Economic Development Program

To support the ongoing success of the Tribal economy, the EcDev Program was launched in 2025 as the Tribe’s Office of Economic Development.    With Tribal Council’s vision to improve efficiencies, increase effectiveness of operations, and better align with the Tribe’s mission, the program structure was selected to fulfill these goals while developing sustainable long term economic diversification.

The program objectives are to (1) exercise CTGR sovereignty by identifying, analyzing and providing recommendations for economic development related projects, and to (2) coordinate with departments and programs to fully vet potential projects and related impacts to Tribal operations and finances. In support of these objectives, EcDev seeks opportunities through outreach and networking; completes research to determine feasibility and profitability; performs opportunity assessments identifying viability, risks and benefits; and EcDev provides support and management for economic development related projects.

The Tribe’s varied financial resources fund development projects, including pursuing grant funding. Additionally, we are working with Finance to expand the funding process that minimizes risk and matches the project to the funding source requirements.  This also means having well-thought-out strategies in case the investment doesn’t perform as projected.

Every opportunity presented to EcDev is assessed for its potential.  This opportunity assessment is a multistep process beginning with an evaluation to determine the viability that includes projected return on investment, alignment with Tribal objectives, funding source requirements, and economic development strategies.  Opportunities that are determined to be viable are then presented to the Economic Development Advisory Committee (comprised of executive team members and staff) for review and concurrence before being presented to Tribal Council for authorization to start the project.  

As the EcDev team facilitates three primary areas of focus which consist of opportunity assessments, current projects and initiatives, and continued program development, we are preparing to launch development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Tribe that will provide a pathway for long term economic success.  This multi-year project will include direct input from Tribal Members, economic analyses, surveys, community events, interdepartmental coordination, external agency consultation, Tribal Council approval, and result in a presentation of the CEDS to the general membership.  

EcDev will present another program report and CEDS update at the General Council Meeting on December 6, 2026.  More details will be posted here and on the CTGR alta app prior to the meeting.