MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is expanding to support additional data collection, analysis, and policy initiatives to shape economic policy in Indian Country. The pandemic and related economic impacts have made clear the need for accessible economic data and research in Indian Country, and CICD has committed to playing an ongoing role in expanding understanding of these issues.
Over the next 12 months, CICD will invest in a long-term initiative to address persistent data gaps that exist in Indian Country. Alongside tribal governments and other data partners, CICD will collect and engage new economic datasets to understand and create tribal economic opportunities and will expand its role as an evidence-based resource for Indian Country leaders and policymakers.
“The lack of data in Indian Country limits our understanding of the economy,” said Neel Kashkari, Minneapolis Federal President. “Strengthening CICD’s capacity for research and data will help tribal leaders and our other partners create meaningful and effective policy.”
Central to this expansion is an emphasis on relationships with those tribal leaders, partners, and practitioners. This engagement will focus on understanding existing economic policies and solutions through outreach in communities and by convening partners. Additionally, CICD will expand its partnerships with tribes and institutions to address Indian Country data deserts.
“The economic potential in Indian Country is vast and untapped, but structural barriers to economic advancement persist,” said Casey Lozar, CICD Director and member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. “This expansion will allow us to make a larger impact on future economic vitality in tribal communities and ensure the economy works for all, including Indian Country.”
Established in 2015, CICD serves as the Federal Reserve System’s research and policy institute committed to assisting tribes in reaching their full economic potential. CICD anchors its applied economic research to key economic policy issues that are relevant to tribal prosperity. A particular focus is tribes’ ability to raise predictable revenues and thereby invest in their economic infrastructure. Insights from tribal leaders and organizations and CICD’s Leadership Council shape CICD’s key research and policy priorities.
