# CHAPTER 47 - SPOKANE INDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY ORDINANCE (2025)

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- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

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CHAPTER 47 - SPOKANE INDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY ORDINANCE
Section 41-1 Declaration of Need
Section 47-2 Purposes
Section 47-3 Definitions
Section 47-4 Board of Commissioners
Section 47-5 Powers
Section 47-6 Obligations
Section 47-7 - Miscellaneous
Section 47-8 Cooperation in Connection with Projects
Section 47-9 Tribally Designated Housing Entity
Section 47-10 Savings Clause, Severability, Pending Actions
Pursuant to the authority vested in the Spokane Tribe by its Constitution, and particularly by Article VII,
Section I thereof, and its authority to provide for the health, safety, morals and welfare of the Tribe, the
Tribal Council of the Spokane Tribe hereby amends this ordinance establishing the public body known as
the Spokane Indian Housing Authority (hereinafter referred to as the Authority) and establishing the
purposes, powers and duties of the Authority.
In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any of its contracts,
the Authority shall be conclusively deemed to have become established and authorized to transact business,
exercise its powers and carry out its duties upon proof of the adoption of this ordinance, as amended. A
copy of this ordinance, as amended, duly certified by the Secretary of the Council, shall be admissible in
evidence in any suit, action or proceeding.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 41-1 Declaration of Need
47-1.01 Declaration of Need
It is hereby declared:
(a)

That there exists on the Spokane Reservation unsanitary, unsafe, and overcrowded housing; that
there is a shortage of decent, safe and sanitary housing on and near the Spokane Reservation;
and that there is a shortage of affordable housing in other areas where members of the Tribe
reside; and that such shortage forces persons to occupy unsanitary, unsafe and overcrowded
housing and to leave the Reservation;

(b)

That these conditions cause an increase in and spread of diseases and crime and constitute a
menace to health, safety, morals, and welfare; and that these conditions necessitate excessive and
disproportionate expenditures of public funds for crime prevention, prosecution and punishment,
public health and safety protection, fire and accident prevention, and other public services and
facilities;

(c)

That the shortage of decent, safe and sanitary housing cannot be relieved through the operation
of private enterprises alone;

(d)

That the providing of decent, safe and sanitary housing and other housing assistance and related
services are public uses and purposes for which money may be spent and private property acquired
and are governmental functions of Tribal concern;

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(e)

That residential construction activity and a supply of acceptable housing are important factors to
general economic activity, and that the undertakings authorized by this ordinance to aid the
production of better housing and more desirable neighborhood and community development at
lower costs will make possible a more stable and larger volume of residential construction and
housing supply which will assist materially in achieving full employment; and

(f)

That the necessity in the public interest for the provisions hereinafter enacted is hereby declared
as a matter of legislative determination.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 47-2 Purposes
47-2.01 Purposes
The Authority shall be organized and operated for the purposes of:
(a)

Remedying unsafe and unsanitary housing conditions that are injurious to the public health,
safety, welfare and morals;

(b)

Alleviating the acute shortage of decent, safe and sanitary housing;

(c)

Providing housing, housing assistance and related services on and near the Spokane Reservation
and in other areas where members of the Tribe reside.

(d)

Providing employment and other economic development opportunities through the construction,
reconstruction, improvement, extension, alteration or repair and operation of housing and related
infrastructures and facilities and through the provision of housing assistance, housing opportunities
and related services.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 47-3 Definitions
47-3.01 Definitions
The following terms, wherever used or referred to in this ordinance, shall have the following respective
meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
(a)

“Board” means the Board of Commissioners of the Authority.

(b)

“Board member” or “Commissioner” means any member of the Board of Commissioners, including
an alternate, unless the context specifically provides otherwise.

(c)

“Council” means the Spokane Business Tribal Council.

(d)

“Federal government” includes the United States of America and any department, agency or
instrumentality of the United States of America, corporate or otherwise.

