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Comprehensive planning and open communication

Comprehensive Community Development Project Highlight

Where: California, La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians

Problem: No plan for future sustainability

Solution: RCAC assisted the tribe to develop a comprehensive plan

RCAC in collaboration with the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians secured funding for the tribe to develop a comprehensive master plan that creates a foundation for the tribe’s sustainability. RCAC facilitated a community outreach and communication strategy that added to the plan’s successful completion. Meetings were held with tribal members, departments and committee members to get input and feedback in preparation for discussions with the Tribal Council. Participants shared their values and created a vision for the tribe as a whole. The plan presents a complete picture of the tribe’s assets, their current needs and activities, and what they need to work on to achieve their short, mid- and long-term goals.

The La Jolla Tribe’s homeland is at the southern base of Palomar Mountain State Park, approximately 25 miles from Escondido, California. The reservation consists of housing for 250 tribal members, a commercial campground, tribal administration offices and a store. Poverty and unemployment rates are high. The campground is the only economic venture on the reservation and it provides, at most, 25 seasonal jobs.

As a result of the planning work, the tribe for the first time, created a process to evaluate new housing development issues such as consideration and planning for utilities, roads and fire protection before housing construction begins. The tribal departments formed the Inter-Department Team, which meets monthly to help positively impact internal and external communications.

The tribe also created three-year goals and identified an emergency evacuation plan for the campground as its priority goal. Other goals were developed, such as campground improvements to increase customer satisfaction, and creating online registration. Additionally, the tribe created a process to continue its planning efforts. 

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