The Metropolitan King County Council affirmed the importance of a collaborative relationship between the County and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe with today’s adoption of a motion creating a framework for regular meetings that will facilitate open communication and cooperation.

The action is part of the Council’s effort to improve regional cooperation, which was identified by the County Council as one of its priorities for 2010.

“The Muckleshoot Tribe is an integral part of our region’s cultural history and economic prosperity,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson, who sponsored the motion. “Having a good working relationship with the tribe is critical to fostering regional cooperation.”

“The Muckleshoot Tribe appreciates the strong government-to-government relationship we have with King County and we look forward to building on that relationship as we work together on the many issues our governments face,” said Muckleshoot Council Tribal Chair Virginia Cross.

“The Muckleshoot Council is made up of leaders who can provide critical insight on key regional decisions,” said County Executive Dow Constantine. “This agreement will ensure that King County keeps in close and regular contact with local officials as we address issues of mutual concern.”

“These meetings open up a significant line of communication between King County and the Muckleshoot Tribe,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague, co-sponsor of the motion. “We face similar issues, and it is great to see that the county and tribe are taking affirmative steps towards a mutually beneficial cooperation.”

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign tribe with approximately 2,200 enrolled members. With more than 3,500 employees, the tribe is the second largest employer in southeast King County and an important part of the region’s economy.

The motion passed today authorizes King County and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to sign an agreement that outlines how the County and tribe will work together to address issues of mutual concern. As a forum for discussing issues and reaching agreement by consensus, the motion calls for King County and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to convene regular meetings of a Policy Committee, with equal representation from both the County and the tribe. Environmental protection, emergency services, and land use planning and regulation are among the topics the Policy Committee will discuss.

A similar agreement was entered into nearly 10 years ago. Under the old agreement, the county and tribe held regular and productive meetings for a number of years, but the last of those meetings was several years ago.