(e)

“Homebuyer” means a person(s) who has executed a lease-purchase agreement, a lease with an
option to purchase or a contract to purchase a home with the Authority and who has not yet
achieved homeownership and includes a person(s) who has executed a turnkey or Mutual Help and

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Occupancy Agreement with the Authority or a person(s) who has executed a leasehold mortgage
or other mortgage or security instrument for the purchase or improvement of a home.
(f)

“Housing project” or “project” means any work or undertaking to provide or assist in providing
decent, safe and sanitary housing. Such work or undertaking may include a building or buildings,
land, leaseholds, equipment, facilities, and other real or personal property for necessary,
convenient or desirable appurtenances, for streets, sewers, water service, utilities, parks, site
preparation or landscaping, and for administrative, community, health, recreational, welfare, or
other purposes. The term “housing project” or “project” also may be applied to the planning of
the building or buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property or any interest therein, the
demolition of existing structures, the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration or repair
of the improvements or other property and all other work in connection therewith, and the term
shall include all other real and personal property and all tangible or intangible assets held or used
in connection with the housing project.

(g)

“Obligations” means any notes, bonds, interim certificates, debentures, or other forms of obligation
issued by the Authority pursuant to this ordinance.

(h)

“Obligee” includes any holder of an obligation, agent or trustee for any holder of an obligation, or
lessor demising to the Authority property used in connection with a project, or any assignee or
assignees of such lessor’s interest or any part thereof, and the federal government when it is a
party to any contract with the Authority in respect to a housing project.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 47-4 Board of Commissioners
47-4.01 Board of Commissioners
(a)

The affairs of the Authority shall be managed by a Board of Commissioners composed of five
persons. In addition, two individuals shall be alternates who may be called upon to serve in the
event of a conflict of interest or the absence of any regular Board member.

Legislative History- Enacted: 5/25/04, Resolution 2004-290; Amended 1/15/2013, Resolution 2013-127

(b)

The Board members shall be appointed, and may be reappointed, by the Council. A certificate of
the Secretary of the Council as to the appointment or reappointment of any Commissioner shall be
conclusive evidence of the due and proper appointment of the Commissioner.

(c)

A Commissioner may be a member or non-member of the Tribe, and may be a member or nonmember of the Tribal Council.

(d)

No person shall be barred from serving on the Board because he or she is a tenant or homebuyer
in a housing project of the Authority; and such Commissioner shall be entitled to fully participate
in all meetings concerning matters that affect all of the tenants or homebuyers, even though such
matters affect him or her as well. However, no such Commissioner shall be entitled or permitted
to participate in or be present at any meeting (except in his or her capacity as a tenant or
homebuyer), or to be counted or treated as a member of the Board, concerning any matter
involving his or her individual rights, obligations or status as a tenant or homebuyer.

(e)

The term of office shall be three years and staggered. When the Board is first established, two
members’ terms shall be designated to expire in one year, two to expire in two years, and the last
in three years. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for a three-year term. Each member of the
Board shall hold office until a successor has been appointed and has qualified, provided, that this

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amended ordinance shall not affect the terms of the existing Board. Alternates shall serve threeyear, non-staggered terms.
Legislative History- Enacted: 5/25/04, Resolution 2004-290; Amended 1/15/2013, Resolution 2013-127.

(f)

If a vacancy occurs on the Board in a position for which there in an unexpired term remaining, the
Council shall appoint a Commissioner to complete the unexpired term.

(g)

Any Commissioner may resign at any time by delivering a written resignation to the Secretary of
the Council. Such resignation shall be effective on the date stated in the resignation, or effective
immediately, if no date is given.

(h)

The Board shall elect one of its members to chair the Board. The Board shall also elect from among
its members a Vice-Chair, a Secretary, and a Treasurer; and any member may hold two of these
positions. Only regular members, and not alternates, may serve as officers of the Board. In the
absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair shall preside; and in the absence of both the Chair and ViceChair, the Secretary shall preside.

(i)

A member of the Board may be removed by the Council for serious inefficiency or neglect of duty
or for misconduct in office, but only after a hearing before the Council and only after the member
has been given a written notice of the specific charges against him or her at least 10 days prior to
the hearing. At any such hearing, the member shall have the opportunity to be heard in person or
by counsel and to present witnesses in his or her behalf. In the event of removal of any Board
member, a record of proceedings, together with the charges and findings thereon, shall be filed
with the Secretary of the Council.

(j)

The Commissioners shall not receive compensation for their services but shall be entitled to
compensation for expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of their duties.

