all work related earnings.
The top economic activities in Valdez are:

Oil industry (pipeline, marine and land oil shipment, refining, safety)

Local government (city, school, and tribally provided services, facilities, and maintenance)

Commercial fishing, seafood processing, and hatchery activity and businesses

Health care and social assistance services

Visitor industry services and businesses

US Coast Guard services
These sectors are Valdez’s primary economic drivers and supporting industries. In order to make
informed decisions about economic diversification, it is critical to understand the role these sectors play
in the city’s present economy. This chapter and the remainder of this report, offer findings and indicators
for each sector.
8
Nonemployer statistics lag one-year behind QCEW employment data. It is common to combine QCEW data and the
previous year’s Nonemployer data to understand the complete work-related economy. Analyses prepared the same
way year to year allow a comparison of data and trends over time. In this report, when 2014 QCEW data and 2013
Nonemployer statistics are combined, the resultant overall picture of work-related earnings and workforce is called
2014 for simplicity as it is the most current complete data available.
Figure 52 - Whole Valdez Work Economy: All Work-Related Earnings
TOTAL, All WORK-RELATED
EARNINGS, $139 million
Earnings from EMPLOYMENT
WAGES, $123.5 million
Earnings from NONEMPLOYER
BUSINESSES, $15.5 million
Government Basic/Goods
-Producing,
Service,
17%
21%
Basic/
Government GoodsService
Producing
21%
13%
Support/
ServiceProviding
51%
Support/
ServiceProviding
63%
Support/
ServiceProviding,
61%
Basic/GoodsProducing
49%
Sources: 2014 ADOLWD QCEW, 2013 US Census
Nonemployer Business Statistics, USCG
Figure 53 - WORKFORCE &
EARNINGS - Key Indicators
Employment
Number of Employees (avg. ann.)
Private Sector
Government (civilian only)
5 or 4 year
1 year
change
change
2,145
7.0%
0.7%
1,604
9.9%
1.3%
2010
2013
2014
2,005
2,131
1,459
1,583
546
548
541
-0.9%
-1.3%
$103,733,167
$117,443,926
$119,991,534
15.7%
2.2%
Private Sector
$78,986,256
$91,102,866
$93,924,133
18.9%
3.1%
Government (civilian only)
$24,746,911
$26,341,060
$26,067,401
5.3%
-1.0%
Total Employment Wages
Nonemployer Business Owners (self-employed and sole proprietors)
Number of Nonemployer
Businesses (self-employed and
328
sole proprietors)
Total Earnings, Nonemployer
$13,655,000
Businesses
TOTALS (employees + nonemployer businesses)
Workforce (avg. annual)
2,333
Work Earnings
$117,388,167
308
336
8
28
(2012)
(2013)
(4 yrs)
(2012-2013)
$12,591,000
$15,491,000
13.4%
23%
(2012)
(2013)
(4 yrs)
(2012-2013)
2,439
2,481
6.3%
1.7%
$130,034,926
$135,482,534
15.4%
4.2%
1.1%
-3.1%
Other
100 jobs
2015 USCG (civilian +enlisted)
Annual Unemployment Rate
(V-C Census Area)
$4,097,200 wages
9.4%
9.8%
9.5%
Sources: ADOLWD 2014 QCEW, US Census 2013 Nonemployer Statistics, USCG
Most people work for or have businesses in the following five areas, which together accounted for 58% of
the total Valdez workforce (Figure 54):
1.
Transportation and warehousing (a good proxy for the oil industry, but also includes visitor
industry employment)
2.
Local government
3.
Health care and social assistance
4.
Accomodations and food services
5.
Professional and business services
Figure 54 - Number in Valdez Workforce, by Industry NAICS Sector
(2014 employees + 2013 nonemployer business owners)
341
Local Government
State Government
157
Federal Government (civilian + USCG enlisted)
137
Other Services (except public admin)
54
274
Health Care and Social Assistance
Educational Services
No. of
Employees
(ave ann)
No. of
Nonemployer
Businesses
8
199
Professional and Business Services
Real Estate, Rentals, Leasing
33
Finance and Insurance
15
Information
58
263
Accommodations & Food Services
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
41
Wholesale Trade
9
Retail Trade
189
409
Transportation and Warehousing
Manufacturing
157
Construction
87
Natural Resources (ag, forestry, fishing, oil & gas,…
0
143
100
200
300
Number in Workforce
Sources: ADOLWD QCEW 2014; US Census Nonemployer Statistics, 2013; USCG
400
500
The greatest earnings are in the following five areas, which together accounts for 65% of all Valdez workrelated earnings (Figure 55):
1.
Transportation and warehousing
2.
Local government
3.
Professional and business services
4.
Natural resources (includes fishing, forestry, agriculture, oil and gas extraction, and
mining/quarries)
5.
Health care and social assistance
Figure 55 - Total Earnings for Valdez Workforce, by Industry NAICS Sector
(2014 employment wages + 2013 nonemployer business income)
$15.69
Local Government
State Government
$7.35
$6.51
$1.63
$10.84
Employee
Wages
$0.26
$13.33
$2.13
Nonemployer
Business
Owner
Income
$0.66
Information
$3.78
Accommodations & Food Services
$5.78
$1.23
Wholesale Trade
$0.23
Retail Trade
$5.59
$39.95
Manufacturing
$7.26
Construction
$5.86
$10.89
Natural Resources (ag, forestry, fishing, oil & gas,…
$0
$10
$20
$30
Earnings ($millions)
Sources: ADOLWD QCEW 2014; US Census Nonemployer Statistics, 2013; USCG
$40
$50
Valdez Nonemployer Businesses9
The last section reviewed the complete work-related economy; this section looks more closely at the
earnings and numbers of nonemployer businesses.
Nonemployer businesses are typically smaller businesses whose owners are self-employed or sole
proprietors. The income of nonemployer business owners is not included in Alaska Department of Labor
(ADOLWD) Quarterly Census of Employment and Wage (QCEW) data that report on employee income because this is income of business owners, not employees. Despite the title, some of these businesses do
have employees and these employee wages are reported to and included in ADOLWD QCEW wage
tallies, but the income of the business owner is not reported to ADOLWD. Data on nonemployer income
comes from annual or quarterly business tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
The number of nonemployer businesses in Valdez between 2010 and 2013 varied from 308 to 336.
Since 2010, collective income to these small business owners grew by $1.8 million (Figure 56).
In 2013 (most recent data), there were 336 nonemployer businesses in Valdez whose income was 11%
($15.5 million) of all work related earnings in the community.
The greatest number of self-employed business proprietors in Valdez each year between 2010 and
2013 were in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting businesses (NAICS 11) – it is likely that almost
all were commercial fishermen. In 2013, there were 81 business owners in this area whose income was
$6.25 million. Between 2010 and 2013, the number of these businesses increased by 20 (33%) and their
income rose by $1.9 million (44%) (Figure 56).
After commercial fishermen, the professions with the most Valdez small business owners are those in
professional and technical services (39 business owners), followed by those who provide other
services (31), then those who own construction businesses (28).
Between 2010 and 2013, the number of sole proprietor businesses and overall income they generate
dropped for three business types: (1) arts, entertainment and recreation, (2) real estate, rental and
leasing, and (3) construction.
Most (60%) of the Valdez-Cordova Census Area’s health care and social assistance nonemployer
businesses are in Valdez.
9
The smallest geography that nonemployer data is usually available is the borough. However to support this report
the U.S. Census separated zip code 99686 (City of Valdez) data and prepared an analysis for Valdez.
Figure 56 - Nonemployer Businesses and Receipts by Industry NAICS Sector,
City of Valdez, Alaska*: 2010-2013
2010
NAICS Code & Sector
(alphabetical order)
#
Establish
Total
328
2011
Receipts
($000s)
$13,655
#
Establish
332
2012
Receipts
($000s)
$13,476
#.
Establish
308
2013
Receipts
($000s)
$12,591
Accommodations & Food
72
28
$528
22
$521
19
$309
Services
Admin., Support, Waste
56
16
$353
24
$960
24
$417
Mgt., & Remediation
Ag. Forestry, Fishing, &
11
61
$4,351
67
$4,407
62
$4,081
Hunting
Arts, Entertainment, &
71
14
$1,039
13
$182
12
$156
Recreation
23
Construction
32
$1,379
30
$1,530
26
$970
61
D
D
D
D
D
D
52
Finance & Insurance
D
D
D
D
D
D
62
Health Care & Social Asst.
14
$461
15
$532
18
$452
51
Information
D
D
D
D
D
D
31-33
Manufacturing
0
0
11
$72
11
$83
21
Mining
D
D
D
D
81
Other Services
34
$1,071
36
$1,252
33
$1,014
Professional, Scientific, &
54
39
$929
33
$755
D
D
Technical Services
53
Real Estate, Rental, Leasing
25
$1,549
19
$1,336
16
$1,312
44-45
Retail Trade
0
0
22
$693
18
$539
Transportation &
48-49
19
$900
20
$960
20
$1,152
Warehousing
22
Utilities
42
Wholesale Trade
4
72
5
$92
6
$140
Source: 2010-2013 US Census Nonemployer Statistics
Notes: Data is for City of Valdez, Alaska as identified by ZIP code 99686.
D = Non-disclosable because three or less firms in this sector. Data from these businesses is included in the Annual Totals.
- Data not reported to City of Valdez
#
Establish
Receipts
($000s)
336
$15,491
23
$533
27
$633
81
$6,252
10
$250
28
D
19
D
8
D
31
$1,340
D
$470
D
$53
D
$1,039
39
$1,671
15
21
$1,238
$505
24
$1,166
6
$117
Valdez Employment and Wages
Previous sections of this chapter reviewed both the complete work-related economy and nonemployer
small businesses; the remainder of this chapter looks more closely at income and jobs for employed
workers. Unless noted otherwise, information in this section is for federal civilian personnel only. With
an average of 2,14510 annual employees in 2014 who worked for 182 firms or government agencies,
employed workers comprise the majority of the Valdez workforce. In 2014, approximately 75% of
employees worked in the private sector (Figure 57).
Over the last 10 years, the total number of employees (resident and non-resident) in Valdez has been
relatively flat, similar to population trends (Figure 57).

Employment was lowest in 2008, coincident with the national recession.

Between 2008 and 2014, total employment grew by 200 workers to a 2014 high point of 1,604 total
employees.

Growth in private sector jobs fueled increased employment since 2008, while federal (civilian)
jobs declined during this period.
Between 2004 and 2014, total employment wages increased by 26% from $94.9 million to $119.9 million
(Figure 58).

However, measured in inflation-adjusted dollars, total employment wages in Valdez are slightly
below the level needed to have kept pace with inflation over the last decade.

Total wages of $119.9 million in 2014 are about equal to 2004 wages of $122.8 million (in 2014
dollars).
Figure 57- Number of Valdez Employees, 2004-2014
2,500
2,000
16%
7% 2%
1,500
75%
1,000
500
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Local Government
365
314
308
314
309
329
338
342
362
349
341
State Government
128
125
127
124
129
140
150
157
152
152
157
Federal Government
24
25
29
29
26
55
58
53
51
47
43
1,520
1,457
1,537
1,524
1,472
1,469
1,459
1,488
1,521
1,583
1,604
Private Sector
Source: ADOLWD QCEW
10
If civilian and enlisted personnel is included for 2014, total is 2,238.
Figure 58 - Valdez Total Wages - Actual (nominal) and Inflation-Adjusted (real)
$130,000,000
$120,000,000
$110,000,000
$100,000,000
$90,000,000
$80,000,000
2004
2005
2006
Actual Total Wages
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Inflation-adjusted
Total Wages
Wages(2014 dollars)
Inflation-adjusted Total
Average annual wages for employees in 2014 were highest for those working in Transportation and
Warehousing (Figure 59).

The Transportation and Warehousing sector includes industries providing transportation of oil,
other goods and cargo, and people; warehousing and storage for goods; scenic and sightseeing
transportation; and support activities related to transportation. Valdez businesses include much
of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and the Valdez Marine Terminal, trucking companies,
Crowley Maritime Corporation, some Petro Star Inc. employment (most in NAICS
32/manufacturing), air and marine sightseeing and charter businesses, marine cargo and oil
transshipment tugs, tankers and vessels, aviation businesses, taxis, and more.
Figure 59 - Valdez 2014 Average Annual Wages, by Industry (NAICS)
Food Svcs & Drinking Places
Accommodation
Other Services, except Public Admin
Retail Trade
Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation
Health Care & Social Assistance
Finance & Insurance
Local Government
State Government
Federal Government (civilian+enlisted)
Real Estate, Rental & Leasing
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Information
Natural Resource & Mining
Construction
Professional & Business Svcs
Transportation & Warehousing
$17,210
$25,336
$25,491
$30,303
$32,025
$40,595
$43,805
$46,090
$46,866
$47,550
$48,298
$48,373
$50,695
$64,857
$75,432
$76,356
$82,726
Source: ADOLWD QCEW
$100,754
Resident/Nonresident Workforce
Knowing the industries and occupations in which nonresidents are working can help guide policy
decisions about promoting the hire of Valdez residents, whether through creating or expanding certain
types of training programs, or collaborating with companies to help them identify qualified local
workers.
To determine residency, ADOLWD matches QCEW for each worker with PFD dividend applications.
Residency data does not include federal employees, the military, or self-employed business owners.
Residency data typically over estimates he number of non-residents because one must live in Alaska for a
full calendar year to be eligible to apply for a PFD. Thus, a certain percentage of the people initially
identified as nonresidents will eventually be categorized as residents.
The worker counts for resident/nonresident data are different from employment estimates. Employment
estimates (ADOLWD QCEW) are the number of filled positions, and worker counts are the cumulative
number of people who worked in an occupation over the course of a year. Because a single position can
be filled by more than one person over a period of time due to turnover, worker counts are almost always
higher than employment estimates. Worker data presented here also makes no distinction between parttime and fulltime workers11.
Statewide, 21% of the Alaska’s workers were nonresidents in 2013 (most recent data). The seafood
processing industry employs the greatest percentage of nonresidents at 20% (17,631 jobs), who earned
11% of all nonresident wages. High-paying, year-round jobs with high percentages of nonresidents are
most heavily concentrated in the oil industry, where in 2013, nonresidents accounted for 7% of the
nonresident workforce in Alaska (6,029 jobs) but earned 24% of total nonresident wages.
The smallest geography that nonresident worker data is available for is the Valdez-Cordova Census Area.
For the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, 40% of all workers (3,048) in 2013 were non-residents and 19% of
total worker wages ($42.2 million) in the Census Area went to non-residents (Figures 60 and 61).
Over one-fifth of the non-resident workers in the following four job areas lived in the ValdezCordova Census Area Valdez for four quarters (9-12 months) in 2013:

Information (NAICS 51)

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (NAICS 54)

