The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde:
A successful model of intergovernmental
relations in Oregon
A model of intergovernmental relations between counties, tribes in Oregon

The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde have pioneered a unique intergovernmental approach to economic development that serves well both the tribes and local government. Spirit Mountain Casino, located a scenic 60 miles from downtown Portland and just 30 miles from the Oregon coast, has provided the tribes a window of opportunity to rekindle economic and cultural independence. In its first year (1996), the casino generated $30 million profit, boosting a depressed local economy by providing jobs, long overdue improvements to schools, roads, water and sewer upgrades and a new medical facility for the region.

"The Grand Ronde Tribe wants to partner with neighboring governments to solve region-wide problems," said Kathryn Harrison, tribal chair. Of Spirit Mountain's 1,200 new hires (200 Native Americans, 1,000 non-Native Americans), 46 percent were previously out of work, 35 percent had been on welfare and 42 percent lacked health insurance. An impact study conducted by ECONorthwest found that these jobs represent $7.5 million annually in savings for the state from welfare, unemployment and other related costs.

The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde established a cooperative relationship with neighboring Polk, Marion and Yamhill counties from the start.

Although Spirit Mountain Casino is on Indian Trust land and technically does not have to comply with local government rules and standards, the casino voluntarily elected to utilize county building, safety and health codes to guarantee the highest standard for customers. In 1997, $234,360 from a tribal community fund went to the Yamhill and Polk County Sheriff's Offices to support additional full-time law enforcement officers. The Polk County Sheriff's Office is one of a very few agencies in the nation to have a contract with the tribes to enforce tribal law on tribal grounds. This partnership established the first sheriff's station in Grand Ronde where Deputy Tom O'Brien is a walking illustration of the successful partnership; he wears a Polk County Sheriff's uniform with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde insignia on the sleeve.

The Confederated Tribes allocated six percent of their net revenues from Spirit Mountain Casino to the Spirit Mountain Community Fund and then distributes the money to nonprofit organizations in eleven Oregon counties. Polk County Commissioner Ron Dodge sits on the board of trustees for the Spirit Mountain Community Fund. "It's a mutually beneficial relationship," Dodge said. "It's a great way to give something back to the people." The fund has disbursed $1.2 million to date.

The Grand Ronde success story illustrates both self-sufficiency and interdependence. While seeking to revitalize its own people, the tribes have also played a stewardship role in the surrounding communities. The casino is thriving despite self-imposed restrictions on the type of promotional advertising used and a refusal to offer credit or check cashing to gamblers. Attention to these ethical dimensions of gaming have won the respect of neighboring jurisdictions.

What the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde have accomplished is nothing short of an international accord, and the results are equally impressive. The Native Americans of the region, non-Native American residents of eleven neighboring counties and the population statewide are enjoying the benefits of $16.1 million in direct economic stimulation.

Last year, 17 college scholarships were provided to tribal youth. Having overcome the usual barriers that occur between different nations through a joint spirit of good will and forthright communication, the Confederated Tribes present an innovative model of intergovernmental relations.

As a General Session sponsor of NACo's annual conference, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde welcome you to Oregon.