(k)

A majority of the full Board, consisting of not less than three Commissioners, shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business, but no Board action shall be taken by a vote of less than a
majority of such full Board.

(l)

The Secretary shall keep complete and accurate records of all meetings and actions taken by the
Board.

(m)

The Treasurer shall keep full and accurate financial records, make periodic reports to the Board,
and submit a complete annual report, in written form, to the Council as required by section 7.01 of
this ordinance.

(n)

Meetings of the Board shall be held at regular intervals as provided in the bylaws or by resolution
of the Board. Emergency meetings may be held upon 24 hours’ actual notice and business
transacted, provided that not less than a majority of the full Board concurs in the proposed action.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 47-5 Powers
47-5.01 Intent
It is the intent of this section to empower the Authority to provide housing, housing assistance and related
services to the full extent possible without limitation except as set forth in this ordinance and other
applicable law, and irrespective of the source of financial assistance or funding for such activities.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

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47-5.02 Area of Operation
The area of operation of the Authority shall include all lands within the exterior boundaries of the Spokane
Reservation, all other lands within the jurisdiction of the Spokane Tribe, and any areas in which members
of the Spokane Tribe may reside.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-5.03 Succession of Corporate Name
The Authority shall have perpetual succession in its corporate name.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-5.04 Sovereign Immunity, Litigation and Arbitration
(a)

The Council hereby gives its consent, irrevocable except by amendment to this ordinance, to
allowing the Authority in its corporate name, to sue in courts of appropriate jurisdiction and to be
sued in the Spokane Tribal Court upon any contract, claim or obligation arising out of its activities
under this ordinance when the Authority has agreed, by express written contract, to waive the
immunity from suit it possesses as a delegate agency of the Spokane Tribe.

(b)

The Council further gives its consent, irrevocable except by amendment to this ordinance, to
allowing the Authority in its corporate name, to agree to arbitration of any controversy arising out
of any written contract, agreement or other instrument entered into by the Authority; provided,
any such agreement to arbitrate and any arbitration arising therefrom shall governed by the
provisions of applicable tribal law.

(c)

Provided, that the Spokane Tribe together with all its agencies and branches, excepting the
Authority, shall not be liable for the contracted debts or obligations of the Authority; provided
further, nothing in this section is intended to be nor shall the same be construed to be a per se
waiver of the sovereign immunity of the Authority as a delegate agency of Tribe; provided further,
that any waiver by the Authority of the sovereign immunity which the Authority possesses as a
delegate agency of the Tribe must be explicit and set forth in a written contract to which the
Authority is a party and must comply with all federal and tribal requirements for the waiver of
sovereign immunity.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-5.05 Other Powers
The Authority shall have the following powers which it may exercise consistent with the purposes for which
it is established:
(a)

To develop housing, including the acquisition, new construction, reconstruction, or moderate or
substantial rehabilitation of housing, which may include real property acquisition, site improvement,
development of utilities and utility services and other infrastructure, conversion, demolition,
financing, administration and planning, and other related activities.

(b)

To provide assistance to existing housing including operating assistance and modernization.

(c)

To provide housing-related services, such as housing counseling in connection with rental,
homebuyer or homeownership assistance, establishment and support of resident organizations and

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resident management corporations, energy auditing, activities related to the provision of selfsufficiency, education programs and other services related to assisting tenants, homebuyers and
homeowners, contractors, and other entities.
(d)

To provide housing management services, including but not limited to preparation of work
specifications, loan processing, inspections, tenant selection, management of tenant-based rental
assistance, and management of housing projects.

(e)

To assist the Spokane Tribe to provide safety, security, and law enforcement measures and
activities appropriate to protect tenants, homebuyer and homeowners from crime.

(f)

To conduct and engage in housing activities under model programs that are designed to carry out
the purposes of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996.

(g)

To provide other housing assistance and support services, including but not limited to voucher
assistance, the establishment and operation of assisted living facilities and the provision of
transient, emergency and other short-term housing.

(h)

To adopt and use a corporate seal.

(i)

To enter into agreements, contracts and understandings with any governmental agency, federal,
tribal, state or local (including the Council or any agency or entity of the Tribe or the tribally
designated housing entities of any other Indian tribe) or with any person, partnership, corporation,
association or organization, whether profit or nonprofit, and to agree to any conditions attached to
any such financial assistance.

