 Economic Development
Updated May 2008
Without a prospering economy, neither a community nor its citizens can thrive. The problems of poverty and unemployment experienced by many American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities could be alleviated with sustainable economic development. Barriers to sustained development, such as lack of infrastructure and jobs, must be overcome if governing officials are to improve the quality of life for their constituents.
State legislatures should note that a tribe's successful economic development would, more than likely, result in economic gains for the entire state. Several tribes have been successful in diversifying their economies and providing jobs for both native and non-native citizens and this success does not always come solely from gaming ventures. Cooperation between state and tribal governments is beneficial in fostering economic development on tribal reservations and in surrounding communities.
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Resources:
- "Sustainable Development: State and Tribal Initiatives," States and Tribes: Building New Traditions, July 2007, by Sia Davis. (for copies contact Sia Davis (303) 364-7700) To download PDF File click here.
- "Transportation Planning on Tribal Lands," States and Tribes: Building New Traditions, August 2006, by Melissa Savage. (for copies contact Sia Davis (303) 364-7700) For more information click here.
- "Rural Development Legislation," (Legislators/Legislative Staff) NCSL Legisbrief, February 2005, Vol. 13, No. 10, by Ian Pulsipher. To order click here.
- "Economic Development in Tribal Reservations and Rural Communities," State and Tribes: Building New Traditions, May 2004.
- "Native American Tribes Contribute to State Economies," State Legislatures, May 2000.
 State-Tribal Institute
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