Why These Toolkits Matter

For Native communities, economic development is both a pathway to strengthen self-determination and a means to improve community well-being. Toolkits that support economic development planning and implementation help tribes turn community priorities into actionable plans and sustainable projects. By providing step-by-step guidance on leadership, partnerships, investment alignment, and funding administration, these resources ensure efforts remain community-driven, culturally grounded and responsive to evolving needs while strengthening local capacity to effectively implement plans.

The two toolkits outlined below were created for tribal economic development practitioners, tribal leadership, planning committees, consultants, and partner organizations who are working on economic development planning and/or implementation. The toolkits provide a Native-centered approach, recognizing the necessary balancing of cultural values with the desire for economic prosperity.

• The Toolkit for Economic Development Planning in Native Communities provides structured, practical guidance for designing economic development plans that are rooted in community values, informed by local priorities, and positioned for successful implementation and financing. The toolkit also includes guidance for aligning economic development strategies with the US Economic Development Administration’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) framework, forming strategic partnerships with internal and external tribal and nontribal collaborators, and establishing mechanisms for periodic review to adjust formal plans in the face of evolving funding and regulatory conditions. The tools, companion worksheets, and examples provided throughout the toolkit allow users to navigate the planning process and adapt it to fit local circumstances.
• The Implementing Economic Development Plans in Native Communities toolkit builds on the planning process by providing guidance and considerations for plan implementation. It includes practical guidance on how to inventory and develop infrastructure in tribal communities, establish mutually beneficial partnerships that respect tribal sovereignty, train and develop adequate housing for a local workforce, build funding strategies, engage broader economies, and set metrics and feedback loops to measure and adapt projects. The tools, companion worksheets, and examples provided throughout the toolkit allow users to adapt the guidance to fit their local circumstances.

Neither toolkit should be considered a one-size-fits-all template nor a prescriptive economic strategy. These toolkits do not replace the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy plan requirements. However, tribes have a different array of funding options available to them as well as challenges that are often unique in terms of their severity. The processes and activities outlined in these toolkits will yield elements that can be included in a comprehensive economic development strategy. Both toolkits emphasize flexibility and adaptation, recognizing that each Native community has its own governance structures, cultural priorities, economic contexts, and development goals.

Key Takeaways and Lessons

Successful planning processes require a shared vision, preparation, collaboration, and clarity.

• Effective planning requires participation from a wide variety of Native community stakeholders, including but not limited to staff working for the tribal government, institutions, and enterprises as well as partners in the immediate area.
• Planning grounded in community values is more likely to gain buy-in and sustain momentum.
• Strong planning processes build long-term institutional capacity, not just a single plan.
• A clear economic development plan strengthens funding applications and partnership opportunities.
• Ongoing communication with community members and stakeholders increases support and improves outcomes.
• Plans that are formally adopted and regularly revisited are more resilient to leadership changes and external shocks. 

Successful implementation of economic development plans is built on the following principles:

• Implementation is an ongoing process that requires regular reassessment and adjustment of priorities, capacity, and opportunities.
• Clear roles and accountability help maintain momentum and coordination across partners.
• Progress depends on aligning physical infrastructure, human capital, and financing strategies with priority projects.
• Collaborations with regional organizations, funders, and implementation partners can fill gaps in expertise and resources.
• Tracking progress and outcomes helps communities communicate impact, refine strategies, and position themselves for future investment.

How We Did It

The toolkits reflect insights from tribal leaders and practitioners who participated in the Indigenous Economic Development Community of Practice, a collaboration between Big Water Consulting, Urban Institute, National American Indian Housing Council, and subject matter experts supporting tribal economic development initiatives. The practical guidance and real-world examples included have been gathered over 18 months of research, informational programming, and networking conducted virtually and in-person.