(j)

To agree, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this ordinance or in any other
provision of law, to any legally valid conditions attached to federal financial assistance relating to
the determination of prevailing salaries or wages or payment of not less than prevailing salaries or
wages in compliance with labor standards, in the development or operation of projects; and the
Authority may include in any contract let in connection with a project stipulations requiring that the
contractor and any subcontractors comply with requirements as to minimum salaries or wages and
maximum hours of labor, and comply with any legally valid conditions which the federal
government may have attached to its financial aid to the project.

(k)

To lease property from the Tribe and others for such periods as are authorized by law, and to hold
and manage or to sublease or assign the same or to mortgage or give any other security interest
in the same.

(l)

To borrow or lend money, to issue temporary or long term evidence of indebtedness, and to repay
the same. Obligations shall be issued and repaid in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of
this ordinance.

(m)

To pledge the assets and receipts of the Authority as security for debts or other contractual
undertakings; and to acquire, sell, lease, exchange, transfer or assign personal property or interests
therein.

(n)

To purchase land or interests in land or take the same by gift; and to lease land or
interests in land to the extent provided by law.

(o)

To undertake and carry out studies and analyses of housing needs, to prepare housing plans, to
execute the same, to operate projects and to provide for the construction, reconstruction,
improvement, extension, alteration or repair of any project or any part thereof.

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(p)

With respect to any dwellings, accommodations, lands, buildings or facilities embraced within any
project or otherwise (including but not limited to single family residences, multi-family dwellings,
apartments and individual cooperative or condominium units, whether for single individuals or
families): to lease or rent, sell, including sales subject to a leasehold mortgage or other security
interest, enter into lease-purchase agreements, leases with option to purchase or contracts to
purchase; to establish and revise rents or required monthly payments; to adopt policies and
procedures concerning the selection of tenants or homebuyers, including the establishment of
priorities, and concerning the occupancy, rental, care and maintenance of housing units; and to
adopt such further policies and procedures as the Board may deem necessary and desirable to
effectuate the powers granted by this ordinance.

(q)

To finance, subsidize and otherwise assist purchase of a home by an eligible homebuyer through
such financing mechanisms as lease-purchase agreements, leases with option to purchase,
contracts to purchase and leasehold mortgages or other mortgages or security interests; through
loans, including revolving loans, whether secured or unsecured; through direct assistance including
down payment assistance, subsidies, write downs; and through other means including loan
guarantees and loan insurance; and to assist an eligible homebuyer or homeowner with home
repairs and improvements, modernization, rehabilitation and remodeling through such means.

(r)

To terminate any lease or rental agreement, or any lease-purchase agreement, lease with option
to purchase or contract for purchase of a home, when the tenant or homebuyer has violated the
terms of such agreement, or failed to meet any of its obligations thereunder, or when such
termination is otherwise authorized under the provisions of such agreement; and to bring an action
for foreclosure of a leasehold mortgage or other mortgage or security interest when a homebuyer
has failed to meet any of the homebuyer’s obligations thereunder or when such termination is
otherwise authorized under the provisions of the leasehold mortgage or other mortgage or security
interest.

(s)

To bring an action for eviction against any tenant or homebuyer whose rental or lease agreement
or lease-purchase agreement or lease with option to purchase or contract for purchase has been
terminated and against any homebuyer whose leasehold mortgage or other mortgage or security
interest has been foreclosed.

(t)

To administer and manage properties other than properties owned by or in which the Authority
has an interest.

(u)

To purchase insurance from any stock or mutual company, or to participate in any plan of selfinsurance, including a nonprofit insurance entity in which the Authority or the Tribe may have an
ownership interest, for any property or against any risk or hazards.

(v)

To agree to indemnify any officer, employee or agent, acting as such, and to agree or obligate the
Authority to advance or reimburse expenses of any officer, employee or agent of the Authority,
acting as such, who has been made a party to any legal proceeding.

(w)

To invest such funds as are not required for immediate disbursement in any form of investment or
obligation that is consistent with the purposes of this ordinance, including but not limited to equity
investments, interest-bearing loans or advances, non-interest bearing loans or advances, interest
subsidies, leveraging of private investments, and investment securities.

