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Ginger knows that we face a defining moment in our history—a time of enormous threats and even greater opportunity.

Ginger understands how decisions made 8,000 miles away directly contribute to the frustrating problems we face on Guam every day—housing that costs too much, a dollar that buys too little, crime that’s gone too far and massive Defense Department plans that are having both good and unintended consequences for our people. 

What’s worse, problems that have existed for the past 20 years continue to linger without a solution. That is largely because of a lack of understanding of how the federal government can work better for Guam. This is an area where Ginger’s 40 years of experience and connections can make a real difference.

Right now, the stakes have never been higher, and the opportunity has never been greater for our island. Before this window of time closes, we need leadership with the experience and the know-how to leverage it to get results for the people of Guam.   

This moment calls for fresh ideas, new energy, and bold action to improve infrastructure, secure equal access to federal funding, protect our people and our environment, expand economic opportunity, and ensure our veterans get the services they have rightfully earned. 

Guam needs a representative in D.C. who knows Washington and is bold, knowledgeable, creative, and resourceful. Someone not afraid to aim high, speak truth to power, build a vision that reaches across the aisle and delivers results. It is time to have a delegate who will challenge the status quo in Washington instead of just politely reading what is handed to us or issuing press releases about federal appropriations being given to Guam.

There is one key question in this election. “When is it time to change course?” The answer? When you know you are headed in the wrong direction. Our current delegate in his one term has lost $300 million in compact impact funds critically needed for Guam’s education and public safety, he failed to get radiation compensation for Guam downwinders, and then he claims credit for billions of dollars given to Guam by the Biden Administration. 

We can no longer afford the same tired politics that has left us adrift while everyone around us is making decisions for us. Together, we have to be agents for our own change. We need a voice in Washington D.C. that will make us proud. With your support we can make it happen!

What will Ginger do Differently?

Ginger believes that Guam can’t continue to do the same things in Washington, D.C. and expect a different result. That means we must work to urgently change the way we are seen and heard in Washington, D.C.

Since 2019 there has been a steady and dramatic global shift to the Indo-Pacific. America and its Indo-Pacific allies are now facing an environment of managed tensions with China, Russia, and North Korea. 

At the forefront of America as a Pacific power is Guam. We are America’s only homeport and home base on U.S. soil in the Indo-Pacific. In that role, we are more central than ever to U.S. military strategy. However, we are lagging when it comes to inclusion in America’s regional economic strategy. That needs to change, not only because the people of Guam deserve to benefit, but because a stronger Guam is a stronger America.

So how do we get there? We start by addressing issues that are holding Guam back.

First, we need a plan. This platform is the basis for that plan. The plan will then serve as a roadmap for near and long term goals. There are some things that will take more than two years to accomplish and those more ambitious goals need to be understood so steps can be taken to move Guam forward, just as previous Congressional Delegates achieved War Reparations, Land Returns, and the Guam Visa waiver. By developing a plan in conjunction with Guam stakeholders with active engagement by the Congressional office with public and private sector input, this plan will help to guide congressional strategies for Guam and will produce results.

Ginger’s Priorities if Elected

Elevate Oversight: Interior to the White House

The 118th Congress has passed fewer bills into law than any Congress since the Nixon era, setting a historic low. 106 laws have been enacted by the 118^th Congress over nearly two years. This Congress has been characterized by significant political gridlock, particularly in the House, and it is considered highly unproductive overall. 

One of the ways to move Guam’s agenda in the face of this gridlock is to seek support in the executive process – working with Federal Agencies that are all located in Washington D.C.

This is just one reason Ginger will explore opportunities to raise Guam’s oversight from Interior to the Executive Office of the President, reshaping our relationship with the federal government.

When Guam transitioned away from Naval rule in 1949, our territory was placed under the Department of the Interior – with the buffalo and the trees. It’s 2024, and Guam is at the center of national security and a keystone of deterrence in a growing Cold War with China. And while we are taking on more and more of the burden of a growing military presence, we are being left on the wayside of U.S. efforts to expand prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. It is past time for Guam to get the attention we deserve from Washington, D.C.

At a time when tensions have never been higher and engagement has never been wider in the Indo-Pacific, we have a window to leverage our value to build a better future for our people. But we have to act now.

One of Ginger’s first actions will be to start discussions about a process to elevate Guam’s place in the federal system from the Department of Interior to the White House, similar to where Puerto Rico sits. This is how we can get federal coordination that works. Our status as a territory means we are sometimes left out of federal programs or available funding. In addition to advocating in Congress, moving Guam’s oversight to the White House means a better shot at having our issues considered and included in the President’s Budget before it is sent to Congress. Just one creative way that Ginger proposes to get DC to do more for Guam demonstrating her understanding of the federal system.

Data-Driven Equity

A compelling reason to elevate Guam’s oversight from the Department of the Interior (DOI) to the White House is the critical need for accurate and comprehensive data across the federal government. Currently, the lack of reliable data about Guam is often cited as a baseline excuse for our disparate treatment in federal programs. Without accurate data, federal agencies consistently overlook or underestimate Guam’s needs, resulting in underfunding and exclusion from essential programs.

Ginger Cruz believes that moving Guam’s oversight to the White House will address this fundamental issue. The Executive Office of the President has the capacity to coordinate data collection and analysis across the federal family, ensuring that Guam’s unique challenges and contributions are fully recognized. This shift would lead to a more informed approach to policymaking, one that takes into account the true economic, social, and security needs of our island.

With White House oversight, Guam would benefit from more accurate data in areas like population counts, healthcare needs, infrastructure assessments, and the economic impact of federal mandates. This data would then be used to ensure Guam is treated equitably in federal programs, leveling the playing field and removing the longstanding excuses that have held our island back.

By placing Guam’s oversight at the highest level, we can ensure that the federal government operates with a full understanding of our realities, empowering us to secure the funding and resources we deserve.

Protect the People of Guam

With the military hardening defenses to protect its personnel and infrastructure, we are behind the curve getting federal resources and attention to protect the people of Guam “outside the fence”. We must strengthen our National Guard and Homeland Security – not with more studies, but with actual funding and concrete federal support. 

Water security must be a top priority. We need federal support to upgrade and improve security for our island’s antiquated water delivery system. Did you know that it takes just 30 mobile desalination units to provide enough water for all our island residents, and the cost is less than $10 million? In times of extreme natural or manmade disaster, we have to ensure that our people’s most basic needs are met. Guam’s delegate to Washington has a responsibility to lead our island’s efforts in Congress to ensure that our people are protected, and our quality of life is enhanced.