Others Services (NAICS 81)
 Public Administration (NAICS 92)
Either these workers are on their way to becoming residents, or there is an opportunity to determine
whether any actions or services could help convert these virtual residents to full time Valdez residents.
11
2013 Nonresidents Working in Alaska, ADOLWD, Research and Analysis Section, February 2015
Figure 60 - 2013 Valdez-Cordova1 Census Area, Nonresident Workers2 and Wages, by Industry NAICS Sector
% of
Number of
NAICS Code & Sector
Nonresident
(alphabetical order)
Workers
Total
Number
Total
% of Total
Nonresident
Nonresident
of
Resident
Workers
Workers in
Worker
Resident
Worker
that are
Census Area
Wages
Workers
Wages
Nonresident
for 4 Quarters
(9-12 Mon)
Totals
72
56
11
71
Accommodation & Food
Services
Admin. Support/Waste
Mgmt. & Remediation
Agriculture, Forestry,
Fishing & Hunting
Arts, Entertainment &
Recreation
3,048
$42,178,112
4,607
$177,814,943
40%
371
$3,020,462
550
$9,754,605
40%
6%
42
$825,078
205
$9,398,524
17%
13%
136
$1,693,488
102
$2,767,283
57%
11%
118
$758,966
56
$801,566
68%
3%
23
Construction
147
$3,960,651
261
$11,742,083
36%
10%
61
62
Health Care & Social Asst.
53
$979,971
382
$12,584,501
12%
18%
19%
51
Information
12
$490,264
95
$6,216,836
11%
27%
103
$1,880,974
814
$25,621,903
11%
31-33
Local Government
Manufacturing
1,706
$21,210,260
265
$10,181,623
87%
9%
81
Other Services
25
$488,679
194
$5,257,789
11%
23%
Other/Unknown
28
$510,505
222
$10,611,397
11%
27
$657,745
93
$4,561,149
23%
23%
-
-
-
-
-
25%
16
$170,422
51
$1,552,027
24%
0%
Retail Trade
97
$848,917
431
$9,237,702
18%
10%
State Government
46
$1,232,435
375
$16,728,000
11%
121
$3,449,295
511
$40,797,954
19%
54
53
44-45
48-49
Professional, Scientific &
Technical Services
Public Administration
Real Estate, Rental &
Leasing
Transportation &
Warehousing
17%
Sources: ADOLWD, Research and Analysis Section, Sept 2, 2015 and October 7, 2015 data runs.
1/Place of work as reported by the employer
2/Unduplicated count of total workers employed at any time during the year.
- data not reported to Sheinberg Associates
Workers are assigned to the industry in which they earned the most money. Residency is calculated by matching workers reported by Alaska
employers with the two most recent Permanent Fund Dividend files. Note that these worker counts are different from employment estimates
that come from QCEW data.
Figure 61 - 2013 Valdez-Cordova 1 Census Area, Nonresident Workers 2 by Occupation
Number of
Total
Nonresident
Nonresident
Workers
Worker Wages
1,436
$14,239,154
Sailors and Marine Oilers
92
$1,309,232
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
68
$707,850
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
66
$629,880
Tour Guides and Escorts
60
$308,018
Waiters and Waitresses
56
$489,391
Fishers and Related Fishing Workers
47
$392,109
Carpenters
42
$750,689
Construction Laborers
41
$1,304,357
Office Clerks, General
40
$621,392
Material Moving Workers, All Other
38
$918,838
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
36
$235,994
Customer Service Representatives
32
$233,371
Cashiers
29
$225,721
Compliance Officers
29
$363,075
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
28
$647,742
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
26
$731,781
Cooks, Restaurant
25
$254,032
Recreation Workers
25
$253,462
Occupation
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers
Source: ADOLWD, Research and Analysis Section, Sept 2, 2014 data run.
1/ Place of work is reported by the employer
2/Unduplicated count of total workers employed at any time during the year. Workers are assigned to the industry in which they
earned the most money.
Residency is calculated by matching workers reported by Alaska employers with the two most recent Permanent Fund Dividend
files.
Seasonality of Workforce
Valdez’s average annual employment is 2,145 (2014, ADOLWD). In the summer, the local workforce
swells by about 760 (35%) above the average to over 2,600. Statewide, the summer workforce is about
14% higher than in the winter (Figure 62). In the winter, the local workforce shrinks to about
1,840(Figure 62).
These seasonal changes reflect Valdez School District schedules, seasonal tourism, and regular seafood
processing seasons. Of note, local government employment is counter-cyclical, with 101 more employees
in January than in July because schools close in the summer.
Valdez industries with the most summer workers in 2014 were:

Manufacturing (seafood processing, oil refining) with an estimated 354 more workers in August
compared to December.

Trade and warehousing, with 161 more workers in August compared to January.

Natural resource and mining (mostly commercial fishing work), with 59 more workers in July
compared to January.

Leisure and hospitality, with 214 more workers in July compared to January.
Figure 62 - Valdez Employment by Month, 2014
3,000
2477
Numebr of Employees
2,500
2,000
2548
2631
2267
1843
1882
1974
2,265
2089
1993
1897
1871
1,500
1,000
500
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Federal Govt
38
38
38
42
41
49
48
48
49
43
41
41
State Govt
155
167
164
161
155
155
150
150
159
154
156
157
Local Govt
365
356
349
341
358
339
264
336
338
343
349
348
1,321
1,423
1,545
1,713
1,934
2,086
2,097
1,719
1,453
1,351
1,325
Private Sector 1,285
source: ADOLWD QCEW database, custom run segregating City of Valdez data
Unemployment
The annual unadjusted unemployment rates for the Valdez-Cordova Census Area are consistently 1-2
percentage points higher than the statewide rate (Figure 63).

Unemployment rates are only available at the census/borough level.
Figure 63 - Annual Unemployment Rate
Year
Valdez-Cordova
Census Area
Alaska
2003
9.9%
7.8%
2004
9.9%
7.5%
2005
9.5%
6.9%
2006
8.4%
6.6%
2007
8.1%
6.3%
2008
8.1%
6.7%
2009
8.5%
7.7%
2010
9.4%
7.9%
2011
9.9%
7.6%
2012
9.7%
7.1%
2013
9.8%
6.9%
2014
9.5%
6.8%
Source: ADOLWD Unemployment Rates, Seasonally
Unadjusted
Unemployment rates run counter cyclical to employment - when employment is high in July,
unemployment is low (Figure 64). (See Figure 62 for employment numbers)
Figure 64 – Valdez-Cordova Census Area - 2014 Unemployment Rate, by Month
Year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2014
13.6%
13.9%
12.8%
10.8%
8.4%
7.3%
6.8%
6.4%
7.1%
9.5%
10.3%
10.6%
Source: ADOLWD Unemployment Rates, Seasonally Unadjusted
Annual
9.5%
10 Transportation Data
Valdez is fortunate to be accessible by air, sea, and highway. This chapter presents available data on the
transportation of people and goods to and from Valdez by air, sea and highway.
Valdez Pioneer Field
Daily commuter service and air freight at the state-owned Valdez Pioneer Field is provided primarily by
Ravn Alaska (formerly Era Aviation), and at times by Alaska Central Express, Grant Aviation, and
Peninsula Airways, Inc. Other freight transhippers are Frontier Flying Service, Federal Express, and
Hageland Aviation Service. Charter service is also available by these and other carriers. The data on
Figure 65 represents scheduled (not charter) air service.
Over the last decade, passenger traffic at the Valdez airport has averaged 15,263 outbound passengers
and 15,191 inbound passengers per year, with minor deviations from year to year.
Outbound air freight has declined over this time period. It is not clear what led to the high outbound
freight numbers in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
200,000
180,000
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Passengers Outbound 15,521 15,317 16,225 14,962 14,363 15,739 16,444 16,087 13,318 14,658
Passengers Inbound
15,711 15,694 16,108 14,642 14,320 15,295 15,965 15,996 13,568 14,611
Freight Outbound
198,030 68,814 68,522 39,429 39,556 37,235 31,437 30,286 26,434 32,464
Freight Inbound
97,485 111,274 125,732 105,265 82,421 112,463 116,322 118,222 105,862 133,667
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
0
Freight (pounds)
Passengers
Figure 65. Valdez Airport Passenger and Freight Volumes, Inbound and Outbound, 2005-2014
Richardson Highway
Traffic on the Richardson Highway averaged 435 daily north and southbound combined vehicles per
year during the period of 2004-2013, with a high of 461 in 2004 and a low of 400 in 2006 (Figure 66).
Commercial vehicle traffic on the Richardson Highway decreased 33% over the last decade, from an
average of 175 vehicles per day in 2004 to an average of 118 vehicles per day in 2013. About one quarter
of the traffic is commercial.
Traffic near Valdez city at the Valdez ADOT&PF offices on Richardson Highway Mile 0.35, has
declined 9% over the last decade, from 4,979 Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) in 2004 to 4,523
AADT in 2013.
Figure 66 - Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) by Location, 2004-2013
Annual Average Daily
Traiffic, combined directions
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
4,979
4,790
5,061
4,694
4,305
4,505
4,735
4,565
4,648
4,523
Richardson Hwy M62
461
458
400
444
418
445
422
M62, Commerical
175
165
116
115
105
125
118
1,881
1,611
1,201
1,931
1,595
1,766
1,927
Valdez DOT
Dayville Rd
1,524
1,601
1,460
Source: AK DOT&PF, Northern Traffic Data Manager.
Notes: Not all stations are surveyed each year. Data include traffic in both directions combined.
Alaska Marine Ferry System
Each year more vehicles and passengers leave Valdez than arrive by Alaska Marine Highway System
(AMHS) ferry (Figures 67 and 68). It not known whether this is due to the ferry schedule, a preference
of visitors for an Anchorage-Valdez-Whittier drive/ferry route, or for another reason.
Over the last decade, an average of 12,849 passengers and 4,149 vehicles left Valdez by ferry, and an
average of 9,902 passengers and 3,283 vehicles arrived in Valdez by ferry each year.

Similarly, during this period, an average of 511 RVs left Valdez by ferry per year, while an
average of 355 RVs arrived in Valdez by ferry (44% more leaving than arriving).

In 2014, 35% more passengers and 27% more vehicles left than arrived in Valdez.
Figure 67 - Valdez’s AMHS Disembarking and Embarking Passengers and Vehicles by Type
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Disemb. Passengers
Emb. Passengers
Disemb. Vehicles
Emb. Vehicles
2012
2013
2014
Source: ADOT&PF AMHS
Figure 68 - AMHS travel Data to and from Valdez, 2004-2014
Year
Sailings
2004
2005
Passengers
Total Vehicles
Comm. Vehicles
Cars
RVs
Disemb.
Emb.
Disemb.
Emb.
Disemb.
Emb.
Disemb.
Emb.
Disemb.
Emb.
212
11,368
13,257
3,662
4,097
8
9
3,229
3,550
425
538
277
9,022
10,858
2,760
3,296
0
2
2,450
2,941
310
353
2006
372
10,422
13,457
3,268
4,246
20
9
2,876
3,730
372
507
2007
290
10,592
13,745
3,301
4,042
2
7
2,960
3,577
339
458
2008
291
10,082
13,325
3,251
4,207
10
8
2,864
3,667
377
532
2009
351
9,257
12,786
3,361
4,534
6
10
2,981
3,997
372
522
2010
275
9,601
12,640
3,297
4,259
4
3
2,979
3,718
306
518
2011
331
10,631
14,195
3,547
4,809
11
11
3,181
4,144
342
634
2012
244
8,633
11,485
2,910
3,765
3
1
2,559
3,175
339
558
2013
268
9,858
12,800
3,463
4,178
6
3
3,139
3,671
312
465
2014
252
9,461
12,788
3,298
4,201
13
12
2,864
3,608
406
541
Source: ADOT&PF AMHS
Valdez Ports and Harbors
Valdez has played an important role in the infrastructure and economic
development of Alaska, given its strategic location, deep water port, and
access to Interior Alaska communities and resources. The port offers
commercial shippers important linkages between Alaska and world
markets. Yet it captures only a small percentage of the freight shipped in
and out of Southcentral Alaska’s ports.
Days of use of the port have steadily increased over the last ten years, from 272 in 2004 to 677 in 2014,
an increase of 150% (Figure 69).
The total number of vessels using Port of Valdez marine facilities has increased substantially in recent
years. Twice as many vessels used the port in 2014 as in 2012 (Figure 69).

Reasons include growth in the pink salmon harvest in Prince William Sound, expanded fish
processing operations in Valdez leading to increased shipping, and training activities conducted
by Shell.
Recent withdrawal of Shell Oil from Alaskan waters will likely cause a short term decline in port use.
However, a 2015 McDowell Group study, “Competitive Market Analysis and Long Range Planning for
the Port of Valdez” suggests opportunities for the port to capture increased freight activity and
shipping:

Linked to the export of seafood

Related to Valdez’s proximity to North Slope oil and gas activity, Interior mines, and military
bases

That is oversized or hazardous cargo because some shippers want to avoid the more congested
port and streets of Anchorage
Figure 69 - Valdez Port Annual Cargo, Days of Use, and Total Number of Vessels
60,000
Short Tons
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Days of Use
272
268
245
378
371
295
433
406
581
465
677
Number of Vessels
174
185
177
167
182
155
188
192
193
262
386
Cargo (short tons)
35,115 45,621 24,220 23,508 32,848 26,818 31,593 19,125 38,294 50,209 44,044
Source: Valdez Port
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
At the small boat harbor, a multi-year, phased expansion is underway. This project is in response to
several factors including (Figure 70):

Opportunities to support for increased commercial fishing and seafood processing activity;

Long wait list for slips;

Demand from Interior Alaskans who consider Valdez their “local” harbor (Figure 71);

Demand for larger vessel moorage; and

Strong national economy that favors tourism growth.
Figure 70 - Valdez Small Boat Harbor Wait List and Expansion Project
Small Boat Harbor
2007
2015
# Wait
# Wait
Listed
Listed
After Harbor Expansion
Slip Length
# Slips
Slip Total
20’
109
13
0
109
24’
107
63
16
107
30’
173
95
92
173
36’
-
-
9
17
40’
66
48
46
117
50’
49
24
46
101
60’
-
-
15
11
100’
6
-
2
10
Total
510
243
Transient/Parallel Moorage (lineal feet)
226
645
1,893 LF
2,549 LF
Source: City of Valdez Harbor Department
Figure 71 - Valdez Harbor Tenants, By Residence
Total,
2007
Total,
2015
Outside Alaska
6%
6%
Valdez
37%
40%
Other Alaskan Communities:
57%
54%
Fairbanks/North Pole/Eagle
35%
32%
Palmer/Wasilla/Big Lake/ Sutton
5%
6%
Eielson AFB, Ft Wainwright/Central/ Salcha
3%
3%
Anchorage/Whittier
3%
3%
Chugiak
3%
1%
Delta Junction/Tok/Slana
3%
4%
Ester/Nenana/Healy/Denali Park
2%
3%
Copper Center/Glennallen/Gakona
2%
1%
Kenai/Soldotna/Homer/Nikiski/Cordova/Tatitlek
1%
1%
Source: City of Valdez Harbor Department
11 Oil Industry
Oil movement and shipping, storage, refinement, and ensuring the
safety of these activities, is the lead economic driver in Valdez and the
primary component of Valdez’s basic economy.
Components of the Valdez oil industry include:

Movement of North Slope crude oil through the Trans Alaska
Pipeline System (TAPS) by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, along the Richardson Highway,
into Valdez.

Delivery of pipeline crude oil to holding tanks at Alyeska’s 1,000-acre Valdez Marine Terminal
(VMT), and loading crude oil into private shipping company tankers (e.g., Crowley and others)
for shipment to market. The VMT also has a ballast water treatment system, a vapor recovery
system, and a power plant.

Refinement of crude oil at the Petro Star Refinery into a variety of diesel products, jet fuel, and
heating oil. Approximately 90% is shipped to markets through the Valdez Petroleum Terminal
and the remaining 10% trucked to market by North Pacific Fuel Company. Employment at the
refinery approximately doubled around 2010 when expansion was completed to refine ultra-low
sulfur diesel.

Routine training and activities associated with Alyeska’s Ship Escort/Response Vessel System
(SERVS) oil spill preparedness and response operations.

U.S. Coast Guard monitoring of vessel traffic and other activity to ensure marine safety.
Employment and Wages
A 2014 Alaska Oil & Gas Association report, titled “The Role of the Oil and Gas Industry in Alaska’s
Economy,” estimated that in Valdez the oil industry contributes 700 direct and indirect jobs and $65
million in accompanying wages annually.

