“Congratulations to all of our recipients and thanks again for all you do for our community!” Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud said to representatives of the organizations gathered for a celebration Monday at Tacoma’s Emerald Queen Casino Events Center.
The donations are funded from 2024 casino revenue as part of an agreement with the state of Washington that includes additional contributions for smoking cessation and problem-gambling programs, and for impact costs paid to local governments for services such as fire and police.
Casino operations are the largest revenue source for the Puyallup Tribe’s government, paying for tribal member services that include children’s programs, housing, educational support, emergency assistance, and funeral services. In the past two years, the tribe has expanded its economic diversification to strengthen its revenue base for its people while adding jobs to the region, an effort detailed in South Sound Business in March…