SCMP/WCRP Survey #2

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Introduction

This survey is a follow-up to the first survey conducted in August-September of 2025.

This survery will be important in shaping future goals, policies, and projects of the Spokane Reservation. Each question is based on your previous survey responses.

The first few questions will help us understand who the survey reaches and how well the data from the survey reflects the Spokane Tribal community.
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1. a) Name* This field is required.
First Name
Last Name
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1. b) Phone Number* This field is required.
Please enter a valid phone number.
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1. c) Email* This field is required.
example@example.com
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2) What is your connection to the Spokane Tribe of Indians?* This field is required.
Spokane Tribal Member
Descendant or spouse of a Spokane Tribal Member
Non-Tribal Member
Member of a different Tribal Nation
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3) Do you work for the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Spokane Indian Housing Authority, or Spokane Tribal Enterprises?* This field is required.
Yes
No
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4. Where do you live?* This field is required.
Wellpinit
Ford
West End
Off Reservation (such as Spokane, Airway Heights, or Chewelah)
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5. How old are you?* This field is required.
Under 18
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75 or older
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Housing Development

According to the previous survey, 39% of respondents preferred housing in Airway Heights/West Plains, while 19% respondents preferred Wellpinit. Due to the high preference for off-reservation housing, the following are questions specific to off-reservation housing.
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6) Since many respondents in the first survey preferred off-reservation housing options, we want to understand what values should guide these developments. If housing development occurs off-reservation, what should the Tribe's primary focus be? (select one)* This field is required.
Maintain Tribal identity in off-reservation communities
Prioritize housing development that strengthens Tribal economic opportunities
Support individual housing choices regardless of location
Ensure all housing development builds strong community ties and incorporates Tribal cultural values
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7) If housing is developed by the Tribe off reservation, who should live there? (select one)* This field is required.
Tribal members only
Tribal member preference, then open to others
Open to the public, equal opportunity housing
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8) Because off-reservation housing may draw members away from the reservation, we want to understand community concerns about this shift. If the Tribe invests more in off-reservation housing, and members move there, what's your biggest concern? (select one)* This field is required.
Children with less connection to Tribal culture
Reduced participation in reservation activities
Impact on Tribal sovereignty and political participation
Economic activity shifting away from the reservation
None of these concerns me
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9) According to the previous survey results, traditional 3–4-bedroom homes were the top preference (39%). Different housing types serve different community members. Which housing types do you think should be prioritized? (select up to three)* This field is required.
3–4-bedroom single-family homes: Larger families, multigenerational households (fewer total units built)
2–3-bedroom homes: Small families, couples, individuals (more total units built)
Townhouses/duplexes: Various household sizes, shared wallsreduce costs
Apartments/multi-family: Young adults, singles, couples, mostunits possible
Elder housing: Seniors, accessibility features, aging in place
Workforce housing: Teachers, healthcare workers, Tribal employees
Mixed development: Variety of sizes serving different household types
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Transportation

Transportation access is critical for daily life on the Spokane Reservation. When asked specifically about the Moccasin Express transit service, 64% of respondents rated expanding it as somewhat to very important for their families.

Beyond transit services, the first survey also revealed concerns about road conditions and safety.

The following questions examine current transportation challenges and where road improvement projects should be focused to better serve the community.
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10) What are your most critical concerns regarding road conditions and safety issues that need to be addressed on the reservation? (Select up to three)* This field is required.
Poor road surfaces (potholes, unpaved sections)
Wildlife crossing hazards
Inadequate lighting on main routes
Dangerous curves, grades, or intersections
Lack of pedestrian/bicycle safety
Speeding and reckless driving
Driving under the influence
Remote area emergency access
Weather-related hazards (flooding, ice, snow)
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11) Which roads or areas on the reservation would benefit the most from safety improvements? (Select up to three)* This field is required.
Ford-Wellpinit Rd
Wellpinit-West End Rd
Little Falls Rd
West End Rd (road leaving West End to Fruitland/Bible Camp)
Peters Rd to the West End area
Matha Boardman Rd
Drum Rd
Other
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12) If the Tribe has limited resources for transportation improvements, which should be the priority? (Select one)* This field is required.
Expand public transit service (more routes, more frequent service)
Improve road conditions (paving, pothole repair, maintenance)
Both are equally important
Neither is a priority right now
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Economic Development

Economic development encompasses job creation, business growth, and skills development that strengthen the community's economic future.