In 2014, this would equal 28% of the community’s annual workforce and 48% of work earnings.
Oil industry employment in Valdez is primarily classified as part of the Transportation and Warehousing
Sector (NAICS 48-49), oil-related jobs are also in Administration of Waste Remediation (NAICS 56), and
Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33). And, there is non-oil related work also classified with Transportation and
Warehousing12; however this sector is about 65-75% oil-related in Valdez and can serve as a proxy for
employment and wage trends in the local oil industry.
12
The Transportation and Warehousing sector includes industries providing transportation of oil, other goods and
cargo, and people; warehousing and storage for goods; scenic and sightseeing transportation; and support activities
related to transportation. Valdez businesses include much of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and the Valdez
Marine Terminal, trucking companies, Crowley Maritime Corporation, some Petro Star Inc. employment (most part
of NAICS 31-32, Manufacturing), air and marine sightseeing and charter businesses, marine cargo and oil
transshipment tugs, tankers and vessels, aviation businesses, taxis, and more.
Transportation and Warehousing is the largest sector in Valdez in terms of total employment, total
earnings, and highest average annual wages, out of 13 large sectors. Average annual wages in this
sector in 2014 were $100,750 (Figure 72).
However, since 2004, Valdez total wages in the Transportation and Warehousing sector have lost
ground to inflation.

Measured in inflation-adjusted dollars, the Transportation and Warehousing sector’s average
annual wage of $100,750 in 2014 is well below 2004 wages of $130,800 (in 2014 inflation-adjusted
dollars). Interviews with oil industry executives suggests that current wages meet industry
standards and have not decreased per se, but relevant factors over the last decade are that
retiring high-paid employees are replaced with younger workers who have lower starting
salaries, and that increased mechanization over time has changed the nature of some of the work.

Since this is the community’s largest sector, the failure to keep pace with inflation affects overall
community purchasing power.
Figure 72 – Oil Industry Key Indicators
Indicator
TAPS throughput, annual barrels
Transportation & Warehousing:
# Employees (avg. annual)
Total Wages
Average Annual Wage
Oil related property tax to City
2010
2013
2014
5 year
change
1 year
change
226,174,050
195,085,253
187,406,088
-17%
-4%
392
$40,562,749
$103,454
358
$38,227,476
$106,657
385
$38,781,877
$100,754
-2%
-4%
-3%
8%
1%
-6%
-1%
-19%
$43,816,134
$53,531,774
$43,380,273
Sources: Alyeska Pipeline Company, City of Valdez, ADOLWD
Current Trends
Declining Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) oil throughput and transshipment has significant
negative implications for City of Valdez revenue, local employment, and the overall economy.

More than 2 million barrels a day once surged through the TAPS. Since that peak flow in the late
1980s, TAPS throughput has dropped and is now declining at over 5% per year. Less oil means
slower-moving oil and colder oil, which complicates pipeline operations. Daily throughput is
now lower than it was at pipeline startup in 1977 (Figure 73).

Reduced pipeline throughput also means decreased oil export from the Valdez Marine Terminal,
which like oil throughput, has declined steadily over the last decade from 800,000-900,000
bbl/day in 2002 to 400,000-550,000 bbl/day in 201413.
13
Prince William Sound Regional Citizen’s Advisory Council, “Statistics for Valdez Marine Terminal, VMT Monthly
Loading Statistics, 2002-2014” http://www.pwsrcac.org/resources/statistics-for-valdez-marine-terminal
On the other hand, Petro Star employment approximately doubled in 2009-2010 when it expanded to
include refining of ultra-low sulfur diesel. Industry representatives note that recruiting and retaining
process technology trained employees can be a challenge.
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
BBLs (in millions)
Figure 73 - TAPS Throughput (in millions of barrels) exported from Valdez
Source Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
Regardless of oil throughput, the assessed value of the TAPS and the VMT is declining over time
(Figure 74), which will reduce the property tax the City of Valdez collects from these assets.
Figure 74 - Trans Alaska Pipeline System Assessed Value
Year
TAPS Property Value
Value as set by
2015
$9.6 billion
State Assessment Review Board (SARB) certified
2014
$10.2 billion
SARB certified
2013
$11.8 billion
SARB certified
2012
$8.2 billion
stipulated value to which parties agreed
Source: Alaska Department of Revenue, Petroleum Assessor
In 2014, one Economic Diversification Commission strategic idea was to leverage Valdez expertise in
marine tourism, event coordination, and the oil industry to (1) become a world class venue for technology
field testing and training related to maritime environmental and emergency response and cleanup in the
Arctic and other cold weather regions, and (2) become recognized as an Arctic-support port. Shell Oil was
using Valdez as a support location for arctic oil exploration related equipment and training and its
withdrawal reduces these activities and needs. However, the Arctic continues to open up for increased
transshipment, tourism, fishing, and more due to melting sea ice. This Valdez strategic economic concept
is still of merit.
12 Local Government
Wages and Employment
Government jobs typically are year-round family-wage paying work that
provides economic stability in smaller communities. Valdez is no exception.

Just under one-quarter of all Valdez resident employees (average annual) are federal, state, or
local government workers14.
Local government is a lead component of Valdez’s support economy. Local government provides more
jobs and total wages in Valdez than any other sector except Transportation and Warehousing. This sector
includes the City of Valdez, Valdez School District, and the Valdez Native Tribe (Figure 75).
State and local government wages have not kept pace with inflation over the last decade, while federal
civilian wages, some of the highest in the town, have risen at a pace that exceeds inflation (Figure 76).
Figure 75 - Government - Average Annual Employment & Total Wages,
2004-2014
number of workers
500
$30,000,000
55
24
25
400
29
29
26
127
124
129
58
53
128
125
140
150
157
51
47
152
152
43
157
$25,000,000
$20,000,000
300
$15,000,000
200
$10,000,000
100
$5,000,000
365
314
308
314
309
329
338
342
362
349
341
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
0
wages
600
$0
Local
State
Federal
WAGES - Total-Government
Source: ADOLWD, includes only civilian USCG
Figure 76 - Government Wages (Average Annual) and Inflation
2014
2004
2004
Average Annual
Average Annual Wage
Average Annual
Wages
in 2014 dollars
Wages
Federal government (civilian only)
$70,223
$60,522
$46,751
State government
$46,886
$48,843
$37,729
Local government
$46,090
$48,065
$37,128
Sources: ADOLWD, Anchorage Consumer Price Index by US BLS
14
Federal includes civilian and enlisted personnel.
Services and Revenue
The City of Valdez provides and maintains city infrastructure and municipal services as well as a
significant share of local school funding.
Regular (formula-driven) local, state, and federal government revenue for the City of Valdez has
varied from $43 million to $63 million during the last six years.

The large $20 million variance is primarily due to the changing valuation of the Trans Alaska
Pipeline System (TAPS) and Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT) and resultant property tax to the
City (Figures 74 and 79).
Valdez is highly dependent on a single declining source of revenue (Figures 77 and 79).

Each of the last six years, 80-85% of annual City operating revenue has come from local property
tax levied on the assessed value of the TAPS within City boundaries.

The current property tax rate is 20-mills (property value x 0.020). Because property taxes must be
applied equally to all, local residential, commercial, and industrial property is also subject to this
levy and tax.

Property tax revenue collected from local non-oil and gas assets accounts for 8-11% of regular
City revenue.
About 4-6% of annual City operating revenue each year comes from the federal government’s
Payment-In-Lieu of-Taxes (PILT) or Secure Rural Schools/National Forest Receipt (SRS/NFR) sources.
Both PILT and SRS/NFR have been reauthorized by Congress for only for 1-2 years at a time for the last
decade and thus these revenue contributions are continually uncertain (Figure 77 and 79). Unless SRS is
reauthorized, the last payment will be in January 2016. If not reauthorized, the program and payments
will revert to the greatly reduced revenues under the NFR. For example, in 2015 Valdez received $1.58
million under SRS and under NFR it would only have received an estimated $18,400. PILT was
reauthorized for federal FY 15 only; Valdez got most of its FY 15 payment in July 2015 and will get
another increment in January 2016.
Figure 77 - 2014 Valdez Regular (formula-driven) General Fund Revenue, by Source
Other state
1%
State
community
revenue
sharing, 1%
Federal PILT Federal SRS,
3%
1%
Valdez hotel
tax, 1%
Valdez non-oil
& gas property
tax, 10%
State fisheries
business tax,
1%
Valdez oil &
gas property tax
82%
Source: Alaska DCCED Alaska Taxable
Top 10 Property Tax Payers
Of the 10 largest property tax payers in 2015, four are associated with the oil industry, three are linked to
the visitor industry, and one to seafood processing. The other two include a housing developer and the
grocery store (Figure 78). Approximately 89% of the total gross taxable value of all property in Valdez is
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company’s Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), storage tanks, marine
terminal, barges, and associated land and facilities.
Figure 78 - Top Ten Property Tax Payers, 2015
1.
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (several components)
2.
Petro Star Inc.
3.
Crowley Marine Services Inc.
4.
Kae Soung Hotel Enterprises Inc. (Mountain Sky Hotel)
5.
Peter Pan Seafoods Inc.
6.
North Pacific Rim Housing Authority
7.
Totem Inn
8.
Johnson Inn Valdez, LLC. (Best Western Harbor Inn)
9.
Valdez Properties LLC (Valdez Airport Mancamp, other commercial property)
10. CFG Properties, Inc. (Safeway)
Source: 2015 Valdez Property Tax Roll
Figure 79 - City of Valdez General Fund - Regular (formula-based) Revenues
Type
Source
2009
TOTAL LOCAL TAXES
Local 1
Bed tax (6%)
Property Tax: NonO&G (20 mill, 18.29
in 2012)
Property Tax - O&G
(20 mill, 18.29 in 2012)
Local 1
Local 1
TOTAL STATE SHARED
State 2
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
$48,260,233
$49,218,209
$43,802,178
$39,436,853
$58,990,232
$49,227,552
$389,169
$437,354
$387,512
$442,309
$387,153
350,000
$4,847,767
$4,964,721
$4,537,124
$4,540,653
$5,071,305
$5,497,279
$43,023,297
$43,816,134
$38,877,542
$34,453,891
$53,531,774
$43,380,273
$646,053
$676,248
$1,086,197
$908,455
$1,835,991
$1,168,397
$1,580
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$31,730
$2,335
$1,650
$828,865
$1,265
$43,623
$20,236
$26,183
$28,163
$29,875
$30,416
State 2
Aviation fuel
CPV Excise (cruise
ship)
State 2
Electric Coop
State 2
Fisheries Business
$0
$127,685
$521,771
$274,176
$354,769
$621,634
State 2
Fishery landing
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
State
Liquor
$28,600
$17,900
$13,550
$17,750
$9,800
$20,650
$214,219
$128,383
$138,225
$163,939
$168,134
$164,403
$320,332
$325,462
$321,582
$391,555
$411,940
$291,345
$37,699
$24,852
$62,551
$31,222
$32,608
$38,684
$3,243,595
$2,933,515
$2,929,515
$2,665,648
$2,338,467
$2,331,536
$713,638
$734,740
$704,009
$713,016
$703,602
$752,184
$2,529,957
$2,198,775
$2,225,506
$1,952,633
$1,634,864
$1,579,352
$52,149,881
$52,827,972
$47,817,890
$43,010,956
$63,164,690
$52,727,485
2
State 2
Telephone Coop
Community Revenue
Sharing
Shared fisheries tax
(DCCED)
State 3
State 3
TOTAL FEDERAL SOURCES
Federal 3
Federal 3
Federal PILT
FEDERAL SRS/ NFR
(primarily to schools)
GRAND TOTAL
Change from year before
% of total from local
% of total local from O&G
property tax
1%
-9%
-10%
47%
-17%
93%
93%
92%
92%
93%
93%
82%
83%
81%
80%
85%
82%
Sources:
1 - Alaska Taxable, Alaska DCCED/DCRA, 2014-2009; Pers. Comm., State Department of Revenue Assessor’s Office
2 - State Shared Tax Reports, Alaska DOR, 2009-2014
3 - State Community Aid & Accountability Reports, Alaska DCCED/DCRA, SY16/CY15-SY10/CY09; Pers. Comm., State Assessor’s
Office
Notes: Data is generally reported in City Year (CY) rather than federal or state fiscal year or program year. Property tax revenue may not
include City of Valdez exemptions. Table includes formula-driven revenue only, does not include investment, the voter approved 1.5% of
Valdez Permanent Fund’s value, capital or other funding/income sources.
13 Commercial Fishing & Seafood Processing15
Valdez’s seafood industry is a growing economic driver in the town. The most
recent assessment of the full economic impact of the seafood industry
found that commercial fishing and seafood processing together employed
just over 700 workers in Valdez, including local fishermen, processing
workers, hatchery employees and government workers engaged in fisheries
management. This work creates other jobs in the support sector. In total, seafood generated
an estimated $16.7 million in local labor income in Valdez in 2013 16 (this includes direct, indirect, and
induced income).
Figure 80 - Commercial Fishing and Seafood Processing Indicators
2013
2014
5 year
change
28,906,190
68,213,215
-6.3%
(2012)
(2013)
(4 yr)
$21,710,232
$34,398,840
9.1%
(2012)
(2013)
(4 yr)
12,533,242
12,160,514
6,711,292
-46.5%
-44.8%
12,892,892
12,440,587
6,909,090
-46.4%
-44.5%
$5,284,731
$5,377,764
$2,445,521
-53.7%
-54.5%
Valdez Permit Owners Fishing
32
28
23
-28.1%
-17.9%
Valdez Crew Members
73
74
69
-5.5%
-6.8%
Total Valdez Commercial Fishermen
105
99
92
-2.9%
-9.8%
State Fisheries Tax Shared with City
$127,685
$354,769
$621,634
387%
75%
Est. Number
of Workers
610
FTE
Employment
180
Est. Labor Income
($millions)
$8.8
30
20
$0.9
Indicator
2010
Seafood Landings in Valdez (pounds)
Seafood Landings in Valdez (ex-vessel
value)
Pounds Landed by Valdez Residents in
PWS Seine Fishery
Pounds Landed by Valdez Residents for all
Fisheries in Alaska
Valdez Commercial Fishermen Gross
Earnings
72,811,388
$31,532,402
Valdez Seafood Processing Economic Impact, 2013
Seafood Processing
VFDA Hatchery and ADF&G
1 year
change
136.0%
58.4%
Sources: CFEC Fishery Statistics; Alaska Department of Revenue, McDowell Group 2015 “Economic Impact of the Seafood Industry in
Southcentral Alaska.”
15
Data Sources - Using wage and employment data to determine commercial fishing and seafood processing
employment and wages is difficult for because there aren’t enough seafood processors in Valdez to allow the state to
disclose their data, and most commercial fishermen are self-employed and therefore not included in ADOLWD
reporting. Also, employment and wages from seafood processing jobs reported to the state are classified as NAICS 32
Manufacturing, which in Valdez also includes most of Petro Star refinery; so it is not easy to distinguish between the
two based only on ADOLWD QCEW data. Other sources do provide indicator data to help understand this sector,
including information from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Together these sources along with interviews paint a
picture of commercial fishing and seafood processing activity in Valdez. In addition, McDowell Group assembled
information as part of its 2015 study titled, “Economic Impact of the Seafood Industry in Southcentral Alaska.”
16
McDowell Group, “Economic Impact of the Seafood Industry in Southcentral Alaska,” 2015
Valdez Resident Participation
In 2014, the Valdez commercial fishing industry included 23 resident active permit holders, 69 crew
members, and 57 commercial fishing vessels licensed in town (Figures 80-81).

