The Valdez City Council approved recommendations from the Valdez Tourism Task Force on April 7, outlining changes to the city’s approach to tourism and visitor services for the upcoming year. The council also amended the 2026 city budget to fund these initiatives, including continued operation of the Valdez Visitor Center for the summer season.
The decision comes as part of efforts to support long-term growth in local tourism while ensuring accountability and transparency. The task force, composed of seven local tourism business owners and managers, advised forming a new destination marketing organization as a quasi-public nonprofit. This entity would combine industry leadership with municipal oversight.
Colleen Stephens, chair of the task force, presented several key recommendations to guide city involvement during this transition. These included extending the advisory role of the task force so it can help draft bylaws and policies for the new organization. The group also recommended that annual budgets and regular financial updates require city council approval.
In addition to longer-term planning, immediate steps were proposed such as allocating funding for baseline visitor services in 2026—specifically maintaining operations at the Valdez Visitor Center—and providing administrative support during the transition from the current Convention and Visitors Bureau model. City staff members, along with volunteers like Council Member Witte, have begun preparing facilities on Fairbanks Avenue ahead of summer visitors.
The next meeting of the extended Tourism Task Force is scheduled for April 15. Local business owners are encouraged to participate or provide feedback as planning continues.