(x)

To reinvest the proceeds of the housing activities of the Authority in additional and further housing
activities.

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(y)

Subject to other applicable law, to set aside such cash reserves, if any, that the Board in its sole
discretion may deem appropriate.

(z)

To establish and maintain such bank accounts as may be necessary or convenient.

(aa)

To accept gifts and charitable contributions and to use the same for purposes consistent with this
ordinance.

(bb)

To apply for grants and funding and to leverage the same with its own or other funds or funding.

(cc)

To apply for stipends and fellowships on its own behalf and on behalf of tenants and homebuyers
and on behalf of its officers and employees.

(dd)

To employ an executive director, technical and maintenance personnel and such other officers and
employees, permanent or temporary, as the Authority may require; and to delegate to such officers
and employees such powers and/or duties as the Board shall deem proper.

(ee)

To provide for such employee benefit programs as the Board in its sole discretion may deem
appropriate.

(ff)

To enter into contracts for professional services to be performed on behalf of the Authority,
including but not limited to accounting, appraisal, architectural, engineering and legal services.

(gg)

To join or cooperate with any other public housing agency or agencies operating under the laws
or ordinances of a State or another Tribe in the exercise, either jointly or otherwise, of any or all
of the powers of the Authority and such other public housing agency or agencies for the purposes
of financing (including but not limited to the issuance of notes or other obligations and giving
security therefor), planning, undertaking, owning, constructing, operating or contracting with
respect to a housing project or projects of the Authority or such other public housing agency or
agencies. For such purpose, the Authority may, by resolution, prescribe and authorize any public
housing agency or agencies, so joining or cooperating with the Authority, to act on the Authority’s
behalf with respect to any or all powers, as the Authority’s agent or otherwise, in the name of the
Authority or in the name of such agency or agencies.

(hh)

To enter into local cooperation agreements with the governing body of any locality within which
any housing to be assisted by the Authority is or will be situated for the provision of governmental
services and other purposes.

(ii)

To initiate and take any and all action that may be necessary or desirable to participate in the Low
Income Housing Tax Credit program provided for in section 42 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code,
or the corresponding section of any future tax code.

(jj)

To cooperate with and assist in the establishment of nonprofit organizations and local chapters of
nonprofit organizations which are entitled to exemption from federal income tax under section
501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future tax code,
and to make grants or contributions to such organizations limited to and including only those
purposes included under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding
section of any future federal tax code, and as are consistent with and in furtherance of the purposes
of this ordinance.

(kk)

To establish a separate fund(s) and to organize and operate such fund(s) exclusively for the
purposes included under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding

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section of any future federal tax code, and as are consistent with and in furtherance of the purposes
of this ordinance, and with respect to such fund(s) to receive gifts and charitable contributions.
(ll)

To draft and propose legislation, tribal or otherwise, to participate in federal rule making and
comment on proposed federal regulations, to participate in lobbying activities consistent with the
purposes of this ordinance, and to testify orally and in writing before any Congressional or other
governmental committee.

(mm)

To join the Authority with any other tribally designated housing entities and Indian tribes in one or
more housing associations.

(nn)

To enter into partnership agreements and limited liability company agreements and to provide
indemnification for and guaranties benefitting such partnerships and limited liability companies.

(oo)

To adopt such bylaws as the Board deems necessary and appropriate.

(pp)

To take such further actions as are commonly engaged in by public bodies of this character as the
Board may deem necessary and desirable to effectuate the purposes of the Authority.

(qq)

To take further actions as are authorized by the Tribal Council by resolution.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290; Amended 05/21/25, Resolu. 2025-242.

47-5.06 Purpose and Intent
It is the purpose and intent of this ordinance to authorize the Authority to do any and all things necessary
or desirable in furtherance of the stated purposes of this ordinance and to secure public or private financing
or the financial aid or cooperation of the federal, tribal or state government in the undertaking, construction,
maintenance or operation of any project by the Authority.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-5.07 Applicability
No law or other enactment of the Tribe with respect to the acquisition, operation, or disposition of Tribal
property shall be applicable to the Authority in its operations pursuant to this ordinance.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 47-6 Obligations
47-6.01 Issuance of Obligations
The Authority may issue obligations from time to time in its discretion for any of its purposes and may also
issue refunding obligations for the purpose of paying or retiring obligations previously issued by it. The
Authority may issue such types of obligations as it may determine, including obligations on which the
principal and interest are payable:
(a)

