About Us

Our Mission

The Tulalip Tribes Housing Department is committed to strengthening the Tulalip community by providing safe, high quality, and affordable housing across a broad range of needs. We strive to foster stability, support self sufficiency, and enhance the well being of Tribal members through accessible and sustainable living environments.

Department Overview

The Tulalip Housing Department is a division of the Tulalip Tribes government and provides affordable housing for more than 1,000 Tribal members and their families. Our residents include over 100 elders and individuals with disabilities, as well as more than 350 children.

In alignment with our mission, we offer a wide range of housing programs and services, including:

• Employment opportunities
• Low income and tax credit housing
• Homeownership programs
• Workforce rentals
• Elder housing
• Disabled housing
• Emergency home repair loans

Our History

The Tulalip Tribes Housing Authority was established in 1976 under Ordinance #33 as a separate entity governed by a Board of Commissioners. Between 1982 and 1996, the authority secured sixteen HUD grants, resulting in the construction of 135 rental homes and 133 mutual-help homeownership units.

In 1996, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) introduced the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program. Since then, Tulalip has received annual funding—now approximately $3.4 million—to support housing development and services.

In 2004, the Housing Authority was dissolved and restructured into the Tulalip Tribes Housing Department, bringing oversight directly under the Board of Directors and General Manager. This transition was formalized through Ordinance #128, later replaced by Code Chapter 6.05 in 2005.

Housing Programs

Low-Income and Tax Credit Housing

We currently manage 280 housing units across multiple communities, including Silver Village, Mission Highlands, Quil Ceda Meadows, Turk Drive, Battle Creek, and others. These programs are supported through HUD funding under NAHASDA, which consolidates housing services into the IHBG and Title VI programs.

Each year, we submit an Indian Housing Plan (IHP) to HUD for approval and provide an Annual Performance Report (APR) summarizing progress toward our goals.

Elder Housing

In 2011, we constructed seven duplexes in Elders Village, providing homes for 14 elders with optional caregiver space. Additional elder and elder/disabled units are located in three designated duplexes. We also maintain temporary homes for elders undergoing home remodels through the Elders Home Remodel Program.

Disabled Housing

Duplexes within our portfolio are dedicated specifically to elder/disabled housing needs, offering safe, accessible living environments.

Workforce Housing

Our Workforce Housing Program offers rental units for Tribal members whose income exceeds the limits of other housing programs. These two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes are available at below-market rents, supporting Tribal members who work and reside in the community.

Tulalip Bay Home Ownership Program

Launched in 2012, this program supports homeownership through the HUD 184 loan program. Fourteen homes have been successfully built and sold, with additional ones planned. As more than 300 lease lots near expiration by 2037, significant development opportunities will continue over the next decade.

Housing Program Support

Two key Tribal agencies help meet housing needs:

• Tulalip Tribes Housing Assistance Program (TTHAP)
• Tulalip Housing Department

Housing Goals

• Preserve the Reservation as a permanent homeland for Tribal members.
• Ensure adequate utility and transportation infrastructure.
• Provide diverse housing options that address affordability, design, and location needs.
• Support vibrant, mixed use neighborhoods with high quality living conditions.

Properties Overview

Port Susan Camping Club

This 798-acre area includes 2,499 lots and is operated under a 75-year lease expiring in 2052. Originally intended for vacation use, many occupants now rotate between lots to meet occupancy requirements, effectively creating a year round population. After the lease ends, the land will be available for future Tribal use.

Tulalip Bay

Tulalip Bay features medium- to high-density residential housing, with many homes situated on long term lease lots. Due to environmental and safety concerns—such as water quality and landslide risks, some leases will not be renewed. While this may temporarily reduce housing inventory, it will enhance Tribal access to shoreline and natural resources.