Survey results showed workforce development (25%) and food systems/traditional agriculture (18%) as top priorities.

Understanding how these priorities should be pursued helps guide Tribal investment decisions.
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13) What should the primary goal of Tribal workforce development programs be? (Select one)* This field is required.
Emphasize entrepreneurship and small business development
Service industries (retail, foodservice, hospitality, healthcare)
Skilled trades and construction (construction, utilities, maintenance)
Technology and remote work opportunities
Traditional resource industries (forestry, agriculture, natural resources)
Integrating cultural values into career pathways
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Cultural Preservation

In the previous survey, 71% of respondents detailed that current cultural preservation efforts only moderately or minimally meet community needs.

Top priorities are traditional healing/medicine programs (28%), elder knowledge-sharing (21%), and language classes (17%).
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14) Previous survey respondents detailed that traditional healing programs were identified as the highest cultural preservation priority by 28% of responses. What approach makes the most sense for our community? (Select one)* This field is required.
Start with community education about traditional wellness practices
Begin with Elder knowledge-sharing programs
Focus first on identifying and training appropriate practitioners before launching programs
Integrate traditional wellness concepts into existing health services
Explore approaches other Tribes have taken and assess their success
Delay until we have identified and trained appropriate practitioners
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15) Youth cultural programs were identified as a top priority (26%). Current offerings include Culture Week and ongoing Culture/Language programs. What additional youth programming would be most valuable? (Select one)* This field is required.
After-school and summer cultural activities
Cultural arts, beading, painting, carving, cooking, music, and storytelling programs
Elder-youth mentorship and knowledge-sharing
Land-based learning (hunting, fishing, gathering traditional medicines, traditional land use)
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16) Traditional food systems and agriculture were identified as priorities by 18% of respondents. What approach to addressing food systems is most suitable? (Select one) * This field is required.
Develop small-scale traditional food businesses and cultural tourism opportunities
Primarily cultural and educational programs (workshops, knowledge-sharing, school integration)
Primarily economic development (production, processing, sales, food businesses)
Balanced approach combining cultural preservation with economic opportunity
Partner with existing programs rather than creating new ones
Focus resources on other priorities instead
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Infrastructure & Utilities

Reliable infrastructure supports economic development, quality of life, and community resilience. With reservation-wide broadband expansion and fiber to the home projects underway through Sp’q’n’I? Broadband Services (anticipated completion Fall 2027), the Tribe can now focus on other critical utility needs identified by the community.
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17) Which utility infrastructure improvements should be the highest priority? (Select one)* This field is required.
Water system reliability and quality
Wastewater treatment capacity expansion
Electrical grid reliability and capacity
Renewable energy development (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal)
Solid waste management and recycling programs
Emergency backup power for critical facilities
Current utility systems are adequate
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18) Beyond utilities, which infrastructure investments are most critical? (Select one)* This field is required.
Community facility improvements
Emergency communication systems
Focus resources on utility improvements instead
Healthcare facility improvements and medical equipment
Road and transportation infrastructure
Tribal administration building upgrades
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Parks & Recreation

In a previous survey, 61% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction or neutral feelings about current parks and recreation opportunities.

Top concerns included poor maintenance (21%), lack of age-appropriate activities (16%), and safety issues (16%).

And 51% of respondents expressed some level of support for recreational tourism development.
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19) Since the first survey identified specific concerns about current parks and recreation, we want to understand what improvements would be most valuable. What improvements would make parks and recreation areas more useful for you and your family? (Select up to three)* This field is required.
Better maintenance and repairs of existing facilities
Age-specific programming (youth, adult, elder activities)
Safety improvements (lighting, security, visibility)
New Park locations closer to residential areas (Ford, West End)
Indoor recreation facility or community center
Expanded recreational equipment and amenities
Organized sports leagues and structured activities
Natural/cultural recreation areas (trails, gathering spaces)
Current parks and recreation meet my needs
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20) Recreational tourism means bringing visitors to the reservation for activities like camping, fishing, hunting, water sports, hiking, or cultural experiences. If the Tribe develops this kind of tourism, what would success look like to you? (Select one)* This field is required.
Generates revenue that funds Tribal programs and services
Creates jobs for Tribal members in hospitality and recreation
Brings visitors who respect our culture and environment
Provides recreational amenities that Tribal members can also use
Showcases and preserves Spokane culture and traditional practices
Supports local Tribal member businesses (guides, crafts, food)
Maintains privacy and doesn't disrupt reservation life
I don't see recreational tourism as beneficial for our community
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Implementation Planning

