Resolution marks housing progress

Staff Report

CTUIR Economic and Community Development Department

MISSION, Ore. – Housing. Housing. Housing. Few things are of greater concern for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s citizenship, staff, and Board of Trustees – as well as the region and state.

Tribal leadership has been intently focused on housing the past few years, which has resulted in the redevelopment Lucky 7, the construction of Timíne Way North Apartments and Nixyáawii Neighborhood. Next steps in those projects are to finalize required documentation for the apartments for people interested in moving in, and the construction of individual homes at Nixyáawii. Both efforts are moving forward, and it should not be long before individuals may start constructing their own homes – a long time goal of the tribe and tribal citizenry.

However, these projects do not fulfill all the housing needs the CTUIR faces and on July 25, the BOT authorized a resolution to address housing options for special populations - such as elders and veterans, and those with long term medical care needs.

The resolution created a staff team to include representatives from Economic and Community Development, Finance, Public Works, Planning, Child and Family Ser- vices, Housing and Yellowhawk to spearhead the next round of housing projects. This Housing Strategy Team is a subcommittee of the Tribes Capital Improvement’s Committee which guides large construction projects.

“Housing is vital to a successful and prosperous nation. The eco-

Projects will include a range of options for elders’ and veterans’ homes including apartments and cottages, additional home sites with larger lots, and a feasibility for an assisted living facility.

Many details on these projects will be explored, and as the team gets the project rolling, the commu- nomic growth seen on the reservation has been impressive, but providing more homes for tribal members to live on the reservation in a home that meets their needs greatly benefits the community through secondary economic development, small business development, increase of jobs available, and community activities – further strengthening our sovereignty and resilience.” said J.D. Tovey III, Planning Director for CTUIR. nity should expect a lot of opportunities to provide feedback and be part of the process.

Drivers should note recent changes in speed limit along South Market Road/ Highway 331, between Mission Road and the I-84 interchange.

“The Reservation is the home of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Indians, but for a long time it was difficult for tribal members to actually live on the reservation –because of fractionation, high land prices, or construction barriers – we are tearing down those barriers,” Tovey said.