Our National Guard needs the flexibility to reorganize and train, first and foremost, to defend Guam, given today’s military posture in the Pacific. It should receive dedicated funding and a full local training facility, like other states, so it doesn't have to burn through its budget on high airfares to California or Louisiana.

We need to look to the lessons learned from Ukraine and Gaza. Floating barges, held in reserve, should be ready for our National Guard to use for disaster response throughout the Pacific and in times of disaster or conflict. If anything happens to our one port, since we do not produce our own food, imagine ships of supplies rushing to the island with no way to offload them. We must be prepared and able to sustain the island for a period of time until assistance can arrive. The resources for our National Guard to allow them to plan, train and prepare, should reflect the unique level of threat that Guam is currently under, given the budget increases being applied to protect military personnel and assets on Guam.

Our Homeland Security and Civil Defense offices need support and resources to expand public awareness and preparedness for man-made disasters, not just typhoons. And we have to get serious now about expanding production of sustainable crops, fisheries and livestock for the long-term sustainability of our island.

Unincorporated Territory Status as an Opportunity not a Barrier

And while Ginger fully supports local efforts to move forward with decolonization, changing our political status is going to take time and Ginger knows we don't have time to waste. While self-determination efforts are ongoing , we can use our unincorporated territorial status as a blank slate rather than a barrier, leveraging our unique status to create opportunities for unique solutions.

Ginger understands, after more than a decade of D.C. experience, that in a Congress plagued by gridlock, Guam must have the tools to fix our problems by both updating legislation AND influencing executive policy at an agency level.

As America’s hub and with the world’s attention on us, the time is now for Guam to fight for federal policy changes that give us the advantage and ensure effective interagency coordination of our issues. Policies, including “Buy America” and “Cabotage,” need to make sense for national security and for Guam. We have been trying for five years to get more cranes at our port and are suffering from exorbitant airfares due to powerful airline monopolies. We are sagging under the burden of federal immigration mandates that cost Guam taxpayers millions, without reimbursement. We need to open dialogue that finds new ways to meet federal intent while not hurting our people. 

There is no reason for us to lament the lack of federal-Guam negotiation mechanisms when we can put them in place ourselves. Saipan, as part of its commonwealth status, has “902” talks. Guam can amend the legislation governing us to develop dialogue that puts these issues on the table so problems can be addressed.

Now is the time to ensure that the military build-up is good for Guam – that our schools are improved, our infrastructure is stronger, our healthcare is better, and crime rates are brought down by shutting down the importation of drugs. We are the only ones who can leverage our value to build a better future for our people. We cannot expect others to do it for us. We must be the agents of our own change.

Get Guam a Seat at the table for Asian Pacific Prosperity

Ginger also believes that Guam’s delegate must be an active and credible participant in the ongoing discussions related to America’s positioning in the Indo-Pacific.

Guam can benefit from increased involvement in regional trade, commerce and defense agreements between the U.S. and our allies. 

We need reasonable airfares, lower prices at the grocery store, and new investment from regional partners who are best able to help us improve healthcare and expand into technology industries. 

We also have to invest in our most precious resource, our people, and build opportunities here to promote growth and spur new high-paying jobs, which is why Ginger will work to expand workforce development, advanced manufacturing and federal investment in new high-tech industries. Recent developments have the federal government supporting collaboration with our Asian allies. Attracting companies from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and other regional powerhouses to set up operations in Guam will create jobs and help Guam become America’s bridge to Asia.

At the same time, we need to right longstanding injustices. We must fight to secure Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is currently given to the CNMI, Hawaii and even non-US citizens from the FAS. And we must finally relocate veteran’s benefit and health services from Hawaii to Guam, to end the geographic discrimination our veterans are facing. Guam has done this before. When the internet was created, the Gutierrez-Bordallo Administration fought for Guam’s inclusion in the North American Numbering Plan – an act that got the Federal Communications Commission to lower long distance rates for our island. We’ve done it before we can do it again for our veterans and those that need SSI.

Ginger believes the delegate should be an agent of change for Guam, taking inspiration from the great former delegates who fought for U.S. citizenship and the right to elect our own governor. Experience matters, results count. Ginger is fully committed to fighting for Guam and producing results.

That’s Why “Ginger Will Work Differently”

Drawing on a lifetime network of high-level contacts throughout Guam and Washington, D.C., and a career of successfully influencing federal policy, Ginger will start by leading the development of a shared vision for our island “Guam 2045: A Path to Empowerment”. 

Path to Empowerment will be a visionary plan crafted in coordination with the island's leaders in the public and private sector and the community. It will be an ambitious agenda, outlining goals aimed at securing sustainable development, enhancing autonomy, and improving the quality of life for all residents. Our plan would seek to identify federal actions that will support the transformation of our island's economic landscape, bolster infrastructure, and ensure environmental stewardship, reflecting the aspirations of Guam to achieve greater self-determination and prosperity over the next two decades.

To accomplish this, Ginger is committed to engaging in regular quarterly sessions on Guam with leaders in the public and private sector to develop a clear sense of what we together must achieve in Washington, something we can all unite behind. 

Then, twice a year, she will invite leadership to Washington, D.C., to demonstrate a united front, meet with top level federal officials together, with a Whole of Guam Approach, and pursue a transformational agenda at the federal level. 

Ginger will utilize a PACE methodology - Professionalize, Amend, Collaborate and Exempt - to achieve the first results within 24 months.

PROFESSIONALIZE We will bring together professionals from Guam and D.C. to build the best team possible to advance Guam’s agenda. We will have a legislative director with many years of experience in Congress who will bring to the Guam team the knowledge of the system and a network of contacts to give us that advantage from day one. We will focus on top-notch constituent services, something not seen over the past six years on Guam – responding within 48 hours with initial feedback and then working with constituents for as long as it takes to find answers. We will push for data to be collected across the federal government to properly inform policy reform. And our team will make sure Guam’s voice is heard in the halls of Congress and in the federal agencies in Washington, D.C., that set the regulations that affect our lives and livelihoods so that D.C. does more for the people of Guam.