Many local boats are seiners that also participate in longline Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ)
fisheries for black cod and halibut.

The local commercial fleet includes 20 longline, pot, and jig boats homeported in Valdez, in
addition to three tenders and two other small support vessels. Numerous additional seiners that
are homeported elsewhere deliver fish in Valdez.

The number of Valdez residents holding crewmember licenses dropped 16% from 82 in 2004 to 69
in 2014.

The number of Valdez residents owning and actively fishing commercial fishing permits has
ranged between 23 and 32 over the past decade. In 2013, there were 28 residents with permits
fishing, and in 2014 the number dropped to 23.
Figure 81 - Valdez Resident Active Permit Holders and Crew Members
150
100
82
89
0
28
2004
81
65
70
26
25
27
31
2005
2006
2007
2008
50
73
65
67
74
29
32
31
32
28
23
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
52
Active Permit Holders
69
Crew Members
Source: CFEC, Fishery Statistics
Total assets of commercial fishermen in Valdez (boats and permits) were estimated at $13.3 million in
2015 (Figure 82).17
Figure 82 - Estimated 2015 Asset Value Held by Valdez Residents ($Millions)
Limited Entry Permits
$4.8
IFQ Quota Shares
$1.4
Fishing Vessel Value, Gear, and Misc.
$7.1
Total Asset Value Held by Resident Commercial Fishermen
$13.3
Source: McDowell Group. 2015. “Economic Impact of the Seafood Industry in Southcentral Alaska.”
Notes: Labor income figures include estimated income from tender vessels owned by local residents.
17
McDowell Group. 2015. “Economic Impact of the Seafood Industry in Southcentral Alaska.”
Participation and Earnings in Prince William Sound Seine and other Fisheries
The vast majority of earnings from commercial fishing activities by Valdez residents are a result of
participation in the Prince William Sound (PWS) seine fishery (82% in 2014) (Figures 83 and 84).

The pink salmon runs on which this fishery is based can fluctuate significantly from year to year.

In 2013, 12.2 million pounds were harvested by Valdez residents in the PWS seine fishery
generating an estimated $4.95 million in gross earnings. In 2014, the harvest dropped by almost
half to 6.7 million pounds, which brought in only $2 million in earnings for resident seiners.
Figure 83 - Commercial Fishing by Valdez Residents, 2004-2014
Total for All Fisheries
Year
Pounds
2004
2005
2006
Prince William Sound Seine Fishery
Estimated Gross
Estimated Gross
% of Total
Pounds
% of Total
Landed
Earnings
Earnings
4,878,207
$1,092,583
$533,806
Earnings
Landed
Landings
48.9%
4,601,760
94.3%
17,186,507
$2,886,610
4,865,792
$1,598,151
$2,261,372
78.3%
16,798,345
97.7%
$959,515
60.0%
4,568,369
93.9%
2007
13,505,896
2008
9,933,834
$3,341,262
$2,523,593
75.5%
13,194,954
97.7%
$4,561,492
$3,718,392
81.5%
9,501,575
95.6%
2009
2,085,508
$1,141,251
$453,037
39.7%
1,626,131
78.0%
2010
12,892,892
$5,284,731
$4,549,880
86.1%
12,533,242
97.2%
2011
6,526,542
$3,697,163
$2,853,960
77.2%
6,136,437
94.0%
2012
6,003,965
$3,553,855
$2,754,181
77.5%
5,558,728
92.6%
2013
12,440,587
$5,377,764
$4,952,499
92.1%
12,160,514
97.7%
2014
6,909,090
$2,445,521
$2,010,038
82.2%
6,711,292
97.1%
Notes: Data do not necessarily represent landings in Valdez; rather, they represent landing and earnings by
Valdez residents no matter where the fish are landed.
Figure 84 - Estimated Gross Earnings by Valdez Residents, 2004-2014
$6,000,000
$4,000,000
$2,000,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Other Fisheries
2009
2010
2011
2012
PWS Seine Fishery
2013
2014
In addition to the PWS seine fishery, Valdez residents are active in the halibut, sablefish, shellfish
and PWS gillnet fisheries (Figure 85).

There has been a decline in the number of Valdez resident permit holders in the halibut and
sablefish IFQ fisheries, from 12 in 2004 to 8 in 2014 for halibut, and from 6 in 2004 to 4 in 2014 for
sablefish.
Figure 85 - Number of Valdez Residents Fishing Permits, by Fishery, 2004-2014
Year
Total All Fisheries
PWS Seine
PWS Gillnet
Halibut
Sablefish
Shellfish
2004
28
9
7
12
6
*
2005
26
10
6
11
6
*
2006
25
9
5
11
5
*
2007
27
9
5
13
5
*
2008
31
13
6
14
5
*
2009
29
14
5
12
5
*
2010
32
13
3
11
5
10
2011
31
16
4
7
5
5
2012
32
16
*
10
4
4
2013
28
13
*
8
3
5
2014
23
12
*
8
4
3
Source: CFEC, Fishery Statistics. Notes: Numbers are not necessarily additive, since a fisherman may own
and fish permits in multiple fisheries. Valdez residents participate in other fisheries that are not listed due to
very small numbers and confidentiality issues.
* denotes confidential data due to low numbers of
participants.
Between 2004 and 2014, the amount of IFQ quota held by Valdez residents has declined by 27.5% for
sablefish and 9.3% for halibut (Figure 86 and 87). Note: these fish may or may not be landed in Valdez.

Earnings from other fisheries — including halibut, sablefish, other salmon fisheries, and others —
are more stable, though gaps in the data are present due to confidentiality concerns.
Figure 86 - Commercial Fishing by Valdez Residents, Other than PWS Seine Fishery, 2004-2014
PWS Gillnet - Salmon
Year
Sablefish
Halibut
Shellfish Total
Est. Gross
Pounds
Est. Gross
Pounds
Est. Gross
Pounds
Est. Gross
Pounds
Earnings
Landed
Earnings
Landed
Earnings
Landed
Earnings
Landed
2004
$112,224
89,281
$63,577
20,175
$250,009
85,240
*
*
2005
$166,962
181,697
$228,641
108,884
$213,269
71,317
*
*
2006
$127,826
101,322
$150,590
63,465
$335,927
95,225
*
*
2007
*
*
$214,260
62,201
$440,031
105,029
*
*
2008
$157,706
198,801
$157,270
54,211
*
*
*
*
2009
$181,596
210,934
$150,601
51,962
*
*
*
*
$171,704
51,989
*
*
*
*
2011
$202,915
154,246
$218,276
50,209
*
*
$11,928
3,264
2012
*
*
$173,426
45,532
*
*
$3,538
679
2013
*
*
*
*
*
*
$27,804
4,786
2014
*
*
$96,870
31,495
*
*
*
*
2010
Source: CFEC, Fishery Statistics. Notes: Data do not necessarily represent landings in Valdez; rather, they represent landing and earnings
by Valdez residents no matter where the fish are landed. Valdez residents participate in other fisheries that are not listed due to very small
numbers and confidentiality issues.
* denotes confidential data due to low numbers of participants.
Figure 87 - Halibut and Sablefish IF Quota Share Holdings by Valdez Residents, 2004-2014
1,000,000
800,000
600,000
400,000
200,000
0
2004
Halibut
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
645,431 645,431 771,519 771,519 797,761 638,199 593,722 593,722 627,682 602,662 585,642
Sablefish 459,041 711,077 458,156 458,156 389,073 389,073 389,073 389,073 334,108 332,821 332,821
Source: NMFS. https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/ifqreports.htm.
Value of Prince William Sound Seine Fishery
The Prince William Sound seine fishery was valued at $100 million in 2013, $40 million in 2014, and
preliminary figures for 2015 are $72 million (Figure 88).
Average earnings of Alaskan residents participating in the PWS seine fishery in 2014 were $182,748
while average earnings for non-residents were $173,299; the average was $179,982 (Figure 89).
Figure 88 - PWS Seine Fishery, Alaska Resident and Non-resident Harvests and Values, 2004-2014
Number of Permits Fished
Year
Alaska
Non-
Resident
Resident
2004
78
26
2005
76
25
2006
84
27
2007
89
31
2008
104
2009
2010
Total Pounds Harvested
(million pounds)
($ millions)
Alaska
Non-
Resident
Resident
104
$34.1
$16.0
101
128.4
41.1
111
38.8
14.8
120
137.3
47.0
37
141
98.1
33.2
131.3
115
39
154
27.5
8.0
35.5
134
40
174
171.1
53.8
224.8
2011
134
49
183
58.9
22.3
81.2
2012
161
63
224
68.5
27.0
95.5
2013
153
57
210
180.2
63.7
2014
157
65
222
93.7
37.1
Total
Total Earnings
Alaska
Non-
Resident
Resident
$50.1
$4.0
$1.9
$5.9
169.5
$14.9
$4.5
$19.4
53.5
$8.5
$2.9
$11.4
184.3
$26.9
$9.1
$36.0
$39.1
$13.0
$52.0
$8.1
$2.3
$10.5
$62.5
$19.7
$82.2
$27.3
$10.4
$37.7
$34.9
$13.7
$48.6
243.8
$74.1
$26.0
$100.1
130.8
$28.7
$11.3
$40.0
Total
Source for Figure 88 and 89: CFEC, Fishery Statistics
Total
Figure 89 - PWS Seine Fishery, Average Participant Earnings and Permit Price
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
$0
2004
Average Earnings
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
$56,718 $191,981 $102,820 $299,626 $369,135 $67,864 $472,488 $205,969 $216,742 $476,738 $179,982
Average Permit Value $14,000
$19,200
$26,100
$30,900
$70,200
Average Earnings
$75,300 $100,500 $140,000 $168,700 $168,000 $204,600
Average Permit Value
Source: CFEC Fishery Statistics
Valdez Landings
Shared fisheries business tax revenue, an indicator of commercial fishery landings in Valdez, rose 188%
from 2004 to 2014.
The total value of landings in Valdez increased from approximately $10 million in 2004 to $34.4
million in 2013. McDowell Group estimates that in 2013, 68 million pounds of seafood with and exvessel value of $34.4 million was landed in Valdez.

In 2012, landings included 29 million pounds of fish valued at $22 million.

The volume and value of fish landed in Valdez can vary widely year to year, depending the pink
salmon harvest.
Figure 90 - Valdez Seafood Landings, 2010-2013
Year
Pounds Landed
Ex-vessel Value
2010
72,811,388
$31,532,402
2011
23,635,456
$16,289,664
2012
28,906,190
$21,710,232
2013
68,213,215
$34,398,840
Source: McDowell Group estimates
Estimated Value
of Total Landsing (millions)
Figure 91 - Shared Fisheries Business Tax Revenue and Estimated Value of Total
Landings in Valdez, 2004-2014
$40
$600
$30
$500
$400
$20
$300
$200
$10
$100
$0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
estimated landings ($millions) $10.0 $13.6 $12.1 $18.8 $22.7 $7.7 $31.5 $16.3 $21.7 $34.4
tax receipts ($000s)
$700
$216 $166 $225 $201 $311 $376 $128 $522 $274 $355 $622
Sources: ADOR, Shared Tax Reports; Landings- McDowell Group estimates
$0
Seafood Processing
Valdez has seen substantial growth in its processing sector in recent years, and more expansion is
expected.
Recent expansion by two local processors are the result of strong pink runs, increased production at the
two local hatcheries, and successful marketing of salmon by-products. Expansion at the Peter Pan
Seafoods plant involves a joint venture with Trident Seafoods to produce high-quality salmon oil from
salmon heads and other parts. Silver Bay Seafoods is in the process of building a new 70,000 square feet
facility and expects to roughly double the company’s processing capacity, utility usage, and workforce.
Seafood processing employment data for the Valdez-Cordova Census Area provides an indication of
the scale and timing of processing employment in the region (Figures 92 and 93). In 2014, seafood
processing employment averaged 443 jobs, however monthly employment ranged from a low of 58 in
January to a peak of 1,161 in August.
Data is not available from ADOLWD on processing employment in Valdez, due to confidentiality
restrictions. Previous McDowell Group research estimates of the total number of individual workers
employed at local processing plants at about 600 (almost all in seasonal positions).
In 2013, 88% of the workers employment in seafood processing in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area were
not Alaska residents. However, Alaska residents employed in the industry earn double that of nonresidents. Resident workers made an average of $26,573 in wages, while non-residents made $12,760.
Figure 92 - Valdez-Cordova Census Area Average Employment and Total Wages in
Seafood Processing, 2004-2014
$20.0
$18.0
600
$16.0
500
$14.0
400
$12.0
$10.0
300
$8.0
200
$6.0
$4.0
100
0
Average Employment
$2.0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
393
394
437
487
539
597
387
419
418
476
443
Total Wages (millions) $10.5 $13.2 $12.6 $16.7 $16.5 $17.2 $12.7 $12.7 $12.0 $16.1 $14.1
Average Employment
Total Wages (millions)
Source: ADOLWD, QCEW
$0.0
Total Annual Wages (millions)
Number of Workers (ave. ann.)
700
Figure 93 - Valdez-Cordova Census Area Seafood Processing Employment by Month, 2014
1,400
1,200
1,081
890
1,000
800
782
497
600
400
200
1,161
58
81
157
225
185
101
0
Source: ADOLWD, QCEW
97
14 Health Care & Social Assistance
Valdez Health Care & Social Assistance Sector
The Health Care and Social Assistance sector is the 4th largest
employer in Valdez and also ranks 4th for total work earnings paid to
Valdez residents.

Employment in this sector doubled over the last decade, growing from 130 to 255. Total
employee wages grew from $2.6 million to $10.4 million.

Since 2005, annual pay for workers in this sector significantly outpaced inflation. Measured in
inflation adjusted dollars, health care/social assistance average annual wages of $40,595 in 2014
are well above 2004 wages of $25,688 (adjusted to 2014 dollars, actual wages were $19,843 in
2004.).

This is also a top growing sector statewide.
In 2014, Health Care and Social Assistance employment accounts for 14% of all private sector work in
Valdez (255 employees + 19 self-employed businesses) and 10% of all Valdez work earnings ($10.4
million in wages + $0.47 million proprietor income).

