A Toolkit for Economic Development Planning in Native Communities
This toolkit 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.
Use the full toolkit to get familiar with the planning process and print out the companion worksheets as you navigate each phase.
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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.
Introduction
A brief overview of economic development planning in tribal and Native communities highlighting the important role formal planning documents play in catalyzing development efforts
Chapter 1: Launching a Plan Development Process
Guidance on reviewing your community’s economic, legal, and decision-making frameworks and the creation and structure of an economic planning committee
Chapter 2: Beginning to Plan
Establishing a values-based economic development framework, analyzing local and regional economic and demographic conditions, and designing a community survey
Chapter 3: Community Engagement and Consensus Building
Approaches for gathering community input, engaging key stakeholders, and using what you collect to develop a shared vision and broad economic development goals
Chapter 4: Strategic Planning and Prioritization
Identifying potential strategies to achieve your goals, prioritizing them, and aligning strategies with existing plans and policies
Chapter 5: Developing an Action Plan
Designing and prioritizing tangible projects, assessing resources and capacity, and exploring strategic partnerships and regional opportunities
Chapter 6: Finalizing the Community Economic Development Plan
Presenting the draft plan for feedback, establishing processes for ongoing review and updates, and adopting the plan to embark on plan implementation