AMEND bills, address deficiencies in regulations to better serve the people of Guam. Amendments can take the form of legislation inserted in bills that are likely to be passed into law such as agency authorization acts and budget measures. It also can mean amendments at the federal agency and regulatory level. Ginger will use all the powers of the office to address the policy needs of Guam. We will be creative and seize both legislative and executive opportunities to address legacy issues, inspired by the works of former Delegates Won Pat, Blaz, Underwood and Bordallo. 

COLLABORATE As a non-voting member, Guam has to work harder to find solutions to our challenges. Collaboration with our fellow territories, Hawaii, Alaska and other like-minded states is essential. Some of our strongest allies are Asian American Pacific Island organizations, which is why Ginger is honored to have the endorsement of ASPIRE PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus which includes nearly 80 members of Congress. We also need to work closely with federal agencies – the people who enforce the rules – on ways to make them work better for Guam. We must harness think tanks, international media, special interest groups and other powerful allies to strengthen Guam’s team and raise our profile – increasing our chances of scoring wins for our people.

EXEMPT We have to accept that the rules were not created for us 8,000 miles away from D.C. When those rules hurt us, we must secure relief because more and more, Guam’s success is America’s success. It’s not about changing the rules but carving out a path for Guam that allows us to thrive. Understanding our unique location on the globe, empowering Guam to thrive builds a stronger Guam, which in turn builds a stronger America.

“Whole of Guam” 

Underpinning all of this is a commitment to involve a “Whole of Guam” ethic. Ginger worked under republican and democrat administrations in Guam and Washington D.C., and she will work across the aisle and value and prioritize the input of local Guam leadership from the executive and legislative branches, the private sector, and the people of Guam. Ginger will put Guam first every single time because she serves the people of Guam, not a national political party or special interest group. 

By creating government and industry working groups from island leaders and experts to inform a broader vision, we can get to into the details of policy solutions, so we produce results.

Ginger on the Issues

Economy

From the gas in our tanks to the food on our tables, everything costs more than it did—making it harder for families to live—let alone live well.

Ginger understands that while inflation is hurting families across the nation—the pain is even greater in Guam where over 90% of consumer goods are imported. But she also understands that the 21st Century economy brings turbulence, risks and challenges due to the rapid technological progress and shifting geo-political landscape. To compete, Guam needs to bolster tourism, our mainstay. But we also need to diversify and expand our economy to build new high paying opportunities in order to develop and keep our best talent and attract direct investment in our economy. And to do that, we must work closely with the federal government that writes the rules, so that we are empowered to succeed.

Lowering Cost by Looking West

Lots of ink has been spilled over the economic cost of the Jones Act, which makes shipping to Guam from the mainland so expensive. But it is not only the secondary impacts of the law that impact our high cost, it’s also the distance and the fuel. 

Guam also is served by multiple non-Jones Act carriers that come to our island from Asia. All we need to do is look at the sales and price drops the week that an Asian megastore opened on Airport Road, and it is clear that competition is the key to lowering prices.

Major efforts are currently underway in the Congress to revisit antiquated laws including the Jones Act. Guam must be a part of that discussion. But beyond that, we can also look to Asia for more competitive goods to immediately bring down costs for our consumers.

Maritime Strategy

A bipartisan Congressional effort to rewrite U.S. maritime strategy is underway, providing a huge opportunity for Guam to be part of the dialog. 

Tax incentives, operational subsidies and federal financing are all key elements that would see the effort located in the Office of the President. This is yet another reason why Ginger believes moving Guam’s oversight from Interior to the White House is timely so that these longstanding issues including the Jones Act, the cost of shipping, the loss of the Ship Repair Facility and the roadblocks being faced by Guam’s port in attempting to upgrade its infrastructure can be addressed. 

Guam needs capable representation in D.C. that will advance efforts to bring back ship repair and dry dock capabilities. We have a rare opportunity to integrate high tech industries that are a key part of the new maritime footprint. And not only can we become a hub for military ships, but we can also support the Coast Guard which one of the most important U.S. assets in the Pacific. From interdicting drugs to lifesaving support and preventing illegal fishing, the Coast Guard needs to use Guam as a port where it can maintain its fleet. 

Current plans call for regulatory reform to make US flag vessels more competitive with international carriers. By being a part of that discussion we can finally address how to balance the benefits of Jones Act, which provides dedicated subsidized service to our island, with the economic benefits of non-Jones act U.S. flagged carriers which also service Guam.

It also calls for replacing foreign systems with American ones – and increasing funding for MARAD to address a national maintenance backlog. This is music to our ears. Guam has been trying for over 5 years now to get more gantry cranes at our port. We have been fighting policies that have stopped that from happening. As this strategy develops, removing those barriers is essential for Guam to prosper. 

And it’s not putting a signature on a letter created by other congressmen. We need to be a part of the discussion and decision making. To do that we need a DC representative that is bold, experienced, and capable of raising Guam’s issues to the level where they can finally be addressed. America describes itself as a Pacific Power in this competition with China. The legitimacy of that power comes in part from its geographic presence in Guam, the CNMI, Hawaii and Alaska. How the US strengthens its Pacific strongholds will be a key part of the projection of power and the economic growth of the region.

Infrastructure Resiliency and Defense Impact

From Guam’s port to our international airport to the underground waterlines and our roads – much of the current infrastructure that underpins our economy was first put in place during major military build-ups following WWII and the Vietnam War. 

While Guam has made many improvements, it makes sense to again think about the infrastructure we need for the 21^st Century and leverage the investments being made by defense and federal agencies to maximize the benefits for our local population. 

We need to expand funding from Defense, FEMA, USEPA and Transportation, to name just a few federal agencies, to underground our powerlines, revitalize our port and install new cranes, build better roads, resolve the PFAS contamination of our water and expand our public health care clinics.

A key to this strategy is “dual use.” The more that Guam can develop long term infrastructure that supports our economy that can also be available during conflict in support of the military, the greater our ability to secure funding.

Strategies to diversify our economy including development of a sea drone industry, enhancing our positioning as a logistics hub and building up transshipment and additive manufacturing are all ongoing initiatives that need stronger federal support.

We must also mitigate the adverse effects of military buildup. It is time to revisit the funding and authorizations of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) which is the main office in DOD tasked with supporting readiness and resiliency of defense communities across the nation. 

