Odawa Prosperity Pathway
We developed a comprehensive economic diversification strategy to support the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians in establishing a more resilient and prosperous future.
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
Emmet County, MI
All Together, Max Eisenburger and Small Consulting Group
The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) is a federally recognized Tribe with ancestral homelands in Emmet County, Michigan. While LTBB operates two casinos and has engaged in real estate development, the Tribe sought to broaden its economic base to build long-term resiliency, strengthen Tribal sovereignty, and better serve its community. SB Friedman led a consultant team to develop a strategy identifying real estate, workforce, business and organizational opportunities to inform LTBB's economic activity through 2050.
Tasks Completed
Designed and implemented a Tribal Census that garnered over 1,300 responses from Tribal Citizens and the broader LTBB community
Conducted work sessions with LTBB elected officials, staff, enterprise representatives, Tribal Citizens, descendants and workforce
Conducted regional market, housing, land use and workforce analyses
Prepared a SWOT analysis of land development, workforce, and Tribal enterprises and initiatives
Identified key development opportunities balancing community needs and cultural values with revenue generation
Crafted actionable strategies and a forward-thinking vision to guide long-term economic development decision-making
Results
We delivered the final strategic plan, the Odawa Prosperity Pathway, to LTBB in October 2024. The LTBB Department of Commerce has implemented strategies in the plan, including establishing a small business after-hours event series and a citizen-owned business inventory.