Achieving Tribal, Municipal, and County Cooperation in the United States 

Tuesday, April 28, 1:30–3:00pm · SSC 7200

Tribal and local governments often face barriers, which are rooted in historical mistrust and cultural racism, in being able to promote cooperation and achieve intergovernmental agreement. While it is a challenge, tribal nations, municipalities, and counties in the United States are finding that cooperation and agreement can lead to the delivery of service and programs in a more equitable and inclusive way. Using Culturally Responsive Evaluation (CRE), this study consists of a mixed method approach; surveys and interviews are conducted with tribal and local government leaders in Minnesota, United States. The results from the study affirm that trust, respect, and interpersonal ties (social capital) is essential in promoting intergovernmental cooperation and achieving intergovernmental agreement.

Mitch Berg is clinical assistant professor at the Paul H O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), where he teaches courses in local government and community and economic development.  He served for eight years as City Administrator for the City of Mahnomen, Minnesota, which located within the exterior boundary of the White Earth Nation.