The current national security imperatives demand a review of this 1960’s era law to update its mandate and provide more robust assistance for Guam that addresses the poaching of our top law enforcement, educator and professional workers, relieves pricing pressure on our housing supply and widens the availability of funds for local infrastructure programs.

Hardening Power

Typhoon Mawar dealt a serious blow to Guam’s power distribution system. With more severe storms sure to challenge Guam, and with so much of the U.S. key national security installations depending upon the Guam Power system, the need to underground power lines is not only a matter of defense resiliency, it is a national security imperative.

But more than that, the investment would greatly boost Guam’s economic attractiveness. With multiple undersea communications cables terminating in Guam the potential for data centers and AI related work that would bring revenue and good jobs is real. But without a reliable continuous source of power, big companies are not going to take the risk. Undergrounding lines would change that.

Ginger worked on this initiative with members of the Utilities Commission and the Guam Power Authority immediately after Typhoon Mawar. Requests are before FEMA now and funding support from the Congress is needed. The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have set the precedent for billions in post-storm power grants. With Guam’s unique value as the tip of the spear, a request of $7 billion over five years is not only reasonable, it is necessary. 

Ginger will make pushing this initiative a top priority.

Housing

Affordable housing is one of the most essential elements of a successful island. Our families need access to housing, and our economy also needs available housing for transient workers.

The good news is that at the national level, this is also a top priority. There are ongoing national efforts to increase housing stock through increased grant funding for local government, help to ease regulatory barriers to new construction, expanded housing voucher programs and increased tax credits for developers. The task for Guam’s Congressional Delegate is to ensure that Guam is included in these initiatives, that our share is more robust given the unique strains upon our housing due to the military buildup, and a cost of living that is up to 60% higher than the mainland.

Federal programs can be used in conjunction with local program such as the Qualifying Certificate program at the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA).

Other key areas to pursue in Washington D.C. include affordable housing for women escaping abusive relationships; for seniors with options for assisted living; and assistance to rehabilitate abandoned or unused housing through private sector incentives

Innovate: Military-Civilian Partnerships

Ginger Cruz believes that solving Guam’s housing crisis requires creative solutions, including innovative partnerships with the military. As the military buildup continues, the need for housing has never been greater, both for military personnel and our local community. By working together, we can reduce costs and increase access to quality housing for both military families and civilians.

One key opportunity is to partner with the military to strategically place vital infrastructure—such as utilities, transportation, and public services—in areas where shared-use housing can be developed. This would allow military and civilian housing to be built in close proximity, driving down development costs for both parties. By pooling resources and streamlining infrastructure investments, we can create affordable housing options that benefit both the military and local residents.

A logical outcome of this partnership is the eventual transfer of surplus or underutilized military housing into Guam’s local housing inventory when military capacity needs decrease. This would provide a significant boost to the availability of affordable homes on the island, helping to alleviate housing pressures and stabilize the market.

By pursuing these innovative partnerships, we can address both immediate housing shortages and long-term affordability, making Guam a stronger, more connected community.

In 2012, the late Speaker Ben Pangelinan called on DoD to increase its existing housing inventory on Guam through the Military Housing Privatization Initiative. This Public/Private partnership allows private sector partners to rehabilitate and operate base housing to relieve housing pressure, with a waterfall provision that extends to needs outside the fence. 

It is time to revisit that 1996 law, update it to meet current needs, and build in stronger provisions to mitigate adverse impacts on military adjacent communities. 

We also need to open discussions with DOD to mitigate impact of contract employees on housing – exploring financial offsets that can be required of contractors exacerbating housing shortages and driving up rents – that can be deposited with the Guam Housing Corporation into funds to assist local families with home purchases and rent.

Guam must also look to mainland and Asian Pacific allies to increase investment in Guam to expand affordable housing stocks. Federal investment incentives are a key part of this multi-year effort, as is coordination with local government officials to ensure that procurement and investment regulations work to support economic development, not block it.

Thousands of skilled foreign laborers are working to build defense related projects in Guam. Yet the absence of skilled labor outside the fence has driven new home construction costs beyond the reach of most working families. Ginger will seek coordination with military planners so that foreign labor is shared so they can work on civilian housing projects, especially those for low- and middle-income families while also supporting the buildup.

Workforce of the 21^st Century - AI Corps

Ginger is committed to supporting federal programs that help transform Guam into a premier hub for the so-called “Fourth Wave” that includes artificial intelligence (AI), Additive Manufacturing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). One way is through the establishment of a Guam AI Corps. 

Leveraging Guam’s strategic location as America in Asia, we will seek federal support to make our island a critical hub for underwater cables and destination for companies like Google to place data centers.

With smart investment in both broadband internet and long-range Wide Area Network infrastructure, Guam can establish the foundation for 21st Century connectivity. Biden administration funding of over $150 million is now being applied to help us get there. 

Now we need to ensure that our development efforts are secure and align with national security interests, enhancing the Indo-Pacific’s communications infrastructure and augmenting cyber security needs to protect Guam’s information infrastructure. The goal is to position Guam as a vital center for innovation, driving technological advancement, economic growth, and securing our place in the global landscape.

We will advocate for robust federal support to create a comprehensive educational pathway that engages students from middle school through adult education in high-tech environments. This initiative will equip our youth and workforce with cutting-edge skills in technologies like Additive Manufacturing, IoT and AI, providing them access to modern laboratories and hands-on learning experiences that inspire innovation. 

We will seek expanded federal funding for Guam entities already doing some of this great work like Guam Community College, the University of Guam, high schools, and training organizations like the Guam Contractor’s Association, ensuring they can offer advanced AI curricula, state-of-the-art facilities, and attract top-tier faculty. Additionally, we will promote scholarships and financial aid programs to ensure equitable access to these opportunities for all our students.

A key ingredient will be collaborating with local government to forge strategic partnerships with leading firms from the mainland and the Asian Pacific region and identifying the federal incentives to facilitate collaborations that provide valuable industry insights through internships, mentorships, joint research initiatives, and high paying jobs.

With millions in federal funds being poured into Guam and the region to strengthen broadband and communications infrastructure, Guam must develop the talent and support local entrepreneurs big and small so that we benefit from the investment. We must prepare our children and retrain or existing workforce for jobs that have not yet been created, part of a global revolution in how we think and work. Guam must not be left behind.

Workforce acceleration is the key component – if we develop the workforce, the work will come. But if the work is not here, the workforce we develop will continue to leave. We have to stop the bleeding and have high-paying jobs and all the associated economic activity that comes from that to strengthen our island and the only way to do that is to have a plan.