Work is split between health care (54%) and social assistance (46%).
Number of employees (ave. ann.)
Figure 94 - Valdez Health Care & Social Assistance Sector,
Number of Employees (average annual), 2014
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
103
99
101
94
95
93
2006
2007
2008
104
99
25
26
2004
2005
Health Care
152
141
103
115
126
125
125
104
2009
2010
2011
2012
118
151
141
137
2013
2014
Social Assistance
Source: ADOLWD QCEW
There are 11 health care and social assistance employers in Valdez. The largest employer is the
Providence Medical Center, which in conjunction with its Counseling Center and Long-Term Care wing
accounts for approximately 50% of all employment in Health Care and Social Assistance. Other health
care employers are physician and dentists offices, offices of other health practitioners, vocational
rehabilitation services, and home health care services. Other social assistance employers include child day
care services, individual and family services, and emergency and other relief service providers.
Statewide, the health care industry has been a source of employment growth for the past 20+ years, and
although growth seems to be slowing, experts consider much of the state underserved and forecast slow
growth for 2015. The statewide social assistance industry was shaken in 2014 by the state’s crackdown on
Medicaid fraud, and several large social assistance firms went out of business as a result. Fewer losses are
expected in 2015.
In addition to employees who work for others, there are 19 sole proprietors or self-employed businesses
in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector, whose owners generate another $470,000 in income
(2013).
Figure 95 - Valdez Health Care and Social Assistance Sector, Total Wages, 2014
8.00
7.00
Wages ($millions)
6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Health Care
0.66
0.79
4.04
4.15
4.36
5.86
5.99
6.19
6.44
6.69
6.79
Social Assistance
1.80
1.84
1.85
1.82
2.23
2.42
2.62
3.94
3.93
3.83
3.58
Source: ADOLWD QCEW
Alaska’s recent acceptance of Medicaid Expansion was important to this sector as this will reduce charity
and bad debt everywhere including at Valdez Providence and help it and other local health care
provider’s bottom line. A major concern now is what Medicaid Reform may entail including the impact
on reimbursement rates for services.
The high cost of providing and obtaining health care services is a concern throughout Alaska and most
acutely in rural areas. Alaska also has the highest health insurance premiums in the nation. Factors in
these high costs are higher hospital costs, higher physician reimbursements, the higher cost of doing
business in Alaska, and the very limited number of private insurers in the state. Nationally, for 2014-24,
health spending is projected to grow at an average rate of 5.8 percent per year (CMS, National Health
Expenditure projections).
Valdez’s stable population makes expanding services challenging. Additionally, it can be hard to attract
health care practitioners and keep them in a small town. Valdez is fortunate in that there are a number of
long-time providers who love the community and choose to stay and raise families, here foregoing higher
salaries in larger urban places. Maintaining local quality of life and quality of education are important to
keep health practitioners (and others with flexible professional options) living in town.
As the large cohort of baby boomers ages, the percent of seniors statewide and locally is forecasted to
increase. Valdez is well positioned to keep elders in the community with its Senior Center, Senior
Apartments, and Long Term Care facility.
Providence Valdez System Indicators
As the largest health and social assistance provider in the area, as well as one of the community’s top
employers, Providence Valdez warrants special attention.
Providence presents a report to the City Council annually. Data excerpted from its 2014 reports shows:
(Figure 97):




Patients are highly satisfied.
Medical Center usage is decreasing, Long Term Care census is steady, and Counseling Center
visits are increasing.
Bad Debt/Charity Care is steadily increasing.
Medical Center net income declined in 2014 due to an absence of one-time cash infusions that
added to previous year totals (state settlement of reimbursement rates, federal incentives to
switch to electronic medical records, etc.).
Health Rankings for Valdez-Cordova Census Area
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation gathers data annually on 35 measures 18 to calculate
Borough/County health rankings.
The Valdez-Cordova Census Area ranks in the top half of the state in all categories, and is especially
well-positioned when the Social and Economic environment is considered (Figure 98).
18
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, “County Health Rankings & Roadmaps,” 2015
The 35 measures are: HEALTH OUTCOMES – Premature death, Poor or fair health, Poor physical health days, Poor
mental health days, Low birthweight; HEALTH BEHAVIORS: Adult smoking, Adult obesity, Food environment
index, Physical inactivity, Access to exercise opportunities, Excessive drinking, Alcohol-impaired driving deaths,
Sexually transmitted infections, Teen births; CLINICAL CARE: Uninsured, Primary care physicians, Dentists, Mental
health providers, Preventable hospital stays, Diabetic monitoring, Mammography screening; SOCIAL AND
ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT: High school graduation, Some college, Unemployment, Children in poverty, Income
inequality, Children in single-parent households, Social associations, Violent crime, Injury deaths; PHYSICAL
ENVIRONMENT: Air pollution - particulate matter, Drinking water violations, Severe housing problems, Driving
alone to work, Long commute - driving alone.
Figure 97 - Providence Valdez Indicators
2010
Overall Patient Experience - Satisfaction Scores
2011
2012
2013
2014
93%
85%
96%
96%
4.32
3.5
2.64
2.59
Medical Center Census & Visits
Acute Average Daily Patient Census
3.61
Long Term Care Average Daily Resident Census
9.92
9.93
9.68
9.58
9.47
Total Outpatient Visits
9,691
9,936
10,002
9,370
8,695
Emergency Room Visits
1,749
1,661
1,623
1,617
1,508
45
49
41
54
39
$11.1
$13.2
$14.7
$15.5
$15.9
Births
Medical Center Financials
Providence Valdez Medical Center (PVMC) Gross
Patient Revenues ($ millions)
PVMC Charity Care/Bad (Patient) Debt
$850,000
$640,000
$843,000
$1,000,000
$1,600,000
$1,280,000
$441,000
$875,000
$1,530,000
$79,000
84.2
85.7
84.3
86.7
87.9
107
114
111
117
127
2,537
2,297
2,093
2,386
2,595
PVCC Gross Patient Revenues
$269,000
$271,000
$307,000
$321,000
$398,000
PVCC Net Operating Income
$28,000
$57,000
$98,000
$158,000
$41,000
PVMC Net Operating Income
Employment
Number of FTEs (full time equivalent employees) PVMC+PVCC
Total Number of Employees - PVMC+PVCC
Counseling Center Data
Providence Valdez Counseling Center (PVCC) Client
Visits
Source: Providence Valdez Medical Center 2014 Year-End Operating Report
Figure 98 - 2015 Health Rankings (based on a variety of 2010-2013 data sources)
Health Outcomes
Health Behaviors
Borough or Census Area
Clinical
Care
Social &
Economic
Environment
Physical
Environment
Rank (1 - 23; one for each borough with data.
A “1” is the rank with highest or best outcomes.
Aleutians West
2
10
1
Anchorage
12
2
Bethel
19
19
3
5
16
19
21
14
Dillingham
18
16
Fairbanks North Star
6
4
9
18
13
2
7
19
Haines
7
10
12
11
10
Juneau
Kenai Peninsula
3
1
1
1
6
5
5
8
8
11
Ketchikan Gateway
9
6
6
4
22
Kodiak Island
4
8
11
3
7
Lake and Peninsula
13
15
22
16
12
Matanuska-Susitna
15
11
7
9
21
Nome
22
21
16
19
9
North Slope
16
17
23
13
2
Northwest Arctic
20
22
17
20
20
17
18
21
17
18
14
3
5
2
5
1
14
18
15
3
Southeast Fairbanks
11
13
14
14
23
Valdez-Cordova
10
9
10
6
8
Wade Hampton
23
23
13
23
17
Prince of Wales-Outer
Ketchikan
Sitka
Skagway-HoonahAngoon
12
15
Wrangell-Petersburg
8
7
4
12
4
Yukon-Koyukuk
21
20
20
22
15
Aleutians East
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
Bristol Bay
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
Denali
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
Yakutat
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, “County Health Rankings & Roadmaps,” 2015
15 Visitor Industry
Businesses and jobs related to the visitor industry continue to be
forecast for statewide growth due in part to the robust national
economy and current inexpensive gasoline prices. The visitor
industry could be a source of increased economic activity in Valdez
by better leveraging the area’s natural resources into more jobs,
wages, and business activity. A Valdez study slated for spring 2016
completion is underway to evaluate the community’s potential as a
mountain recreation destination, including snow sports and a
variety of summer activities.
Valdez’s most significant assets for drawing visitors are scenic attractions (including glaciers, waterfalls,
mountains, and Prince William Sound) and sport fishing. Guided and unguided sport fishing are
particularly important components of the visitor industry in Valdez. In addition, day cruises are very
popular, showcasing the Sound’s marine life and glaciers. Other common visitor activities include
kayaking, hiking, camping, and visiting museums.
Valdez’s tourism industry is heavily seasonal, with most nonresident traffic concentrated between
Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Snow sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding,
bring an influx of visitors in March and April.
Visitor Industry Employment and Wages
Traditional data sources do not include comprehensive measures of visitor industry employment. Visitor
employment is spread across the transportation, retail, and leisure and hospitality sectors. In the absence
of better data, the Leisure and Hospitality sector (NAICS 71, 72) serves as a proxy for employment trends
in the visitor industry.
In 2014, employment in the Leisure and Hospitality sector was the 3rd largest in Valdez. However, in
terms of total wages it was closer to the low end, ranking 8th out of 13 sectors.

In 2014, employment in this sector accounted for 271 annual average jobs, with total annual
wages of $6.2 million. Employment in this sector has been generally trending up over the past
decade, adding about 55 jobs since 2005 (Figure 99). There were also 33 business proprietors in
this sector that in 2013 earned $700,000 in income.

Accommodations (hotels, lodges, and B&Bs) makes up the largest sub-sector, generating 137 jobs
and $3.5 million in wages in 2014. Employment in the Accommodations sub-sector has also been
trending up slowly over the past several years.

Employment and wages in Food Services and Drinking Places sub-sector is affected by local
resident spending, but also substantially impacted by visitors. Up until a 2012 peak, employment
in this sector had been trending up as well.

In 2014, the average wage for all work in Valdez was $58,544. Jobs in Arts, Entertainment, and
Recreation paid $32,023 on average in 2014, while those in Accommodations had an average
annual wage of $25,336, and Food and Drinking Places employees made an average of $17,210.
Figure 99 - Leisure & Hospitality - Employment (average annual), 2004-2014
300
250
number of workers
200
89
107
116
101
103
72
69
101
100
85
88
117
123
105
110
118
116
129
125
137
97
22
26
27
31
30
29
29
33
32
31
31
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2012
2013
2014
150
100
146
50
0
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation
Accommodations
Food Services and Drinking Places
Figures 99 and 100 - Source: ADOLWD QCEW
Figure 100 - Leisure & Hospitality - Total Wages, 2004-2014
$4,000,000
$3,500,000
$3,000,000
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Accommodations
Food and Drinking Places
Employment in Leisure and Hospitality is highly seasonal (Figure 101).

In June, July, and August, tourism-related employment more than doubles (382 in 2014)
compared to January (168). Employment begins its annual climb in late winter due to snow
sports-related visitation (279 by March).
Figure 101 - Valdez Average Employment in Leisure and Hospitality Industry, by Month, 2014
450
382
400
350
318
279
300
250
200
196
168
290
382
374
299
185
187
187
150
100
50
0
Source: ADOLWD QCEW
Valdez Visitor Volume, Characteristics, and Activities or Destinations
Little information is available on the total number of visitors to Valdez, which includes substantial
numbers of non-Alaskans (profiled below), Fairbanks and Anchorage residents, and others. McDowell
Group will launch a visitor intercept survey in early 2016 to gather information about the Valdez visitor
market. The survey will include intercepts along the Richardson Highway, at the ferry terminal, the
airport, at camp groups, and potentially other locations. The survey research project will for the first time
provide a detailed profile of all Valdez visitors, including Alaska residents and non-Alaskans.
The most recent measure of non-Alaskan visitor travel to Valdez dates from summer 2011, from the
Alaska Visitor Statistics Program (AVSP), a periodic study conducted by McDowell Group for the Alaska
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. The 2011 AVSP reported the
following:
Out of all Alaska visitors in summer 2011 (1.56 million), an estimated 4% (57,000) traveled to Valdez.

This included 6% of all cruise visitors, 1% of all air visitors (entering and exiting Alaska via air),
and 18% of highway/ferry visitors (entering or exiting Alaska via highway or ferry).

Two-thirds (67%) of Valdez visitors entered and exited the state via airplane, while one-quarter
entered or exited via highway or ferry. Just 9% traveled to/from/within Alaska via cruise ship.
The most popular transportation modes used by Valdez visitors to travel between Alaska communities
were rental vehicle (32 percent), personal vehicles (25%), the Alaska state ferry (23%), and motor
coaches (22%).
Valdez visitors spent an average of 15.5 nights in Alaska, and 2.9 nights in Valdez.
The most popular activities in Valdez were camping (36%), wildlife viewing (30%), day cruise (29%),
museums (20%), hiking/nature walks (19%), and fishing (17%).
Valdez visitors spent an average of $196 per person while in Valdez,
Valdez hosts a number of special events which bring visitors to the community, and are particularly
important in the winter months when visitation drops off. The list below highlights
the larger events:

Valdez Ice Climbing Festival, Feb 12-15. (Around 150 to 200 participants)

Fat Bike Festival, March 11-13. New event in 2016.

Thompson Pass Snowkite and AirSports Festival, March 28-April 6.

Tailgate Alaska, April 3-12. (Around 400 participants.)

Mountain Man Snowmachine Hillclimb, April 17-19.

Valdez Fly-In Air Show, May 8-10.

Valdez Rock Climbing Festival, Memorial Day Weekend. (Around
200 participants.)

Silver Salmon Fishing Derby, July and August (several thousand non-local participants)
Visitation at Valdez’s two main museums increased from 2008 to 2014 by 57% at the Valdez Museum
and by 75% at the Whitney Museum (Figure 102).
Figure 102 - Valdez Museums, Annual Visitation, 2008-2014
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Whitney Museum
3,756
3,557
5,353
3,522
4,701
6,344
6,591
Valdez Museum
9,525
12,043
10,597
9,277
13,450
13,496
15,034
Sources: Whitney Museum, Valdez Museum
Note: Whitney Museum instituted free admission starting in 2010.
Valdez has limited near-term potential to attract large cruise ships due to logistical constraints relative to
Seward and Whittier, where the vast majority of Southcentral Alaska’s cruises embark or disembark.
Valdez’s lack of tours and excursions is another barrier to tapping into the cruise market.
Valdez has experienced a steady decline in cruise ship visitation over the past 15 years (Figure 103).

At its peak, annual cruise visitation to Valdez totaled just over 80,000 passengers, in 1998 and
1999.

From 2004 through 2014, Valdez only saw significant numbers of large cruise ship port calls in
2008 and 2009.
Figure 103 - Valdez Cruise Ship Passengers, 1996-2014
100,000
82,098
80,000
72,311
59,856
60,000
81,133
65,396
57,965
37,859
40,000
16,824
20,000
369
0
369
0
5,541 6,224
490
330
0
245
0
0
Source: Port of Valdez, Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska.
Bed and Hotel Tax Receipts
Valdez charges a public accommodation tax of 6% to hotels and other businesses offering short term
accommodations, as well as boarding houses and apartment rentals for stays under six months in length.
Bed tax receipts provide an important indication of trends in the visitor industry in Valdez (Figures 104
and 105).
Adjusting for inflation, public accommodation tax receipts stayed roughly consistent from 2005-2014,
with no clear trend and an average of $383,242 collected per year in 2014 dollars (Figure 104).
Figure 104 - Valdez Public Accommodation Tax Receipts, 2004-2015
$500,000
$450,000
$400,000
$350,000
$300,000
$250,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$0
4th Quarter
3rd Quarter
2nd Quarter
1st Quarter
Source: City of Valdez, Finance Department. Note: Fourth quarter receipts are included with the following year annual totals.
Figure 105 - Valdez Public Accommodation Tax Receipts, 2004-2015
Year
4th
1st
2nd
3rd
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Total
Total
without
Residential
Total
Estimated
without
Gross
Residential
Sales
(2014 $)
(millions)
2004-2005
$32,388
$29,119
$88,470
$174,095
$324,072
$296,788
$372,807
4.95
2005-2006
$32,224
$33,950
$91,083
$161,858
$319,114
$296,401
$348,059
4.94
2006-2007
$41,189
$41,090
$98,328
$194,599
$375,206
$344,811
$393,693
5.75
2007-2008
$41,002
$29,389
$97,975
$189,859
$358,225
$335,087
$368,444
5.58
2008-2009
$38,655
$41,409
$104,326
$202,770
$387,160
$318,608
$351,608
5.31
2009-2010
$49,127
$33,745
$130,141
$225,257
$438,271
$409,759
$444,861
6.83
2010-2011
$47,034
$35,485
$108,633
$198,315
$389,467
$359,655
$378,517
5.99
2011-2012
$42,855
$43,816
$138,075
$208,828
$433,575
$397,925
$410,303
6.63
2012-2013
$51,589
$33,290
$109,694
$201,744
$396,317
$365,893
$371,828
6.10
2013-2014
$42,424
$30,080
$117,943
$234,743
$425,189
$392,300
$392,300
6.54
2014-2015
$34,393
$30,357
$65,737
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Source: City of Valdez, Finance Department
Charter and Sport Fishing
Sport fishing, both guided and unguided, is a popular activity for visitors to Valdez and locals alike. The
primary species targeted is coho salmon, but halibut, rockfish, king salmon, pink salmon, and shrimp are
also caught in large numbers. However, the recent decline in charter and sportfishing activity is a source
of concern.
The size of the charter fishing industry has declined by just under 50%, from 53 vessels operating in
2004 to 28 vessels in 2013 (Figure 106).

