Washington’s 29 tribal governments are having a significant and growing impact on the state’s quality of life.
Commissioned by the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA) and authored by economists Amy Besaw Medford and Jonathan B. Taylor, The Economic & Community Benefits of Tribes in Washington explains how tribal economies—supported by gaming and a growing and diverse range of businesses— are investing in essential services, creating jobs and supporting families and communities across the state.
“We’re witnessing a remarkable transformation in Indian Country,” said Jonathan Taylor, co-author of the report. “Tribes in Washington have gone from having very few jobs on reservations to being leading employers. Today, tribes together are the state’s 8th largest employer.”
Tribal governments fund schools, housing programs, health clinics, environmental rehabilitation, infrastructure development, firefighting, law enforcement and other public services benefitting Indians and non-Indians alike.
Watch a video overview on YouTube to hear directly from tribal leaders and an author of the report. As tribes continue to drive economic growth and social progress, Washingtonians across the state stand to benefit for generations to come.
Key Findings
- Strong tribal economies benefit us all. Washington’s 29 tribal governments generated $7.4 billion in gross state product in 2023.
- Tribes are powerful job creators. Tribal governments and enterprises support more than 52,000 jobs statewide, including 29,421 direct jobs.
- Tribes care for the land, protect water, keep culture alive and help us all. 100% of tribal enterprise profits support public services and local communities—from housing and education to firefighting and environmental restoration.
- Tribal nations give back every day, and their impact is real. In 2023 alone, tribes contributed more than $9.6 million to nonprofit organizations.
- Tribes have deep roots and a commitment to Washington’s future. Washington has substantially benefited from the economic and social resurgence in Indian Country and will for years to come.
Executive Summary (2025)