Tourism

Guam’s travel, trade and transit sectors rely on strong relationships in Asia and Washington, DC for success in good times and support when times are tough.

At full capacity, tourism creates more than 20,000 jobs and generates over $2 billion in taxable revenue for our island each year. Tourism is truly the mainstay of Guam’s economy.

Especially during the post-COVID recovery period, our Congressional Delegate must ensure that federal resources are funneled into Destination Guam’s visitor industry to help foster peace and understanding in an era of rapid defense escalation.

Thankfully, tourism is already a top American government priority. In fact, an ambitious five-year Department of Commerce plan has earmarked hundreds of millions of dollars for tour and travel development across the nation. Its aim is to welcome at least 90 million visitors to America by 2027.

Ginger believes Guam’s Delegate to Congress must fight to invigorate our island’s vital visitor industry by tying its success to the federal government’s massive arrivals program and to the multibillion-dollar militarization of Guam and Micronesia.

Her goals include supporting America’s military mission, strengthening hub-and-spoke centers that enhance trade flow among America’s Asia-Pacific allies, and diversifying arrivals for better yield per visitor.

Aiming to attract new affluent travel groups, Ginger envisions Guam as the preferred regional place of welcome for NGO conferencing, intergovernmental summits, trade exhibitions, and industry forums. She also sees Guam as Asia’s accessible ‘great American getaway’ for well-heeled jetsetters who want to rest, relax, and rejuvenate in the tropics while doing a little business on the side.

Ginger knows that strategic federal backing for the maintenance and improvement of Guam’s civilian airport and seaport helps reshape our island’s critical transit assets for the health, safety, security, and ease of residents, travelers, and America’s men and women in uniform.

Ginger is committed to hunting down and securing more dual-use capital infusion into Guam’s ports of entry, common infrastructures, and shared public spaces for the benefit of the military and visitors, but most importantly, for the people who call Guam home.

Addressing High Airfares

Guam’s geographic location 5,000 miles from the continental United States frequently means higher cost for American goods. But in the past few years, it has also meant sky high airfares out of reach for most families. A woman needing lifesaving surgery on the mainland, kids trying to make it to Little League playoffs, grandparents wanting to see their grandchildren over the summer, families called back to Guam for a beloved parent’s funeral. Travel to and from Guam for residents is not just a vacation. Very often it is a necessity.

Guam does not qualify for federal Essential Air Service subsidies because we are a major hub for large aircraft supporting our tourist economy. The solution for Guam is in increased competition and in federal intervention to help lower cost. There is currently a monopoly over some routes out of Guam and during high season the cost is way more than comparable distances flown in the continental United States.

The first step to bring down airfares is to engage in meaningful negotiation with providers. Armed with data a successful strategy could include appealing to companies to serve the public good. Beyond that the Congress has a variety of tools that can be applied – price capping and oversight investigations to name a few. With the existing airliners providing a significant amount of service under federal government contracts flying military members, dependents and contractors, the federal government has a direct interest in seeing fair airfares applied to the Guam route.

Hub and Spoke Economic Expansion

We are in an era of Great Power Competition that has brought global focus on the Indo Pacific Region. Economic and diplomatic alliances are rapidly expanding in an area where a majority of the world’s economic activity takes place.

America has declared its role as a Pacific Power and is fully committed to a free and open Indo Pacific. With Guam on the frontlines as the closest U.S. soil to Asia, we must start now establishing a vision and the building blocks to become the hub of economic activity in the Pacific. 

Part of that is moving to open competition for air routes to bring airfares down to reasonable levels. This in turn will fuel economic activity. But more fundamental than the money is the lifeline of air travel for so many Pacific islanders with health issues, seeking education or training, or just simply wanting to maintain family ties.

As Congress looks to invest in marine highways, we need to build a vision for Guam as a hub and wheel spoke of the U.S. in the greater Pacific. Leveraging groundbreaking efforts in updating maritime strategy, Guam can build our economy and be a central solution to the challenge of navigating smaller islands, generating economic activity that benefits us and our Pacific neighbors.

By expanding more affordable air and sea transportation routes in the Pacific, Guam can build demand to attract more commerce and trade and lower prices. 

Secure Guam

Our place in the Pacific and our role in the defense of the nation means that Guam is on the frontlines of potential conflict on a regional scale. While peace must be the goal, history teaches us to prepare for a day we hope never comes.

Civil Defense/Homeland Security

Guam needs a comprehensive civil defense plan coordinated at the highest levels of the federal government. It must link our local government to DoD, Homeland Security, the Guam National Guard and others. The same coordination Congress is demanding inside the fence must occur outside the fence, with the meaningful participation of our entire community. We must urgently determine our preparedness needs and have the tools to meet them.

We also must resource our Homeland Security office to address the threats faced by our island. Robust communications plans and more support for cyber-security are key, as well as:

Water & Food Security

With billions being invested in a 360º Missile Defense System for Guam, we must be prepared for the most essential needs – food and water. Pre-positioned portable desalinization units and floating temporary docks will give us capabilities that our Guam National Guard can utilize to maintain critical shipments while longer term solutions are put in place. 

Support Farmers

Ginger Cruz is committed to strengthening Guam’s food security by supporting local agriculture and securing greater federal assistance for our farmers. The COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters have exposed the fragility of our food supply chain. As an island, it is critical that we reduce dependence on imported goods and empower our local farmers to sustain our communities.

One of the key strategies will be increasing federal support for crop losses due to natural disasters such as typhoons and droughts. A major focus of Ginger’s efforts will be removing the red tape that currently delays farmers from accessing crop insurance or federal reimbursements. By streamlining the process, we can help farmers recover faster and ensure that they can continue to provide food security for Guam.

Additionally, Ginger will advocate for stronger “Buy Local” requirements in federal venues on Guam, such as military bases and federal agencies. These measures will ensure stable markets for local produce, helping to stimulate our economy and sustain our farmers.

Strengthening our local food supply has added benefits beyond security. Local produce is often fresher and more nutritious, contributing to better overall health for our people. By prioritizing agriculture, we are investing in a healthier, more resilient future for Guam

Harden Guam’s infrastructure 

Running water and sewage removal, two of our most basic societal needs, are dependent on the power to operate water pumps and the ability to transmit safe electricity. The same is true for DoD operations on Guam, demanding the phased-in strategic placement of power transmission underground.

