WASHINGTON — In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.
Federal Agencies Launch Tribal Economies Webinar Series
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Tribal and Native Affairs are hosting a four-part National Tribal Economies Webinar Series focused on economic development and housing in Indian Country.
The webinars will explore financing strategies available to Tribal governments and Native-owned businesses, including the use of tax incentives, regional participation loans, and the expansion of financial institutions serving Tribal communities. Industry experts will discuss current trends and opportunities in Tribal finance aimed at promoting economic growth and increasing housing development.
Participation is free of charge. If interested, register HERE.
Below is a description of each session:
Session 1 – Expanding Financial Institutions in Indian Country, June 17, 2026 | 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Join this session to learn about increasing the number of financial institutions that serve Indian Country. Presenters will include representatives from banks, community development financial institutions, and credit unions.
Session 2 – Closing the Gaps: Lender Credit Stacking in Tribal Communities, July 22, 2026 | 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Indian Country project finance often incorporates a range of private and public sources. This session will feature recent examples of participation loans and other creative solutions to Tribal finance challenges.
Session 3 – Attracting Private Capital in Indian Country Through Tax Credit Financing, August 19, 2026 | 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Tax credit finance is a critical aspect in many Tribal projects, including housing and economic development. This session will provide examples of how Tribal projects can utilize New Markets Tax Credits, Opportunity Zones, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
Session 4 – Bond Finance in Tribal Communities, September 23, 2026 | 1:00-2:00 PM ET
During this session, hear from financial institutions and Tribal governments how bond issuance can help grow Tribal economies and bring more capital to Indian Country. Presenters will share current examples.
Davids Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Rural Hospitals
Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), a tribal citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation, has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening rural hospital infrastructure and improving access to healthcare in rural communities.
The Rural Hospital Revitalization Act would provide interest-free loans for up to 10 years through the USDA Community Facilities Program to help fund the construction and renovation of rural hospitals. The measure is designed to reduce debt costs, allowing hospitals to reinvest savings into patient care, workforce retention, and other operational needs.
“Rural hospitals are already hanging on by a thread, and extreme Medicaid cuts are now forcing closures and leaving families with hours-long drives just to see a doctor,” Davids said. “This bipartisan bill helps keep rural hospitals open by strengthening the resources they need to provide care close to home, so people aren’t left scrambling when they need help the most.”
Davids said the legislation is intended to help prevent additional rural hospital closures and ensure patients can access critical healthcare services closer to home.