As the Planning Economic Development Department (PEDD) staff considers updates to the SCMP and potential development scenarios, understanding community priorities for the implementation process helps ensure plans translate into results.
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21) When evaluating new development opportunities, which approach best reflects your view? (Select one)* This field is required.
Pursue projects with available grant funding to minimize tribal financial commitment
Start with small pilot projects to test new ideas before major investment
Only pursue opportunities with guaranteed external funding to minimize tribal financial risk
Invest Tribal resources in high-potential projects even if outcomes are uncertain
Focus on incremental improvements to existing programs rather than new ventures
Partner with experienced developers to share both costs and risks
Delay major projects until economic conditions are more favorable
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Strategic Direction Framework

Based on feedback from the previous survey, we've identified three possible strategic directions: Scenario A, Scenario B, Scenario C. Please review each scenario and select which best reflects your vision for the Spokane Tribe over the next 10 years.

Three Community Development Scenarios

Scenario A: On- and Off-Reservation Model

According to the previous survey, 39% of respondents favored the idea of housing development in Airway Heights/West Plains. Following this direction means developing in a way that considers off and on-reservation development. This would mean that:

Housing and employment opportunities are focused on the Airway Heights/West Plains area.

Significant investments would be required for transportation connections to the Spokane metro area.

Potentially, some Tribal services may be available off-reservation but would impact the availability of on-reservation services/resources.

Employment focus shifts toward jobs in Airway Heights, Spokane, and the West Plains (healthcare, retail, hospitality, trades).

The Tribe may need to partner with neighboring cities, counties, and regional employers to create opportunities for Tribal members.

Scenario B: Mobile Service Model

Based on the previous survey, 49% of respondents favored the idea of services distributed across the reservation communities. Following this direction potentially includes:

Tribal services are provided on a rotating basis through reservation communities, including Ford, West End, and other areas, providing mobile healthcare and government services via one or two Tribal staff members on 1-2 days per scheduled day shift.

Housing is encouraged to spread across multiple reservation communities.

Investment in Moccasin Express transit service levels to connect reservation communities.

Investment in mobile equipment and vehicles rather than new permanent facilities.

Scenario C: Centralized Hub Model

Wellpinit is currently established as the service Hub for the Spokane Reservation, offering access to the David C. Wynecoop Memorial Health Center, Tribal Administration building for services, School District, and many of the jobs on the reservation.

According to the previous survey, approximately 17% of respondents preferred to continue to maintain Wellpinit as the Hub for the reservation. In continuing with this scenario, this would mean that:

Housing and economic development are concentrated in Wellpinit.

Investment in transportation centers connecting communities to Wellpinit’s services.

Services and development will be focused on Wellpinit’s core.

Major investment in Wellpinit is a main hub for administrative, medical, educational, recreational, and economic development services.
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22) Select the scenario that best reflects your vision for the Spokane Tribe in 2040. * This field is required.
Scenario A: On- and Off-Reservation Model
Scenario B: Mobile Service Model
Scenario C: Centralized Hub Model
None of these scenarios work for me
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23) If you could ensure one outcome for the next generation of Tribal members, what would it be?* This field is required.
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24) If the Tribe can only focus on one major initiative in the next 3-5 years, what should it be? (Select one)* This field is required.
Develop new housing to address the critical shortage
Improve roads and expand transportation services
Strengthening cultural programs and language preservation
Create jobs and economic development opportunities
Upgrade utility infrastructure (water, wastewater, broadband)
Expand healthcare and wellness services
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25) Do you have any more thoughts to share about these plan updates?
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Thank you for your participation
Your input helps shape decisions that will affect our community for years to come.
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