The Tribal Leaders Handbook on Homeownership is a remarkable resource, made with many hands and hearts in Indian Country. It reflects extensive work and research from several contributors: the Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and members of its National Native Homeownership Coalition, Enterprise Community Partners, NeighborWorks America-Rocky Mountain Western Region, and NeighborWorks Alaska. HUD and USDA Rural Development assisted with the data on their 184 and 502 programs, a significant contribution to providing affordable housing options to many Native communities. The Public Affairs department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis was instrumental in creating the design and layout of the Handbook. We would not have this book but for the printing and publication shop at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
Many individuals deserve thanks for their work in the Coalition and on the Handbook. My thanks go to the chapter authors, case study contributors, and Coalition leads (Jason Adams, Steve Barbier, Tawney Brunsch, Matthew Carriaga, Joanna Donohoe, Fred Fisher, Russ Kaney Leslie Newman, Jim Nordland, Craig Nolte, Nikki Pieratos, Dick Todd, Sharon Vogel, and Denise Zuni) for participating in this project and for their willingness to help explore and navigate the complex maze of mortgage lending in Indian Country. The artistic vision of Marlena Myles, and Lori Korte has made the Handbook more visually appealing and inviting. Journalist Mark Fogarty provided keen review and editing of our manuscripts.
About the Center for Indian Country Development
The Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis was established in 2015 to help self-governing communities of American Indians across the country attain their economic goals. The Center’s work focuses on engagement in four main areas (land, education, housing and homeownership, and business and entrepreneurship), buttressed by research around economic development issues of vital importance to Native communities.
About the National Native Homeownership Coalition
The Center for Indian Country Development established the National Native Homeownership Coalition (NNHC) in 2016 to bring together housing systems leaders to help resolve the multi-dimensional challenges to homeownership on trust lands.
The NNHC’s goals are to:
- Enhance access to mortgage credit.
- Maximize housing choice.
- Streamline the lending process.
- Provide data and research on mortgage lending.
Through collaboration and partnerships with its more than 200 members, the NNHC is addressing a broad spectrum of issues with the goal of improving the mortgage lending systems on trust land and creating more housing options for Native families.
About Enterprise Community Partners
Enterprise’s mission is to create opportunity for low- and moderate-income people through affordable housing in diverse, thriving communities. Within Enterprise are entities that lend funds, finance development, and manage and build affordable housing. Enterprise improves communities and people’s lives by making well-designed homes affordable. By bringing together nationwide know-how, partners, policy leadership, and investment, Enterprise multiplies the impact of local affordable housing development.
On a personal note, I am sincerely grateful to the many Native nations and Native peoples who work ardently and tirelessly to bring safe and affordable housing to their communities. They are creating a place to come home to and preserving an enduring culture. —Patrice H. Kunesh, Director, Center for Indian Country Development