Exclusively from the income and revenues of the project financed with the proceeds of such
obligations, or with such income and revenues together with a grant from the federal government
in aid of such project;

(b)

Exclusively from the income and revenues of certain designated projects whether or not they were
financed in whole or in part with the proceeds of such obligations; or

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(c)

From its revenues generally. Any of such obligations may be additionally secured by a pledge of
any revenues of any project or other property of the Authority.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-6.02 Liability
Neither the Commissioners of the Authority nor any person executing the obligations shall be liable
personally on the obligations by reason of issuance thereof.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-6.03 Debts
The notes and other obligations of the Authority shall not be a debt of the Tribe and the obligations shall
so state on their face.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-6.04 Status of Obligations
Obligations of the Authority are declared to be issued for essential public and governmental purpose and
to be public instrumentalities and together with interest thereon and income therefrom, shall be exempt
from taxes imposed by the Tribe. The tax exemption provisions of this ordinance shall be considered part
of the security for the repayment of obligations and shall constitute, by virtue of this ordinance and without
necessity of being restated in the obligations, a contract between the Authority and the holders of
obligations and each of them, including all transferees of the obligations from time to time.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-6.05 Issuance and Sale of Obligations
Obligations shall be issued and sold in the following manner:
(a)

Obligations of the Authority shall be authorized by a resolution adopted by the vote of a majority
of the full Board and may be issued in one or more series.

(b)

The obligations shall bear such dates, mature at such times, bear interest at such rates, be in such
denominations, be in such form, either coupon or registered, carry such conversion or registration
privileges, have such rank or priority, be executed in such manner, be payable in such medium of
payment and at such places, and be subject to such terms of redemption, with or without premium,
as such resolution may provide.

(c)

The obligations may be sold at public or private sale at not less than par.

(d)

In case any of the Commissioners of the Authority whose signatures appear on any obligations
cease to be Commissioners before the delivery of such obligations the signatures shall,
nevertheless, be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if the Commissioners had
remained in office until delivery.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-6.06 Negotiability of Obligations
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Obligations of the Authority shall be fully negotiable. In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity
or enforceability of any obligation of the Authority or the security therefor, any such obligation reciting in
substance that it has been issued by the Authority to aid in financing a project pursuant to this ordinance
shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued for such purpose, and the project for which such
obligation was issued shall be conclusively deemed to have been planned, located and carried out in
accordance with the purposes and provisions of this ordinance.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-6.07 Power of Authority Over Obligations
In connection with the issuance of obligations or incurring of obligations under leases and to secure the
payment of such obligations, the Authority, subject to the limitations in this ordinance, may:
(a)

Pledge all or any part of its gross or net rents, fees or revenues to which its right then exists or
may thereafter come into existence.

(b)

Provide for the powers and duties of obligees and limit their liabilities; and provide the terms and
conditions on which such obligees may enforce any covenant or rights securing or relating to the
obligations.

(c)

Covenant against pledging all or any part of its rents, fees and revenues or against mortgaging any
or all of its real or personal property to which its title or right then exists or may thereafter come
into existence or permitting or suffering any lien on such revenues or property.

(d)

Covenant with respect to limitations on its right to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any project
or any part thereof.

(e)

Covenant as to what other or additional debts or obligations may be incurred by it.

(f)

Covenant as to the obligations to be issued and as to the issuance of such obligations in escrow or
otherwise, and as to the use and disposition of the proceeds thereof.

(g)

Provide for the replacement of lost, destroyed or mutilated obligations.

(h)

Covenant against extending the time for the payment of its obligations or interest thereon.

(i)

Redeem the obligations and covenant for their redemption and provide the terms and conditions
thereof.

(j)

Covenant concerning the rents and fees to be charged in the operation of a project or projects,
the amount to be raised each year or other period of time by rents, fees and other revenues, and
as to the use and disposition to be made thereof.

(k)

Create or authorize the creation of special funds for monies held for construction or operating
costs, debt service, reserves or other purposes, and covenant as to the use and disposition of the
monies held in such funds.

