Commerce official outlines tribal relations work, contract changes and tribal housing set-aside

An interim director in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Tribal Relations described steps the office has taken since 2023 to improve government-to-government relationships and to make department contracts more "sovereignty friendly."

The presentation explained that the office produced an initial charter relations policy within six months of its inception, then moved to develop two practical tools for Commerce staff — a resource guide and a glossary for tribal engagement — to make communications and contracts clearer and more effective.

The presenter said Commerce reviewed contract language and collaborated with tribes, the Attorney General’s Office and other agencies (DSHS, Department of Health) to revise boilerplate so that contracts remain legally binding while respecting tribal sovereignty. He described a "place-based" approach to engagement: going to events and conferences where tribal leaders gather to build relationships.

He also noted a policy outcome: a 10% tribal set-aside of the state housing trust fund in the current biennium, and that the office is engaging in phased tribal consultation processes to determine when formal government-to-government consultation (RCW-based) is required across awards and contracts.

Council members asked clarifying questions about resources and the office’s staffing; the presenter said the office currently has two staff and is coordinating across Commerce’s divisions to embed tribal relations work into housing, broadband, economic development and community services programs.

Members asked that the resource guide and glossary be distributed to council members; the presenter and staff committed to making those materials available to attendees.