Honor the Future! Planning a Native Economy

Apache Corners is a $200 million, multi-year community and economic planning effort by the Tonto Apache Nation. Recognized by the Arizona Association of Economic Development, the American Planning Association, and the International Economic Development Council, Apache Corners is truly changing how analytics lead to a true data-to-development approach.

The presentation outlines: the process; using AI analytics; and innovative planning solutions. It looks through the lens of the Tonto Apache Nation and outside governmental jurisdictions. Panelists provide an inside understanding of how to work with native nations, challenges and opportunities, and future planning efforts that are built through the new relationships.

The planning impacts show how the progress and evolution of the Tonto Apache nations demonstrate to surrounding communities the opportunity to plan together for shared infrastructure and utilities as well as the multiple benefits of the Tonto nation. Inherently, these planning efforts lead to equitable outcomes for multiple jurisdictions and are inclusive of varying communities, nationalities and races. Embracing diverse participants and residents leads to better planning outcomes and overall quality-of-life improvements for the Tonto nation and entire region.