We also re-learned a hard lesson from Typhoon Mawar in 2023, that communications are also an essential need. Critical back-up capability must be maintained, protected and available. At the same time we must build local capability to protect Guam’s information security against cyber-attack. This will create high-paying jobs and shore up a key vulnerability.

Defense Jobs

One of the ways to leverage the multi-billion dollar military buildup on Guam is the creation of a public-private “alliance” that brings together Federal and Local Government, the Military, the Private Sector, Academia and Training Intuitions to establish an environment that helps Guam thrive and benefit from the investment.

There are successful models in Hawaii, North Carolina, Florida, Arkansas, and Alabama that can be used to develop one on Guam to attract, incentivize and reduce risk for companies in defense related industries to establish on island. By bringing together all the stakeholders, Guam can have a more robust approach that will help expand workforce development, build industrial capacity at a multi-purpose facility, offer tax incentives and streamline regulations.

The goal is to develop a long-term vision for a strong, lasting defense industrial base on Guam. With work already underway in areas such as ship repair, additive manufacturing, data/technology centers and ship repair, promotion of an alliance can speed up results – resulting in more high paying jobs and greater economic benefits for the whole island.

critical issues

Crime

So much of the crime we face is directly linked to illegal drugs. And the illegal drug trade is now being linked at the national level to the geopolitical players in the Pacific, which means Guam should have added support for increased interdiction. 

To seriously fight crime we must stop drugs at our borders, invest in treatment and recovery, and harness the power of best practices and technology to reinforce our efforts. To fight crime more effectively, Ginger will 

• Initiate discussions with like-minded states and territories aimed at screening 100% of all incoming packages from sea and air. Federal agencies concur that a huge proportion of the drugs sold in Guam, and in the nation for that matter, arrives via the Postal service in domestic mail. Guam also relies heavily on the US Coast Guard to patrol our shores, and they are in need of increased support. 100% Screening for drugs will prevent crime before it starts and protect families from the pain of addiction.
  
  
• Treat Drug Addiction. Ginger supports the expansion of drug treatment options on Guam. Leveraging existing provisions requiring Medicaid to cover drug treatment and expanding incentives for social workers, we can widen options for those who need help through partnerships with the private sector.
  
  
•  Leverage Technology & Training. Work with the Department of Justice and federal law enforcement agencies to increase the use of artificial intelligence and best practices nationwide to supplement our law enforcement efforts and improve effectiveness through training and inter-agency collaboration.

Veterans 

The sacrifices of our veterans who risked their lives to protect our freedom deserve not only our respect, but also our unwavering support as they navigate life beyond the battlefield. It is past time to have the Veterans Administration establish an adjudication office and improved medical and mental health support programs in Guam.

As the hub of national security in the Western Pacific, Guam also must be the hub for our veterans and those from the CNMI and FAS. Imagine telling a New York veteran to get healthcare in Alaska – that is the 7-hour flight. Our vets cannot simply drive to the next state. It is Geographic Discrimination.

By reallocating the proportion of Guam’s use from Hawaii to Guam and including the millions spent on airfare and lodging, the Veteran’s Administration can achieve a budget neutral solution and improve services by bringing them to where the veterans need it most – at home where their families and support networks live.

Ginger is committed to fight for a Regional Veterans Health Center in Guam – one that will serve as the hub of healthcare, mental health support, prescriptions and referrals. With over 10,000 registered veterans between Guam, the CNMI and the FAS, Congressional mandates for improved service for underserved veterans, and plans that will improve the effectiveness of VA services where veterans live – Ginger will work closely with the VA and employ Congressional tools to achieve a solution that gives our Guam and Pacific Veterans the dignity that they deserve.

And while it is essential that we ensure the federal government utilizes the best data possible to understand the numbers of eligible veterans in the region, and the real cost of flying Guam, CNMI and FAS veterans to Hawaii for treatment, we need to stop blaming vets for the lack of a regional center. The Law (38 USC) clearly says regional centers are established at the discretion of the Secretary of VA. All 50 states, one territory and the Philippines have a Regional Center. It is past time for a center to be established on Guam.

Perpetuating Language & Culture

Respect for Chamorro Heritage in Military Development

Ginger Cruz will ensure that all military activities and construction projects on Guam adhere to federal guidelines on historic preservation. She will work to balance progress with the need to protect the cultural heritage of the Chamorro people, ensuring that developments respect the dignity and deep historical significance of Guam’s indigenous communities. Guam can move forward without sacrificing its past.

Actions Rooted in Chamorro Values

Ginger Cruz’s leadership will be grounded in the values of the Chamorro people. While Guam is a diverse melting pot, she recognizes that Guam is, and always will be, the home of the Chamorro people. Every decision she makes will be guided by a commitment to preserving this identity and passing it on to future generations.

Building an Economy to Bring Families Home

Ginger Cruz is committed to building an economy that allows everyone who left Guam in search of better opportunities to come back and find that life here. Through sustainable growth and economic opportunities, families will no longer have to choose between leaving Guam or staying without opportunities. Guam can be both home and a place to prosper.

Expanding Infrastructure to Reduce Development Costs

By partnering with federal agencies, Ginger will work to expand water, wastewater, and power infrastructure, particularly around Chamorro Land Trust Commission (CLTC) lands. By lowering the cost of developing these areas, Chamorro families will have better access to land, helping them stay connected to their ancestral homes.

Supporting Chamorro Charter Schools and Cultural Programs

Ginger Cruz will ensure that Chamorro charter schools and cultural programs receive the resources they need through a Grant Writing Center of Excellence. By securing federal grants, these programs will thrive, ensuring that Chamorro language, history, and culture are preserved and taught to future generations. Through education, the Chamorro identity will continue to flourish.

Environment

Ginger believes that protection, enhancement and revitalization of the environment is a key public responsibility. Environmental Impact needs results not more studies. We need to get down to discussions with the Federal Government that produce results. These plans will take years, but if we don’t start now, we will not get anywhere.

To start with, we need to collaborate to develop a substantial, multi-year fully-funded environmental remediation campaign — paid for by the U.S. government – as a concrete form of action to address the extensive and decades-long contamination of the island (sites both on and off base). This would include mitigating the PFAS contamination of our water and cleaning up all the recognized Superfund sites.

