Title
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CHEROKEE NATION'S PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION
Body
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation since time immemorial has exercised the sovereign rights of self-government in behalf of the Cherokee people;
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized Indian Nation with a historic and continual government to government relationship with the United States of America;
WHEREAS the Promise Zones initiative is part of President Obama's Ladders of Opportunity agenda, through which the federal government is investing in and partnering with tribal communities to create jobs, increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, leverage private investment, and reduce violent crime;
WHEREAS the Promise Zone supports accountability for clear goals and tracking outcomes to share data across community partners so that each partner can work towards improvement and accountability;
WHEREAS each Promise Zone will receive federal staff that will work on the ground with local staff to help communities cut through red tape to use existing funds more effectively and implement economic visions;
WHEREAS Promise Zones will be able to access federal investments that further their goals, by receiving priority in accessing resources required to carry out their strategic plan from up to 10 federal agencies;
WHEREAS each Promise Zone will be provided five full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members to support their strategic plan;
WHEREAS President Obama has proposed cutting taxes on hiring and investment in areas to be designated Promise Zones;
WHEREAS Promise Zones are awarded to communities who have already demonstrated that they are investing in programs and partnerships that are effective in achieving community goals;
Whereas there have already been five Promise Zones selected, and over the next two years fifteen more will be awarded;
AND WHEREAS the Cherokee Nation is an effective community partner who conscientiously tracks our goals and successes;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION; the Tribal Council hereby supports the Cherokee Nation in an effort to be awarded a Promise Zone designation.