Travois was honored to host Standing Rock Housing Authority Executive Director Wilbur Red Tomahawk and Standing Rock Sioux Housing Board Chairman Doug CrowGhost in Kansas City this week. Our one-day intensive workshop focused on formulating a 10-year plan to develop housing, infrastructure and parks on their reservation in North and South Dakota.
The two are eager to leverage as many resources as possible to further develop their communities using Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) and other programs.
The Standing Rock Housing Authority has received LIHTCs for 18 (!) projects so far. These projects have rehabilitated and constructed 463 affordable housing units. Despite this incredible effort, the housing authority maintains a waiting list of more than 300 families in need of affordable housing. In the next several years, Wilbur and Doug hope to address the demand for housing and provide more recreational opportunities for tribal members.
We couldn’t let the two leave Kansas City without a taste of our famous barbecue and enjoyed lunch together at Jack Stack just down the street from our office. I think they enjoyed it!
We look forward to working with Wilbur and Doug to put their ideas into action!
If you work in tribal housing or economic development and are interested in visiting or talking to us about potential projects, just let us know.