That is one concrete way to make amends for the ways in which this poison has upended the lives of our people. But it’s not just remediation – it is also about pursuing a vision of a vibrant environment that we must also set in motion, one that addresses invasive species, and protects the seas around us.

A well-funded brown tree snake suppression program that takes a whole of island approach is the only possible way we can ever hope to repatriate our endemic endangered birds before it is too late. We need to set a vision for an island that is reforested, snake free, and once again filled with the birdsong from Sihek, Ko’ko, and Aga. This will not happen without sustained financial support from federal and grant sources. 

Our vision must also include dramatically increased funding and support from top scientists to help our local experts combat the rhino beetle. Serious R&D. Guam can solve this if we have enough funding and expertise. And we must also ensure continued protection of marine life that is so much a part of our identity.

Waste Management

As we face an increasing population driven largely by the military buildup, the amount of solid waste accumulating in our landfills continues to burden our island. And given our geographic isolation, shipping waste is just too expensive.

In 2019, the Governor established the Zero Waste Working Group which released a Master Plan in 2023 that lays out a vision for sustainable waste management. Ginger will seek expanded federal support for that plan to help put Guam on a path toward a clean healthy future.

Healthcare

Ginger will seek to partner with the other territories to pursue consideration of a unique Critical Access Hospital designation for territories that could open more opportunities for federal support for Guam Memorial Hospital.

In conjunction with that , she will seek creative solutions to develop through Congress a new “island hospital” designation similar to the “frontier hospital” designation which can open up new sources of targeted funding from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and consider support for workforce policies like J-1 visas or National Health Service Corps Placements.

Ginger will work with GMH on a potential solution for rebasing of TEFRA rates that govern reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid and pursue potential statutory changes similar or possibly in conjunction with efforts by Hawaii and Alaska to ask for the Secretary of HHS to exercise authorities to make cost of living adjustments in CMS payments rules to account for Guam’s rural and underserved nature.

Ginger will vigorously pursue elimination of Guam’s Medicaid cap so that we can pursue establishment of long-term care options for elderly and disabled. Concurrently support the local government on an all-hands approach to petition CMMI to find a cost effective way to treat the population of individuals who require long-term care but are unable to pay.

By working on a long-term vision to lift the caps on Guam’s Medicaid, we can expand its use to better address homelessness and increase support to our most vulnerable women and babies who could qualify for 12 months of postpartum care. Only the U.S. Virgin Islands has taken up this option.

Childcare

During COVID, Guam received an unprecedented amount of federal assistance focused on expanding childcare for working families. The massive cash infusion resulted in a doubling of the number of childcare providers, and an increase from 800 to 3,000 children receiving federally funded childcare.

Maintaining this support and expanding help for more working families is an important part of my platform. Public Health can expand the help for families with small children through federal support for several issues:

1. Universal Pre-K – expand federal support for public schooling for children the year before they enter kindergarten.
2. Adjustment in the regulatory limitations of federal funding – aligning Guam with tribal compliance rather than state compliance. This technical fix will allow the use of funds to procure, construct, rent or rehabilitate facilities for day cares.
3. Increased support for training to expand the number of licensed providers.
4. Ensure that Guam is included in developing federal programs including efforts to cap the cost of childcare to 7% of family income and provide for greater tax credits for children.
5. Expand grants for working families and childcare providers to meet the unmet demand.

Given the anticipated increase in Guam’s civilian population due to military buildup, the demand for childcare is expected to rise. Prioritizing this support to help working parents afford childcare is not only good for families and for the economy, it is great for the development, safety and nurturing of children – the smartest investment we can make for our future.

Elderly

The cost of medical care and the absence of Assisted Living options on Guam are major concerns for seniors and their families on Guam. There’s a growing demand for aging program services such as Adult Day Care and In-Home Services. Additionally a growing need for Assisted Living facilities that can provide varying stages of care, from minimal assistance to those who require supervised care.

While Medicaid is helping many residents, caps hold down the overall amount of Medicaid support available. And, the Government of Guam does not participate in the Medicare program and thus those programs are not available to a large number of Guam residents.

A top priority that will continue to be pursued will be Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Guam residents. Delinking Guam from Puerto Rico is a key strategy that will raise the chances of federal consideration especially when Guam sits in a neighborhood where the CNMI, Hawaii and FAS citizens are all eligible for SSI, but not U.S. or FAS citizens living in Guam. Gaining support from key organizations and calculating the financial impact of the move will help to open discussion.

Guam’s public hospital faces costs to care for multiple long-term patients that are not covered by insurance or federal programs – resulting in tens of millions of dollars that the hospital must cover. By pursuing federal support for long term care options for elderly and disabled patients, Guam will help ease that financial strain on the hospital. There are a variety of federal programs for veterans, the elderly, assistive living and care for disabled individuals. Exploring options for Guam to access those programs is a key priority.

Our goals must include:

1. Building an age-friendly community
2. Increased access to federal programs that support elder care such as enhanced homecare services, coordination of housing and supportive services and elder care insurance
3. Incentivized development of assisted living facilities on island
4. Explore new ideas including intergenerational care facilities

Women’s Reproductive Health

When addressing matters concerning women's reproductive health, Ginger strongly advocates for a system where these life altering decisions are not made politicians, most of whom have no medical expertise, and a majority of whom are not women.

We must prioritize respect for individual responsibility and provide unwavering support for a woman's autonomy and ability to consult with her medical practitioner, family, and support network, ensuring that she can make decisions that align with her unique circumstances.

Moreover, in a society marked by remarkable scientific progress, Ginger emphasizes the importance of not only legalizing and ensuring access to contraception but also advancing research and development efforts aimed at enhancing contraceptive methods. This includes addressing a wide spectrum of women's health needs, such as making menstrual products affordable for those facing financial hardship and developing effective treatments for menopause.

Compact Impact

The impact of migration to Guam from Compact States is a creation of federal control over Guam. For the first time in decades, despite a Congressional Delegation last year that heard Guam’s case, the Congress failed to provide funds to mitigate the impact of its decisions – and the taxpayers of Guam are now left holding the bag. 

That loss of funds hurts all of us – FAS migrants and Guam residents alike. That door has closed, so we need to find a new avenue to address this long-standing injustice. As American citizens we should have fair access and funding support that is available to all other Americans.

