The Nisqually Planning and Economic Development Department provides community development planning, economic feasibility and coordination, transportation planning, land acquisition, land management, environmental review, forestry, and grant writing services in support of tribal community development efforts. Planning staff are located in the new Tribal Administration building, with economic development staff located in the old DNR trailers.
Planning and Economic Staff include:
| Program Name | Staff | Description |
| Transportation Planning | Heidi Thomas | Update and maintain Long Range Transportation Plan for Tribe; work with BIA on Reservation Road System and funding; represent Tribe in regional planning consortia. |
| Special Projects | Chelsie Sharp | Special planning and parks projects as assigned, currently focusing on Medicine Creek Treaty Monument, Nisqually Valley Heritage Plan, and Nisqually State Park. |
| Grantwriters |
Joe Cushman Justine Capra Cynetha Blacketer |
Carry out grant writing and related planning and support duties in response to tribal priorities and funding opportunities at local, state, and federal levels, and private sector. |
| Land Manager |
Joe Kautz, coordination with Joe Cushman and Lisa B. |
Manage reservation consolidation program; develop management plans for Tribal properties; assist with acquisitions. |
| Economic Development |
Joe Cushman Mike Mason |
Identify, assess, develop, and help implement tribal economic development initiatives in support of tribal economic diversification and self sufficiency |
| Parks Planning | Lisa Breckenridge (50%) | Staff to Tribal Parks Commission; facilitate Tribal co-management role at Nisqually State Park; development and improvement plans for Reservation Parks |
| Land Crew |
Miles McCloud Eric Burfiend, crew leaders 8 crew members |
Manage all reservation parks and off-reservation special properties including Medicine Springs, Lake St. Clair, and Nisqually State Park. Develop crew member skills over time through in-house training program. |
| Land Acquisition |
Joe Cushman, coordination with Lisa B, Joe Kautz, & Justine Capra |
Manage Tribal Land Acquisition and Fee to Trust programs. |
| Master Planning |
Joe Cushman, Lisa Breckenridge (50%) Coordination with Joe Kautz Justine Capra |
Coordinate updates to Tribal Master Plan as prioritized by Council; coordinate Master Planning Technical Team; provide updates to Master Planning |
| Environmental Planning/Forestry |
Curtis Stanley: coordination with Joe K and Joe C |
Coordinate with BIA on forestry issues, and coordinate with EPA regarding on rez environmental planning projects and issues. |
| Planning Special Projects Managers | Julie Palm
Lori Lund Diane Moreno |
Provide staff support to planning and community development projects, including Elder center project, PSC repurposing, Public Works/Fleet/MP/Transit Bldg, BPA Phase II, 2020 census, transit/planning coordination, and land acq & management program, master planning |
The Planning and Economic Development department can be contacted at:
4820 She-Nah-Num Drive S.E. Olympia, WA 98513
Phone: (360) 456-5221 • Fax: (360) 438-8618
Joe Cushman, Director
[email protected]
Downloadable Flyers (Require Adobe Reader, click here 
to download it for free)
Nisqually State Park Interpretive Plan Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 2022 2022 CEDS Strategic Plan Outline for Public Review and Comment