A steady decline in fishing activity and the number of charter businesses operating in Valdez can
be partly attributed to federal regulations related to charter halibut fishing, increased fuel costs,
variations in salmon runs, and other factors outside of the city’s control.
When the halibut charter permit limited entry program began in 2011, 13 charter halibut permits were
issued for operators based in Valdez, based on previous charter halibut activity.

As of September 2015, this number was the same, with 13 charter halibut permits held by Valdez
residents (all but three held by the same individuals or businesses that received permits in
2011).19
All types of sport fishing near Valdez saw declines in the number of days fished or number of anglers
fishing between 2004 and 2013 (Figures 107 – 109).

Overall, compared to 2004, in 2013 there were 5,112 fewer anglers (-22%) and 11,023 fewer days
fished (-16%) in Valdez.
19
NOAA. https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/ifqreports.htm

The vast majority of anglers in recent years (69% in 2013) fished from either private boats or
chartered vessels.

From 2004-2013, the peak year for participation in sport fishing was 2007, with 25,515 anglers
fishing 75,502 days near Valdez. 2005 and 2010 were also strong years.

Those fishing from a boat averaged approximately 3.1 days of fishing in Valdez in 2013, higher
than the average of 2.8 days for 2004-2013.

An estimated 5,982 anglers fished from the Valdez shoreline in 2013 (the lowest amount from
2004-2013), spending an average of 2.7 days each.
Figure 106 - Valdez Charter Fishing Participation by Number of
Businesses and Vessels, 2004-2014
Year
# of Charter Businesses
# of Charter Vessels
2004
58
53
2005
52
45
2006
50
44
2007
55
46
2008
47
40
2009
47
41
2010
42
38
2011
n/a
n/a
2012
n/a
n/a
2013
35
28
2014
n/a
n/a
Source: ADF&G Logbook Program Reports
Figure 107 - Valdez Sport Fishing, Days Fished, by Type, 2004-2013
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Freshwater
1,934
1,089
1,532
900
499
626
875
903
1,729
1,633
Shoreline
15,672
17,240
18,294
20,024
17,636
20,727
18,741
15,060
15,623
15,888
Saltwater boat
50,574
45,711
47,534
54,578
45,353
43,697
45,096
36,496
31,487
39,636
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game Statewide Harvest Survey.
Notes: Saltwater boat data include all trips identified as occurring in East Prince William Sound, Valdez Arm, and/or Port of
Valdez, where boats landed in Valdez.
Figure 108 - Valdez Sport Fishing, Number of Anglers by Type, 2004-2013
30,000
Number of Anglers
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Saltwater boat
2008
Shoreline
2009
2010
2011
Freshwater
2012
2013
Total
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Statewide Harvest Survey. Notes: Number of angler estimates are not additive
because an angler may have fished in more than one site. Saltwater boat data include all trips identified as occurring in East
Prince William Sound, Valdez Arm, and/or Port of Valdez, where boats landed in Valdez.
Figure 109 - Valdez Sportfishing Days Fished and Number of Anglers, by Type, 2004-2013
Total
Year
Freshwater
Saltwater Shoreline
Saltwater Boat
Days
Number
Days
Number
Days
Number
Days
Number
Fished
Anglers
Fished
Anglers
Fished
Anglers
Fished
Anglers
2004
68,180
23,795
1,934
634
15,672
7,435
50,574
17,377
2005
64,040
25,994
1,089
528
17,240
8,883
45,711
18,529
2006
67,360
22,334
1,532
541
18,294
7,352
47,534
15,872
2007
75,502
25,515
900
319
20,024
8,641
54,578
18,059
2008
63,488
23,117
499
235
17,636
8,517
45,353
16,338
2009
65,050
22,679
626
251
20,727
9,183
43,697
14,985
2010
64,712
24,818
875
382
18,741
9,012
45,096
17,071
2011
52,459
22,515
903
414
15,060
8,860
36,496
14,530
2012
48,839
17,830
1,729
717
15,623
7,258
31,487
11,256
2013
57,157
18,683
1,633
842
15,888
5,982
39,636
12,893
-16.17%
-21.48%
-15.56%
32.81%
1.38%
-19.54%
-21.63%
-25.80%
Trend
2004-2013
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Statewide Harvest Survey.
Notes: Number of angler estimates are not additive because an angler may have fished in more than one site. Saltwater boat data
include all trips identified as occurring in East Prince William Sound, Valdez Arm, and/or Port of Valdez, where boats landed
in Valdez.
16 United States Coast Guard
There were 100 active duty and civilian Coast Guard
personnel in Valdez in October 2015, making the USCG one of
the larger employers in town20. These job numbers have been
steady since at least 2007. Total wages were approximately
$4.1 million, which is all income entering the local economy
from outside sources. The average length of tour in Valdez is
three years.
Personnel are part of five units: the Marine Safety Office, 110-foot Cutter Long Island, Station Valdez, an
Electronic Support Office, and a Section Field Office. There is also a small boat station with two 45-foot
response vessels and a 25-foot response boat.
Activities include year round search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and ports, waterways and
coastal security missions in Prince William Sound, including patrolling the port’s security zones around
transiting tankers and oil loading berths at the Valdez Marine Terminal. The Marine Safety Unit (MSU)
conducts prevention, response, and preparedness activities to ensure the safety and security of Prince
William Sound, including commercial vessel inspections, fishing vessel training and safety, pollution
prevention and response, maritime law enforcement, and casualty investigations.
Valdez-based Coast Guard personnel have strong professional relationships with the city, state, and
maritime operators in Valdez to ensure any response to pollution or natural disaster activity goes
smoothly. As noted in an April 2014, 17th District Coast Guard Alaska blog post, these relationships were
put to good use during the winter of 2012 to 2013 when a record setting 26‐feet of snow blanketed Valdez
in a short period of time. Coast Guard personnel joined with City of Valdez employees and community
members to remove heavy snow from the roofs of local schools, businesses, and homes.
Total wages
Figure 110 - 2014 USCG Valdez (civilian + enlisted)
$4,097,178
Employees (Average Annual)
100
Sources: ADOLWD, USCG Valdez Station
20
There are additional reservists, but most live outside of Valdez and are in town only during periods of duty.
Valdez Socioeconomic Indicators  December 2015  Page 86
17 Environmental Indicators
Climate

Valdez is the snowiest city in the country, receiving an average of
326.3 inches (27.2 feet) of snow per year (Figure 111).
The City of Valdez sits at the base of the Chugach mountain range, along the
edge of the Valdez Port off of Prince Williams Sound. Cold air currents blow
down from nearby glaciers, mixing with low pressure fronts circulating in
from the Gulf of Alaska to generate heavy snowfalls in winter. Based on the 30-year Climate Normal
averages developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), Valdez is the
snowiest city in the nation.21
Figure 111 - Climate Normals (1981-2010)
Valdez National Weather Service Office Station
Annual
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Min Temp. (°F)
33
19
21
24
31
39
46
49
47
41
33
24
22
Max Temp. (°F)
45
28
31
36
45
55
61
62
61
54
44
33
30
Mean Temp. (°F)
39
24
26
30
38
47
53
55
54
47
38
28
26
Precip. (in.)
69
7
6
5
3
3
3
4
7
10
8
6
8
Snow (in.)
326
68
61
48
21
2
0
0
0
1
11
43
72
Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Normals
Figure 112 - Annual Snowfall (inches), Valdez and Thompson Pass
Winter of
Thompson
Pass
Valdez
Winter of
Thompson
Pass
Valdez
1990-1991
437
517
2003-2004
321
353
1991-1992
801
343
2004-2005
455
307
1992-1993
809
342
2005-2006
373
243
1993-1994
752
397
2006-2007
279
275
1994-1995
676
267
2007-2008
504
272
1995-1996
471
231
2008-2009
363
266
1996-1997
427
277
2009-2010
535
319
1997-1998
746
341
2010-2011
435
215
1998-1999
570
391
2011-2012
692
438
1999-2000
657
391
2012-2013
432
405
2000-2001
490
494
2013-2014
335
221
2001-2002
326
313
2014-2015
349
112
2002-2003
334
250
Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities, Valdez Avalanche Center
Note: Valdez data taken at National Weather Service Office Station.
21
Erdman, Jon. Jan 7, 2015. “Six Snowiest Cities in America.” The Weather Channel, http://www.weather.com/
As interest in outdoor recreation and recreational tourism continue to grow in Valdez, the community’s
weather patterns could become a significant asset. While tourism is currently focused around summer
activities, Valdez’s position as the snowiest city in the country positions the community well to build a
reputation as a destination for snow sports.
This position could be tempered, however, by warming trends that have led to lower snowfall and higher
average temperatures in Valdez and other parts of Alaska in recent years.
Post Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Effects
Valdez is near the site of the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, one of the largest oil spills in US history. The
Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef, spilling approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil
into Prince William Sound. Clean-up efforts lasted for four years, with Valdez playing a critical role as a
base for spill response workers. The magnitude of the incident, and the lessons learned through the
response efforts, led to an increase in coast guard marine safety procedures and oil spill response
preparedness for Prince William Sound.
A 2010 Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation report listed 23 beaches on the west end of
Prince William Sound as impaired waterways due to residual oil from the Exxon Valdez spill. The
affected areas are categorized collectively by the state and federal government as a 4b waterbody,
meaning that they are being managed through vetted local procedures, and are expected to “meet
standards in a reasonable time period.”22 None of the remaining impaired waterbodies lie within the
immediate Valdez area; however, the impacts of the spill continue to affect the greater community of
marine species in Prince William Sound.
In 1994, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council adopted a list of natural resources that had
been injured by the event, in an attempt to monitor recovery and restoration efforts. The council initially
named 28 species and habitats as injured by the spill. They have continued to monitor the recovery of
these species and habitats. The 25th anniversary of the spill was in 2014. In its 2014 update to the Exxon
Valdez Oil Spill Restoration Plan, the EVOS Trustee Council listed only five species of the original 28
species as unrecovered or unknown, meaning that recovery objectives for the species have not yet been
met.
22
Alaska’s Impaired Waters, 2010, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
https://dec.alaska.gov/water/wqsar/Docs/2010impairedwaters.pdf.
18 Sources
Publications and Data Sources
Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, Fishery Statistics, Participation and Earnings,
http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/gpbycen/2014/261540.htm
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Alaska Taxable Reports,
2004 through 2015
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation:

Alaska’s Impaired Waters, 2010,
https://dec.alaska.gov/water/wqsar/Docs/2010impairedwaters.pdf

Alaska's Final 2010 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development:

Alaska School Performance Index: 2013-2014, Summary of School Ratings Sorted by District

District Report Cards to the Public

Alaska School District Enrollments
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Restoration Plan - 2014 Update: Injured
Resources and Services, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Research & Analysis Division:

2013 Nonresidents Working in Alaska, February 2015

2014 Population Estimates by Age and Sex, 2010-2014

2017-2042, Census Area and State: ADOLWD Population Projections, vintage 2012.

Components of Population Change, 2010-2014, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce
Development

Alaska Economic Trends – Juneau’s Housing Market, June 2015

Alaska Economic Trends – 2015 Employment Projections, July 2015

Population Estimates 2000-2010, 2010-2014

Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2004-2014

Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2004-2014, special runs Sept 4, 2015 and October 6,
2015.
Alaska Department of Public Safety, Statewide Services Section, “Crime in Alaska” Reports, 2009-2013
Alaska Department of Revenue, State Shared Tax Reports, 2004 through 2014
Alaska Division of Elections:

Alaska Voter History by Age Gender and Party http://www.elections.alaska.gov/vi_vrs-er.php

Primary and General Election Results http://www.elections.alaska.gov/vi_vrs-er.php
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation:

2015 Construction Cost Survey

2014 Alaska Housing Assessment, Valdez-Cordova Census Area

Fuel Price Survey, August 2014
Alaska State Library, Alaska Public Library Statistics
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company http://www.alyeska-pipe.com/TAPS/PipelineOperations/Throughput
Baring-Gould, M. and Bennett, M., "Social Impact of the Trans Alaska Pipeline Construction in Valdez,
Alaska 1974-1975," University of Alaska Anchorage. 2000 – 2014
Berlin, Loren, “From Stigma to Housing Fix: The Evolution of Manufactured Homes”, Lincoln Land
Institute, July 2015 Land Lines
Chugach Electric Association, Residential Electricity Rates (October 2015),
http://www.chugachelectric.com/customer-service/rate-information
City and Borough of Sitka, Residential Electricity Rates (October 2015), 2015 Utility Customer Fact Sheets,
http://www.cityofsitka.com/government/departments/finance/utilities.html
Copper Valley Electric Association, Residential Electricity Rates (October 2015),
http://www.cvea.org/resources/pdfs/currentRates.pdf
Cordova Electric Cooperative, Residential Electricity Rates (October 2015), http://cordovaelectric.com/
Erdman, Jon. Jan 7, 2015. “Six Snowiest Cities in America.” The Weather Channel,
http://www.weather.com/.
Harvard University, Joint Center for Housing Studies, Housing America’s Older Adults: Meeting the
Needs of An Aging Population
Homer Electric Association, Residential Electricity Rates (October 2015),
http://www.homerelectric.com/rates/
Internal Revenue Service, Individual Income Statistics, https://www.irs.gov/uac/SOI-Tax-StatsIndividual-Income-Tax-Return-Form-1040-Statistics
Matanuska Electric Association, Residential Electricity Rates (October 2015), Member Information
Bulletin, 4th Quarter 2015
McDowell Group:

Alaska Visitor Statistics Program VI, prepared for the Alaska Department of Commerce,
Community & Economic Development, Summer 2001

The Role of the Oil and Gas Industry in Alaska’s Economy, prepared for Alaska Oil and Gas
Association, May 2014

Valdez Community Gap/Market Analysis, prepared for City of Valdez, January 2008

(draft) Competitive Market Analysis and Long Range Planning for the Port of Valdez, prepared
for City of Valdez, August 2015

Economic Impact of the Seafood Industry in Southcentral Alaska, 2015
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

Weather Station Annual Summaries

Climate Normals, 1981-2010
National Health Expenditure data, CMS, https://www.cms.gov/research-statistics-data-andsystems/statistics-trends-and-reports/nationalhealthexpenddata/nhe-fact-sheet.html
NPR Health News Report, January 2015 http://www.npr.org/sections/healthshots/2015/01/15/377271063/health-insurance-prices-highest-in-alaska-lowest-in-sun-belt
National Marine Fisheries Service, https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/ifqreports.htm
Prince William Sound Community College, Total Enrollment
Prince William Sound Regional Citizen’s Advisory Council, “Statistics for Valdez Marine Terminal, VMT
Monthly Loading Statistics, 2002-2014” http://www.pwsrcac.org/resources/statistics-for-valdez-marineterminal
Providence Valdez Medical Center 2014 Year-End Operating Report
Providence Valdez Medical Center and Counseling Center, 2015 Budget presentation
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, “County Health Rankings & Roadmaps”, 2015
http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/alaska/2015/overview
SchoolDigger.com, Alaska District Rankings FY 2013-2014, www.schooldigger.com
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Food Cost Survey, June 2014
U.S. Census Bureau:

A Compass for Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data, October 2008

5-year American Community Surveys, 2006-2010, 2007-2011, 2008-2012, and 2009-2013

Decennial Census, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010

Intercensal Population Estimates, 1975, 1985, 1995

Nonemployer Statistics, 2010-2013, special run for City of Valdez
Valdez City School District, VHS Year End Report 2013-2014
Personal Communications
Alice McDonald, Sound Realty, Owner Broker
Allie Hendrickson, City of Valdez, Deputy City Clerk
AnnMarie Lain, City of Valdez, Senior GIS/Planning Technician
April Skorski, Homer Electric Association, Member Services Representative
BJ Williams, Prince William Sound Community College
Brad Myrstol, University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center, Director
Brian Carlson, City of Valdez, Finance Director
Brian Laurent, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
Brittany Cabello, Valdez Museum and Archive, Communications Manager
Connor Bell, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Economist
Carrie Holsclaw, Matanuska Electric Association, Electronic Processing Specialist
Debbie Soto, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, Education Program Assistant
Denise Runge, Prince William Sound Community College, Associate Professor and Assistant Director of
Instruction
Diane Kinney, City of Valdez, Port and Harbor Director
Diane Ujioka, Cordova Electric Cooperative, Lead Customer Service Representative
Drew Grant, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Water, Environmental
Program Specialist
Eddie Hunsinger, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, State Demographer
Fred Millen, Alyeska Pipeline Company
Jack Stickel, Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Transportation Planner
Janet Schwartz, City and Borough of Sitka, Budget Treasury Officer
Jennifer James, Valdez Convention and Civic Center Director
Jenny Mahe, Chugach Electric Association, Meter Reading and Field/Credit Support
Jeremy O'Neil, Providence Valdez, CEO
Jim Greeley, Alaska Department of Revenue, State Petroleum Property Assessor
Karinne Wiebold, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Economist
Keri Talbott, City of Valdez, Senior Office Assistant
Laurine Regan, Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau, Executive Director
Lawrence Blood, Alaska Department of Commerce Community and Economic Development, Local
Government Specialist V
Lisa Puritan, Alaska Department of Public Safety, Statewide Services Section, UCR Program Coordinator
Lisa Von Bargen, City of Valdez, Community & Economic Development Director
Mark Romick, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Director of Planning and Program Development
Mary-Heather Kahklen, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
Mauricio Ortiz, US BEA, Chief, Regional Income Division
Meg Weaver, City of Valdez Finance Department, Accounts Receivable Manager
Mollie Good, Valdez Consortium Library, Head Librarian
Pamela Golden, AK DOT, Northern Region Traffic and Safety Engineer
Peter Carter, Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Safety and Emergency Supplies
Specialist
Robert Corcoran, Valdez Petroleum Terminal Manager, Petro Star Inc.
Ron Brown, Alaska Department of Commerce Community and Economic Development, Assistant State
Assessor
Sarah Von Bargen, City of Valdez, Harbor Office Manager
Scott Vockeroth, AK DOT, Northern Region Traffic Data Manager
Tim Adamczak, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
Tracy Studer, City of Valdez, Accountant/ Property Tax
Wendy Goldstein, Prince William Sound Community College, Whitney Museum Coordinator
Appendix 1 – Dashboards: Industry Indicators, by NAICS
As discussed throughout this report, economic activity and jobs for specific industry sectors are spread
among the traditionally used NAICS codes. For example, visitor industry jobs are part of Transportation
and Warehousing (NAICS 48-49), Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45), and Hospitality and Leisure (NAICS 71,
72). Nonetheless, employment, wage, and nonemployer business data, reported by NAICS code, is data
that can be consistently tracked and measured year to year.
In this appendix, for each of the 13 traditionally used NAICS codes (see list below), the following is
reported (by NAICS code):

A description of the type of work and examples of Valdez businesses that are classified as part of
the NAICS code

The number of City of Valdez of Valdez annual business registrations issued (Sheinberg
Associates made several of these code assignments)

The number of State of Alaska business licenses issued for businesses that are physically located
in Valdez

The number of nonemployer businesses (2013)

The number of employers (2014)

The number of average annual employees, for 2014 and for 2004-2014

Total wages for 2014, for 2004-2014, and inflation-proofed
Data Sources Used in this Chapter (these correspond with footnotes in tables)
1
State Business Licenses-State of Alaska, DCCED, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional
Licensing, as of July 2015 (business owners self-select the NAICS code)
2
City Business Registrations-City of Valdez, as of July 2015 (business owners self-select the NAICS code)
3 and 8
Number of nonemployer businesses and income - 2013 US Census Nonemployer Statistics, special run
for City of Valdez (zip code data for 99686). Conf. = confidential, non-disclosable because three or
fewer businesses.
4, 5, 6
Number of employers, average annual employees and total wages - 2014 ADOLWD, QCEW database,
and 7
special run for City of Valdez only data.
Note: To adjust past wages to the equivalent of 2014 wages (inflation-adjusted), the Anchorage Consumer Price
Index is used
The 13 NAICS sectors analyzed in this appendix are:
1.
Natural Resources (agriculture, forestry,
7.
Financial Activities
fishing and hunting), mining, quarrying,
8.
oil & gas)
9.
Educational and Health Care Services
2.
Construction
10. Other Services (except public admin)
3.
Manufacturing
11. Federal Government (civilian)
4.
Trade, Transportation and Utilities
12. State Government
5.
Leisure and Hospitality
13. Local Government
6.
Information Services
The Whole Work Economy – City of Valdez, 2014
WORK EARNINGS
NAICS Code & Sector
1011
23
31-33
48-49
44-45
42
71
721
722
51
52
53
1024
54
56
61
62
81
Natural Resources (agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting),
mining, quarrying, oil & gas
Construction
Manufacturing
Trade, Transportation and Utilities
Retail Trade
Wholesale Trade
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation.
Accommodations
Information
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Admin., Support, Waste Management and Remediation
Educational and Health Care Services
State Government
Local Government
Total for all sectors
WORKFORCE
Employment
Wages
($millions)
Proprietor
Income
($ millions)
TOTAL
($ millions)
No.
Employees
(average
annual)
$4.64
$6.25
$10.89
62
81
143
$1.34
$0.05
$1.80
$1.17
$0.51
conf + $0.12
$0.78
$0.25
$5.86
$7.26
$45.54
$39.95
$5.59
conf
$7.01
$1.23
59
149
555
28
8
51+conf
24
21
conf + 6
33
10
87
157
598+conf
409
189
conf
304
41
$0.53
$5.78
23
263
$0.00
$1.24
$0.00
$1.24
$2.30
$1.67
$0.63
$0.47+conf
conf
$0.47
$1.04
n/a
n/a
n/a
$3.78
$2.79
$0.66
$2.13
58
34
$13.33
133
$10.84+conf
conf
$10.84
$1.63
$3.02
$7.35
$15.69
259
23
137
157
341
31
n/a
n/a
n/a
279-283
5-9
274
54
137
157
341
$138.97
2,238
336
2,574
$4.52
$7.21
$43.97
$38.78
$5.09
$0.10
$6.23
$0.98
$3.48
$1.77
$3.78
$1.55
$0.66
$0.89
$11.03
$10.39
conf
$10.37
$0.59
$6.51
$7.35
$15.69
$123.48
$15.49
385
168
conf
271
31
137
103
No.
Proprietors
TOTAL
0
15
15
18
58
48
0
15
15
33
66
39
27
20-24
4
255
<5
19
199
Sources: 2013 US Census Nonemployer Statistics for Valdez; 2014 ADOLWD Quarterly Census of Employment and Wage for Valdez; United States Coast Guard Valdez Station Notes: conf=
confidential
Natural Resources and Mining
The size of the total workforce and total earnings generated by those in the Natural Resources and
Mining super sector rank it in the top tier for work earnings at 3rd overall, out of 13 large sectors, but
only 8th in terms of total workforce.
More income in this sector comes from nonemployer businesses than those working for others as
employees. This is the only sector in Valdez where this occurs.
Natural Resources and Mining is a super sector of goods-producing work that that includes Agriculture,
Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (NAICS 11) and Mining, Quarrying and Oil and Gas Extraction (NAICS
21).
Valdez establishments in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting include the Valdez Fisheries
Development Association, self-employed commercial fishermen, mariculture businesses, timber and
firewood harvesters, and farms. Establishments in Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
remove naturally occurring minerals (such as coal, ores, sand and gravel) and liquid minerals (such as
crude petroleum and natural gas). In Valdez this is primarily Chugach Materials, LLC.
Natural Resources and Mining establishments have the highest number of self-employed/business
proprietors with no employees in Valdez, likely due to the many self-employed commercial fishermen.
There are most nonemployer businesses in this industry area statewide as well, not surprising given that
Alaska is still a resource extraction-based economy.
Valdez Natural Resources and Mining (QCEW 1011), includes the following:
 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, NAICS 11
 Mining, Quarrying, Oil and Gas Production, NAICS 21
Number of Businesses and Employers
Number of State business licenses with Valdez locations, 2015 1
Number of City business registrations, 2015
# Nonemployer businesses, 2013
2
3
# employers, 2014 (average annual)
4
TOTAL - 20
Ag, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting - 18
Mining, Quarrying, O&G Production - 2
TOTAL - 8
Mining, Quarrying, O&G Production - conf.
TOTAL- 4
Work Income
Total employment, 2014 (average annual)
Total wages, 2014 6
Average annual wage, 2014 7
Business proprietors income, 2013
8
5
TOTAL - 62
TOTAL - $4,639,040
TOTAL - $75,432
Ag, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting - $6,252,000
Mining, Quarrying, O&G Production – conf.
Natural Resources & Mining - Total Employment and Wages, 2004-2014
(does not include self-employed)
70
$5,000,000
60
$4,000,000
50
40
$3,000,000
30
$2,000,000
20
10
$1,000,000
44
43
42
55
47
39
45
40
45
46
62
0
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Number of Employees
2012
2013
2014
Total Wages
Natural Resources & Mining - Average Monthly Wages
(actual and inflation-adjusted, in 2014 dollars)
$80,000
$70,000
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Average Annual Wage
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Inflation Adjusted Annual Wage
2014
Construction
The size of the average annual workforce and total earnings generated by those in the Construction
sector rank it in the bottom half, at 9 th for earnings and 10th for size of workforce, out of 13 large
sectors.
The Construction sector includes establishments engaged in the construction of buildings, preparation of
sites for new construction, subdividing land for sale, or engineering projects (e.g., highways and utility
systems). This includes those that construct buildings, general contractors, heavy and civil engineering
contractors, and specialty trade contractors (e.g., masonry, painting, and electrical work)
A review of both city and state business licenses indicates there are about 30 Valdez-based Construction
businesses.
After a mid-2000’s dip, the number employed in Construction jumped in 2011 back to earlier levels, and
perhaps as a result of competition for workers, wages more than doubled in 2011.
AHFC/ADOLWD data (see chapter 7, Housing) data shows that during 2011-2013 there was a notable
downturn in the number of residential homes constructed in Valdez. Increased construction sector work
during this period is attributed to residential remodeling, and a series of small to mid-size municipal,
commercial, and industrial projects. In 2014, seafood processing plant expansion occurred and in 2015
harbor-related construction activity will increase.
Valdez Construction (QCEW 1012, NAICS 23)
Number of State business licenses with Valdez physical location, 2015 1
# self-employed/businesses proprietors, 2013
39
155 (29 with a local address)
2
28
3
15
4
Work Income
Total wages, 2014
5
$4,524,095
6
Average annual wage, 2014
59
$76,356
7
8
$1,340,000
Construction -Total Employment and Wages, 2004-2014
80
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
60
$3,000,000
40
$2,000,000
20
$1,000,000
73
63
42
43
38
45
38
65
59
51
59
0
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Number of Employees
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total Wages
Construction - Average Monthly Wages
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Average Annual Wage
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Manufacturing
The size of the total workforce and total earnings generated by Valdez Manufacturing businesses rank
it in the right in the middle, at a 6/7 th place tie for size of the average annual workforce and 7th for
highest earnings, out of 13 large sectors.
The Manufacturing sector comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical
transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. The assembling of component
parts of manufactured products is also generally considered manufacturing.
In Valdez this includes seafood processing plants, breweries, flat glass manufacturing, circuit board
manufacturing, bakeries, and similar businesses. Some are small sole proprietors while the seafood plants
are the largest employers in town when seasonal workforce is considered. Most (but not all) Petro Star
refinery employment is classified as NAICS 31.
2014 Valdez Manufacturing (QCEW 1013, NAICS 31)
17
8
2
3
8
4
4
Work Income and Employers
Total employment, 2014 (average annual) **
Total wages, 2014 **
149
$7,207,630
Average annual wage, 2014 **
$48,373
$53,000
8
** Sheinberg Associates estimates
Manufacturing - Total Employment
and Wages, 2004-2014
250
10,000,000
200
8,000,000
150
6,000,000
100
4,000,000
50
163
151
182
190
185
225
170
119
122
153
149
0
2,000,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Number of Employees
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total Wages
Manufacturing - Average Monthly Wages
(does not include seld-employed)
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Average Annual Wage
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Sources: in addition to ADOLWD, Sheinberg Associates estimates
2014
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
Transportation and Warehousing is the largest sector in Valdez in terms of total employment, total
earnings, and highest annual wages, out of 13 large sectors. The only area where this sector is not
ranked highest is the number of nonemployer businesses. See Chapter 11 (Oil Industry) for more
information on this sector.
This super sector has three components: the Transportation and Warehousing sector (NAICS 48-49),
Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45), and Wholesale Trade (NAICS 42). Indicators for all three are reported here.
The Transportation and Warehousing sector includes industries providing transportation of oil, other
goods and cargo, and people; warehousing and storage for goods, scenic and sightseeing transportation,
and support activities related to modes of transportation. Establishments in these industries use
transportation equipment or transportation related facilities as a productive asset. The type of equipment
depends on the mode of transportation, which in Valdez includes air, water, road, and pipeline.
Valdez businesses include much of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and the Valdez Marine
Terminal, trucking companies, Crowley Maritime Corporation, some Petro Star Inc. employment (most
part of NAICS 31-32, Manufacturing), air and marine sightseeing and charter businesses, marine cargo
and oil transshipment tugs, tankers and vessels, aviation businesses, taxis, and more.
Average annual wages in this sector in 2014 were $100,750. Since 2004, Valdez total wages in the
Transportation and Warehousing sector have, however, lost ground to inflation.
Measured in inflation-adjusted dollars, the Transportation and Warehousing sector’s average annual
wage of $100,750 in 2014 is well below 2004 wages of $130,800 (in 2014 inflation-adjusted dollars).
Interviews with oil industry executives suggests that current wages meet industry standards and have
not decreased per se, but relevant factors over the last decade are that retiring high-paid employees are
replaced with younger workers who have lower starting salaries, and that increased mechanization over
time has changed the nature of some of the work.
The Retail Trade sector comprises establishments engaged in retailing merchandise, generally without
transformation, and rendering services incidental to the sale of merchandise.
2014 Valdez Trade Transportation and Utilities (QCEW 1021), includes the following:

Transportation & Warehousing NAICS 48-49

Retail Trade NAICS 44-45

Wholesale Trade NAICS 42
TOTAL - 92
Number of State business licenses with Valdez locations, 2015
1
Transportation & Warehousing - 43
All Trade - 49
TOTAL - 95
2
All Trade - 57
TOTAL- 51
3
Retail Trade - 21
Wholesale Trade - 6
TOTAL - 40
4
Retail Trade - 17
Wholesale Trade - 1
Work Income
TOTAL -555
5
Transportation & Warehousing – 385
All Trade -170
TOTAL - $43,969,177
Total wages, 2014
Transportation & Warehousing - $38,781,877
6
Retail Trade - $5,085,910
Wholesale Trade - $101,390
TOTAL - $79,212
Transportation & Warehousing - $100,754
7
Retail Trade - $30,303
TOTAL - $1,788,000
8
Transportation & Warehousing - $1,166,000
Retail Trade - $505,000
Transportation & Warehousing Total Employment and Wages, 2004-2014
400
$44,000,000
380
$42,000,000
$40,000,000
360
$38,000,000
340
$36,000,000
320
$34,000,000
300
$32,000,000
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Number of Employees
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total Wages
Transportation & Warehousing - Average Monthly Wages
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Average Annual Wage
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Retail Trade - Total Employment and Wages, 2004-2014
250
$6,000,000
200
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
150
$3,000,000
100
$2,000,000
50
$1,000,000
0
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Number of Employees
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total Wages
Retail Trade-Average Monthly Wages
$40,000
$35,000
$30,000
$25,000
$20,000
$15,000
$10,000
$5,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Average Annual Wage
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
The size of the total workforce and total earnings generated by Valdez Leisure and Hospitality sector
generates interesting rankings out of 13 industry sectors. This sector is 3 rd largest in terms of number
of workers (average annual), but ranks only 8th for earnings. This is not unusual as work in these
businesses tend to pay lower wages.
This super sector is comprised of:
(1)
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (NAICS 71), which includes a wide range of
establishments that operate facilities or provide services to meet varied cultural,
entertainment, and recreational interests of their patrons.
(2)
Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72) are establishments providing customers with
lodging (NAICS 721) and/or preparing meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate
consumption (NAICS 722).
2014 Leisure and Hospitality (QCEW 1026), includes the following:
 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, NAICS 71
 Accommodations, NAICS 721
 Food Services and Drinking Places, NAICS 722
Number of State business licenses with Valdez
locations, 2015 1
# nonemployer businesses, 2013
3
4
# employees, 2014 (average annual)
5
Total wages, 2014
6
7
Nonemployer Business income, 2013
8
2
TOTAL- 102
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation - 45
Accommodations + Food Services + Drink Places - 57
TOTAL - 99
TOTAL - 33
TOTAL - 37
Accommodations - 15
Food Services + Drinking Places - 15
TOTAL- 271
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation -31
Accommodations - 137
Food Services + Drinking Places - 103
TOTAL - $6,226,577
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation - $979,444
Accommodations - $3,481,656
Food Services + Drinking Places - $1,765,477
TOTAL - $23,012
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation - $32,025
Accommodations - $25,336
Food Services + Drinking Places - $17,210
TOTAL - $783,000
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation – $250,000
Accommodations + Food Services + Drink Places - $533,000
Leisure & Hospitality -Total Employment & Wages, 2004-2014
$8,000,000
$6,000,000
200
89
72
69
101
105
116
101
103
85
88
107
97
110
118
116
129
125
137
100
$4,000,000
wages
number of workers
300
100
0
$2,000,000
146
117
123
22
26
27
31
30
29
29
33
32
31
31
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
$0
Accommodations
Arts, Entertainment, Recreation
WAGES - All Leisure & Leisure & Hospitality
Average Annual Wages (actual and inflation-adjusted, in 2014 dollars)
$35,000
Inflation adj. Arts,
Entertainment,
Recreation
$30,000
Arts, Entertainment,
Recreation
$25,000
Inflation adj.
Accommodations
$20,000
Accommodations
$15,000
Inflation adj. Food and
Drink
$10,000
Food and Drinking
Places
$5,000
Information
The size of the total workforce and total earnings generated by Valdez Information sector rank it near
the bottom, at 11th place for workforce numbers and 10th for earnings, out of 13 large sectors.
The Information sector (NAICS 51) comprises establishments engaged in (a) producing and distributing
information and cultural products, (b) providing the means to transmit or distribute these products as
well as data or communications, and (c) processing data. Major activities are publishing (including
software, both traditional publishing and publishing exclusively on the Internet, motion picture and
sound recording, broadcasting, telecommunications, and information services industries.
The expressions ''information age'' and ''global information economy'' are used with considerable
frequency today. The general idea of an ''information economy'' includes both the notion of industries
primarily producing, processing, and distributing information, as well as the idea that every industry is
using available information and information technology to reorganize and make themselves more
productive.
Examples of some of these businesses in Valdez are local radio stations, phone, wireless and satellite
providers such as Copper Valley subsidiaries, and newspapers like the Valdez Star.
Information (QCEW 1022, NAICS 51)
TOTAL - 11
TOTAL - 13
2
0
3
TOTAL - 8
Telecommunications - 3
4
Other Information - 5
Work Income
TOTAL - 58
Telecommunications - 43
5
Other Information - 15
TOTAL- $3,783,310
Total wages, 2014
Telecommunications- $3,264,272
6
Other Information - $519,038
TOTAL - $64,857
Telecommunications - $76,806
7
Other Information - unk
8
$0
Information-Total Employment and Wages, 2004-2014
80
$6,000,000
$5,000,000
60
$4,000,000
40
$3,000,000
$2,000,000
20
$1,000,000
0
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Number of Employees
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total Wages
Information - Average Monthly Wages
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Average Annual Wage
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
The size of the total workforce and total earnings generated by Valdez Financial Activities sector rank
it near the bottom, in last place for workforce numbers and 12th for earnings, out of 13 large sectors.
The Finance and Insurance sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in financial transactions
(transactions involving the creation, liquidation, or change in ownership of financial assets) and/or in
facilitating financial transactions. Three principal types of activities are identified:
1. Raising funds by taking deposits and/or issuing securities and, in the process, incurring liabilities.
2. Pooling of risk by underwriting insurance and annuities.
3. Providing specialized services facilitating or supporting financial intermediation, insurance, and
employee benefit programs.
The Real Estate and Rental and Leasing sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in renting,
leasing, or otherwise allowing the use of tangible or intangible assets, and establishments providing
related services. The major portion of this sector comprises establishments that rent, lease, or otherwise
allow the use of their own assets by others. The assets may be tangible, as is the case of real estate and
equipment, or intangible, as is the case with patents and trademarks.
This sector also includes establishments primarily engaged in managing real estate for others, selling,
renting and/or buying real estate for others, and appraising real estate. These activities are closely related
to this sector's main activity, and it was felt that from a production basis they would best be included
here. In addition, a substantial proportion of property management is self-performed by lessors.
Examples of some Valdez businesses in this sector are Avis Rental Car and Valdez U-Drive; Sound
Realty; several apartment, storage and mini-storage rental outfits; Valdez Holding Company; and at least
two mobile home parks.
Financial Activities (QCEW 1023), includes the following:

Finance and Insurance, NAICS 52

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing, NAICS 53
TOTAL - 39
Number of State business licenses with Valdez locations, 2015
Finance and Insurance - 2
1
Real Estate, Rental, Leasing - 37
TOTAL - 34
2
TOTAL - 15
3
TOTAL - 7
4
Work Income
TOTAL - 34
Total Employment, 2014 (average annual)
5
TOTAL - $1,550,210
Total wages, 2014
Finance and Insurance - $660,728
6
Real Estate, Rental, Leasing - $889,482
TOTAL - $46,275
Finance and Insurance - $43.805
7
Real Estate, Rental, Leasing - $48,298
TOTAL - $1,238,000
Finance and Insurance - $0
8
Real Estate, Rental, Leasing - $1,238,000
Financial Activities-Total Employment & Wages, 2004-2014
40
$1,000,000
20
$500,000
0
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Real Estate, Rentals, Leasing (53)-Employment
Finance & Insurance (52)-Employment
Finance & Insurance- Average Monthly Wages
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Average Annual Wages
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2013
2014
Inflation-Adjusted
Real Estate, Rentals, Leasing - Average Monthly Wages
(does not include self-employed
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Average Annual Wage
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
The size of the total workforce and total earnings generated by Valdez Professional and Business
Services sector ranks it in the top half, at 5th highest for both workforce numbers and earnings, out of
13 large sectors.
This super sector is comprised of three types of businesses:
(1) Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (NAICS 54) with businesses that specialize in
performing professional, scientific, and technical activities for others. This includes lawyers,
accounting and bookkeeping services, architects and engineering, design services; consulting and
research services, veterinarians and more.
(2) Management of Companies and Enterprises (NAICS 55), which are establishments that
administer, oversee, and manage companies, or those that hold the securities of or other equity
interests in companies.
(3) Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (NAICS 56),
which perform routine support activities for the day-to-day operations of other organizations.
This can include day-to-day office administrative services, such as financial planning, billing and
recordkeeping, personnel, and physical distribution and logistics.
In Valdez, this includes a diversity of businesses such as local engineers and environmental consultants
including several firms from out of town that work in or have an office in Valdez, surveyors, hazmat
materials handling, recycling businesses, Petro Management Services, Chugach Alaska Services, janitorial
businesses, several snow removal businesses, landscape services, and more.
Professional and Business Services (QCEW 1024), includes the following:



Professional and Technical Services, NAICS 54
Management of Companies, NAICS 55
Administrative and Waste Services, NAICS 56
TOTAL - 43
Prof & Tech Svs - 23
Management of Companies - 1
Admin & Waste Svs - 19
TOTAL - 63
2
TOTAL - 66
3
TOTAL - 15
Prof & Tech Svs - 5
4
Work Income
Total wages, 2014
TOTAL - 133
5
TOTAL - $11,030,166
6
TOTAL - $82,726
7
TOTAL - $2,304,000
Prof & Tech Svs - $1,671,000
8
Admin & Waste Svs - $633,000
Professional & Business Services-Total Employment and Wages, 2004-2014
200
12,000,000
10,000,000
150
8,000,000
100
6,000,000
4,000,000
50
154
20
158
21
2,000,000
52
58
138
133
0
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Number of Employees
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total Wages
Professional & Business Serices-Average Monthly Wages
(does not inclide self-employed)
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Average Annual Wages
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Data from 2004, 2007 and 2008 were not disclosable due to confidentiality. This occurs if there are only a
few firms in the sector or if one large firm is paying 80% of wages in the sector. Review of data from all
sources suggests that there was sizable employment in all three missing years, possibly related to spill
response and maintenance and SERVS type work.
Education and Health Care Services
The size of the total workforce and total earnings generated by Valdez Health Care and Social
Assistance sector rank it in the top half, at 4 th highest for both workforce numbers and earnings, out of
13 large sectors.
Private sector Educational Services (NAICS 61) in Valdez over the last decade has had only 1-4 employees
earning a total of $17,000-$66,000 annually. At least 99% of all employment and wages are classified as
NAICS 62, Health Care and Social Assistance; thus this dashboard focuses exclusively on this area.
The Health Care and Social Assistance sector includes businesses providing both health care and social
assistance for individuals, which more and more are seen as a continuum of services. It includes
Providence Valdez, Makar Eyecare, Frontier Community Services, the Women’s Shelter, massage
therapists, private psychiatrists, dentists, physicians, home health service providers, chiropractors, and
similar services. This does not include the Valdez Public Health center, whose workers are state
government employees. Educational services include day cares and preschools.
2014 Valdez Health Care and Social Assistance (QCEW 1025), includes the following:
 Educational Services, NAICS 61
 Health Care and Social Assistance, NAICS 62
TOTAL - 20
Educational Svs - 8
Health Care & Social Assistance - 14
TOTAL - 25
Educational Svs - 8
2
Health Care & Social Assistance - 17
19
3
11
4
Work Income
Total employment wages, 2014
5
255
$10,368,701
6
$40,595
7
Nonemployer business income, 2013
8
$470,000
Health Care & Social Assistance-Total Employment and Wages, 2004-2014
300
$12,000,000
250
$10,000,000
200
$8,000,000
150
$6,000,000
100
$4,000,000
50
$2,000,000
0
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Number of Employees
2012
2013
2014
Total Wages
Health Care & Social Assistance - Average Monthly Wages, 2004-2014
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Average Annual Wage
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Other Services (except Public Administration)
The size of the total workforce and total earnings generated by Other Services in Valdez rank it near
or at the bottom, at 12th for both workforce numbers and 13th for total earnings, out of 13 large sectors.
The Other Services (except Public Administration) sector are establishments engaged in providing
services not specifically provided for elsewhere in the classification system.
These establishments are primarily engaged in activities, such as equipment and machinery repairing,
promoting or administering religious activities, grant-making, advocacy, and providing dry cleaning and
laundry services, personal care services, death care services, pet care services, photofinishing services,
temporary parking services, and dating services.
In Valdez, this includes many sole proprietor businesses for things such as fire sprinklers, fire protection
and fireworks, and many varied variety of personal care and pet care services.
2014 Valdez Other Services (except public admin), NAICS 81
60
124
2
3
31
10
4
5
23
$594,797
6
$25,491
7
8
$1,039,000
Other Services-Total Employees and Wages, 2004-2014
50
1,000,000
40
800,000
30
600,000
20
400,000
10
200,000
0
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Number of Employees
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total Wages
Other Services- Average Monthly Wages
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
Average Annual Wage
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Government Services
Just under one-quarter of all Valdez resident employees (average annual) are federal, state, or local
government workers. When Valdez’s 13 large employment sectors are considered, the:

Size of Local government total workforce and earnings rank it in 2nd place for both;

Size of State government ranks 6 th or in a 6/7th place tie for both workforce and earnings; and

Size of Federal government (civilian + military) ranks 9th for the numbers of workers and 11th
for total wages paid in 2014.
Local government employment in Valdez is with the City of Valdez, the Valdez School District, and the
Valdez Native Tribe. State employment is for Prince William Sound Community College, and most state
departments but primarily for the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, or the Natural
Resources. Federal civilian workers are with the US Forest Service primarily but also NOAA, the TSA,
Post Office, and Coast Guard.
State and local government wages have not kept pace with inflation over the last decade, while federal
civilian wages, some of the highest in the town, have risen at a pace that exceeds inflation
2014 Valdez Government Service
n/a
n/a
2
n/a
3
n/a
4
Work Income
TOTAL - 653
5
Local - 341
State - 157
Federal - 137
TOTAL - $26,067,401
Local - $15,593,812
6
State - $7,354,016
Federal - $6,514,373
TOTAL - $48,184
Local - $49,060
State - $46,866
7
Federal -$47,550
(or if civilian only- $70,223)
8
n/a
Government - Average Annual Employment & Total Wages, 2004-2014
600
400
58
55
24
128
300
25
125
29
29
26
127
124
129
140
150
$30,000,000
51
47
43
$25,000,000
157
152
152
157
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
200
$10,000,000
100
$5,000,000
365
314
308
314
309
329
338
342
362
349
wages
number of workers
500
53
341
0
$0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Local
State
Federal
WAGES - Total-Government
Average Annual Wages, (actual and inflation-adjusted, in 2014 dollars)
$75,000
Federal in 2014
dollars
$70,000
Federal-average
annual wages
$65,000
$60,000
State
State in
in 2104
2014
dollars
$55,000
State-average
annual wages
$50,000
Local in 2014
dollars
$45,000
Local -Average
Annual Wages
$40,000
$35,000
$30,000
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Government Wages (Average Annual) and Inflation
2014
2004
2004
Average Annual
Average Annual Wage
Average Annual
Wages
in 2014 dollars
Wages
Federal government (civilian only)
$70,223
$60,522
$46,751
State government
$46,886
$48,843
$37,729
Local government
$46,090
$48,065
$37,128
Sources: ADOLWD, Anchorage Consumer Price Index by US BLS

Valdez Socioeconomic Baseline Indicators Study December 10 2015

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