The most dramatic example of injustice is the provision of Supplemental Security Income – SSI – needed for our most vulnerable elderly and disabled. Everyone around us now receives this benefit – Hawaii, the CNMI, and the non-US citizens of the FAS who live in those jurisdictions. In this region, only Guam does not receive this funding. We must continue to press for inclusion of Guam in SSI benefits until we receive them.

Redressing the loss of compact impact is a top priority. Over $300 million in Compact Impact Funding was provided by the Congress for Guam’s schools, law enforcement and healthcare until the current Congressman lost that support. 

The Compact Agreement renewal for 20 years passed in 2024 and cannot be revisited.

Instead, we have a plan to address the broader question of equity in compensation by the federal government for unfunded mandates, immigration being one.

Our plan has several components:

1. Begin the work to elevate Guam’s oversight from the Department of Interior to the Executive Office of the President. This will raise the importance of these shortfalls to federal officials who have the power to do something about it.
2. Work on comprehensive data gathering and study of the impact of federal mandates including the financial impact of open immigration from the Freely Associated States on Guam’s local government funds.
3. Based on the data – work closely with the Office of Management and Budget to identify optimal funding strategies that will relieve the unfunded mandate on Guam’s coffers, at the same time providing fair and just access to federal assistance programs for all of Guam’s residents, both US citizens and FAS citizens.

Immigration Reform

While tracking immediate issues such as ongoing support for H2 workers, healthcare professionals and the visa waiver program for the Philippines, we need to stop the band-aid approach to Guam’s immigration.

The U.S. Congress is poised to undertake the most major rewrite of Immigration laws in nearly 40 years and Guam has an opportunity to get permanent relief from our unique challenges.

Guam needs to initiate discussions with the Immigration and Naturalization Service together with all the required stakeholders in government and the private sector to produce a comprehensive package that will  addresses Guam’s unique immigration challenges and puts in place laws and regulations that work.

Rather than holding our breath each time for an amendment to the NDAA for H2 workers, we need to map out Guam specific immigration rules that address all of our issues and come up with enduring systemic solutions. That way we can recruit temporary health care professionals until we are able to build sufficient local capacity.

Guam also needs special visa waivers for business from allied countries which will support economic growth.

And within this framework, we can have meaningful discussion to expand the visa waiver program to the Philippines so that Guam’s families can maintain ties with relatives and Guam can get a boost for our tourism economy. Expanding the visa waiver to the Philippines makes good foreign policy.

To mitigate concerns about program management, new technology can help supplement federal immigration staff to ensure the program maintains strong border control while at the same time encouraging diplomatic and economic gains.

Education

A high-quality education is perhaps one of the most important elements of our success. From the federal perspective, in addition to promoting economic expansion and workforce training, there are additional areas that can be pursued.

Seeking federal support for help improving Guam’s procurement system is one way to address challenges being faced by Guam’s education system.

Ginger will advocate for increased federal funding through programs such as school improvement grants and formula grants for special populations like Guam to modernize our facilities and provide essential resources.

Ginger will also explore ways to leverage the unique capabilities and positioning of the University of Guam to explore options for establishing within UOG a Federally Funded Research and Development Center that will focus on Pacific Issues and help the US Congress and fellow FFRDC’s in gathering timely and accurate data and analysis of Pacific Island concerns.

Empowering Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of Guam’s economy, and as someone who founded and fan a small business, Ginger Cruz will bring that experience to fight for policies that allow local entrepreneurs to compete on a level playing field and prosper.

From advocating for federal contracting opportunities to cutting through red tape, Cruz’s platform centers on helping Guam’s small businesses succeed and drive economic growth.

Federal Contracting Access

Cruz will champion programs that open doors for Guam businesses to secure federal contracts. She will push for greater understanding and use of HUBZone certifications, which provide Guam companies with access to sole-source contracting and preferential treatment in federal procurement. Additionally, Cruz is committed to ensuring that Guam small businesses receive the support they need under the 8(a) program and the expanded services provided through the 7(j) initiative.

Support for Local Entrepreneurs

Cruz believes in reducing barriers to success for local small business owners. This means promoting initiatives that provide businesses with technical assistance, mentorship, and access to federal programs. The “Empower to Grow” initiative, which provides essential tools for small businesses to compete, will be a top priority. Cruz will work to ensure that Guam benefits from all available resources, including mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.

Creating Local Jobs

A thriving small business sector means more jobs for the people of Guam. Cruz will prioritize policies that encourage businesses to hire locally and bring back skilled workers from abroad. She will support incentives for companies that invest in the island, hire residents, and contribute to the local economy.

Protecting and Expanding Opportunities

Cruz is committed to fighting for Guam businesses on a federal level. She will work with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure that Guam companies get their fair share of federal contracts. Cruz will also closely monitor changes to the 8(a) program, ensuring that local businesses can navigate the new rules and continue to benefit from these essential contracting opportunities.

A Commitment to Growth

Cruz understands the vital role that small businesses play in creating a strong, sustainable economy for Guam. By securing federal contracts, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting local hiring, Cruz’s policies will help Guam businesses grow, thrive, and create lasting prosperity for the island.

Ginger Cruz’s platform puts Guam’s small business community at the forefront of economic growth, ensuring a brighter future for the island.

She will also work on developing enhanced data gathering to support stronger enforcement of Guam tax collection from federal prime contractors and contract employees living and working on Guam.

Grant, Proposal and Procurement Center of Excellence

Ginger will seek the creation of a Grant Proposal and Procurement Center of Excellence to provide critical support for GovGuam agencies, Mayors, small businesses, non-profits and communities seeking funding. This Center will be a key resource in leveling the playing field, offering targeted assistance to help navigate complex grants, proposals, and procurement processes.

The Center will focus on training and capacity development, equipping participants with the skills needed to successfully secure federal contracts and grants.

In addition, the Center will offer process assistance—from application through submission—helping individuals and businesses streamline their efforts and avoid common pitfalls. A comprehensive library will be provided, offering ready-made documents for proposals and contracts, while a Knowledge Hub will serve as a repository of best practices, policy updates, and essential case studies.

By creating this resource, Ginger hopes to address a key stumbling block faced for decades where differing levels of expertise have hampered government and private sector entities from successfully utilizing funding sources, leaving money on the table.

This concept will not only boost local participation in federal programs but also bring more fderal, international and private sector dollars into our community, fostering economic growth and opportunity for all.