California CountiesCalifornia State Association of Counties
In the News

Indian Gaming News

Indian Gaming Forum Opens Doors Between Local, Tribal Governments

A crowd of nearly 200 came to a first-of-its-kind forum Oct. 26 to discuss how local and tribal governments

 Sup. Mike McGowan

Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan, who also is chair of CSAC's Indian Gaming Working Group, encouraged questions from the standing-room-only crowd.
can better work together to fulfill common goals.

Presented by the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the League of California Cities, the California State Sheriffs’ Association and the California Tribal Business Alliance,

“Government to Government Relationships: A Forum on Indian Gaming” featured in-depth discussions on such issues as:

  • Indian Gaming 101, outlining the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribal sovereignty, tribal governance structure, and locating Indian gaming facilities
  • Memorandums of understanding, using Placer County as a study on how local and tribal governments worked together to create one of the nation's most successful casinos
  • Public safety issues, which highlighted how local public law enforcment officials and tribal governments helped create safer environments, and
  • Opportunities beyond Indian gaming, where counties, cities and tribal governments showcased how tribes are working toward a range of economic development plans to foster win-win situations for all parties.

While various panels focused on different issues, a common theme that emerged was that local governments, tribal governments and the people they serve will benefit significantly through building long-lasting, respectful and trusting relationships.

“This event brought us a step closer to California being able to work successfully neighbor to neighbor,

 Sheriff Bill Kolender

Sheriff Bill Kolender of San Diego County offers advice on public safety issues.
government to government and people to people,” said Mike McGowan, Yolo County supervisor and chair of the CSAC Indian Gaming Working Group.

The new event drew a standing-room-only group of attendees at the CSAC Conference Center from local and tribal governments; law enforcement, water, parks and transportation agencies; state and legislative departments; and business and labor groups. Due to the first event’s popularity, organizers already are considering holding a similar forum in the future. 

Event organizers and participants noted that the forum marked a new chapter in local/tribal government relations as the four sponsoring groups worked together to share experiences and overcome differences.

“We need to look into the future and find a better way to form an enduring partnership between local governments and tribal governments– that’s what this forum is about,” said Paula Lorenzo, chairwoman of the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians and chairwoman of the California Tribal Business Alliance, one of the event’s sponsoring organizations. The alliance represents six tribal governments, all of which have tribal gaming compacts with the state. “We look forward to working with the people of California to provide a better future for all.”

Find out more about Indian gaming issues.