On Friday, March 7, 2025, the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribal Governing Board (TGB) and the LCO Planning/Grants Department begun phase II of the Tribal Financial Contingency Plan. As part of this planning, a meeting of the Directors was held in the Peter Larson room of the Tribal Administration building. 

The TGB informed the attending Program Directors that the purpose of this meeting was to be proactive, and not reactive, and to address potential actions by the federal administration, and  ensuring preparedness for possible funding cuts or a federal government shutdown. The intention is not to scare people, but to ensure readiness. The TGB stressed how important every one of our tribal members and employees are. We need to stay positive through these uncertain times and it is our intention to keep operating business as usual with no disruption of services or programs in the immediate future. 

Directors were asked to actively participate in contingency planning efforts. They know their programs best and can provide the necessary information for the TGB to make informed decisions. Departments will outline essential expenses necessary to maintain services for tribal members. The LCO Planning/Grants Department will assist with this task by providing templates for departmental use, collecting data, and providing a report to the TGB.

Next steps include collecting departmental contingency plans, compiling the information, and holding a follow-up meeting next Friday, March 14, for updates. The Lac Courte Oreilles people are resilient people and and will continue to be resilient and strong.