(l)

Prescribe the procedures, if any, by which the terms of any contract with holders of obligations
may be amended or abrogated, the proportions of outstanding obligations the holders of which
must consent thereto, and the manner in which such consent may be given.

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(m)

Covenant as to the use, maintenance and replacement of its real or personal property, the
insurance to be carried thereon and the use and disposition of insurance monies.

(n)

Covenant as to the rights, liabilities, powers and duties arising upon the breach by it of any
covenant, condition or obligation.

(o)

Covenant and prescribe as to events of default and terms and conditions upon which any or all of
its obligations become or may be declared due before maturity, and as to the terms and conditions
upon which such declaration and its consequences may be waived.

(p)

Vest in any obligees or any proportion of them the right to enforce the payment of the obligations
or any covenants securing or relating to the obligations.

(q)

Exercise all or any part or combination of the powers granted in this section.

(r)

Make covenants other than and in addition to the covenants expressly authorized in this section,
of like or different character subject to the limitations contained in this section and not inconsistent
with this ordinance.

(s)

Make any covenants and do any acts and things necessary or convenient or desirable in order to
secure its obligations, or, in the absolute discretion of the Authority, tending to make the obligations
more marketable even when said covenants, acts or things are not enumerated in this section.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 47-7 - Miscellaneous
47-7.01 Annual Reports
The Authority shall submit an annual report, signed by the Chairman of the Board, to the Council showing:
(a)

A summary of the year’s activities,

(b)

The financial condition of the Authority,

(c)

The condition of the properties,

(d)

The number of units and vacancies,

(e)

Any significant problems and accomplishments,

(f)

Plans for the future, and,

(g)

Such other information as the Authority or the Council shall deem pertinent.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-7.02 Interests - Acquisitions and Disclosures
During his or her tenure and for one year thereafter, no Commissioner, officer or employee of the Authority,
or any member of any governing body of the Tribe, or any other public official who exercises any
responsibilities or functions with regard to the project, shall voluntarily acquire any interest, direct or
indirect, in any project or in any property included or planned to be included in any project, or in any
contract or proposed contract relating to any project, unless prior to such acquisition, he or she discloses
his or her interest in writing to the Authority and such disclosure is entered upon the minutes of the
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Authority, and the Commissioner, officer or employee shall not participate in any action by the Authority
relating to the property or contract in which he or she has any such interest. If any Commissioner, officer
or employee of the Authority involuntarily acquires any such interest, or voluntarily or involuntarily acquired
any such interest prior to appointment or employment as a Commissioner, officer or employee, the
Commissioner, officer or employee, in any such event, shall immediately disclose his or her interest in
writing to the Authority; and such disclosure shall be entered upon the minutes of the Authority, and the
Commissioner, officer or employee shall not participate in any action by the Authority relating to the
property or contract in which he or she has any such interest. Any violation of the foregoing provisions of
this section shall constitute misconduct in office. This section shall not be applicable to the acquisition of
any interest in obligations of the Authority issued in connection with any project, or to the execution of
agreements by banking institutions for the deposit or handling of funds in connection with a project or to
act as trustee under any trust indenture, or to utility services, the rates for which are fixed or controlled by
a governmental agency, or to membership on the Board as provided in section 4.01(d).
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-7.03 Project Development Compliance
Each project developed or operated with federal financial assistance shall be developed and operated in
compliance with all applicable federal legislation, and with all legally valid regulations and requirements
prescribed from time to time by the federal government in connection with such assistance.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-7.04 Bond Coverage
The Authority shall obtain or provide for the obtaining of adequate fidelity bond coverage of its officers,
agents or employees handling cash or authorized to sign checks or certify vouchers.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-7.05 Not for Profit
The Authority shall not construct or operate any project for profit.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-7.06 Property Taxes and Assessments - Exempt
The property of the Authority is declared to be public property used for essential public and governmental
purposes and such property and the Authority are exempt from all taxes and special assessments of the
Tribe.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-7.07 Levy and Sales - Exemption of Properties
All property including funds acquired or held by the Authority pursuant to this ordinance shall be exempt
from levy and sale by virtue of an execution, and no execution or other judicial process shall issue against
the same nor shall any judgment against the Authority be a charge or lien upon such property. However,
the provisions of this section shall not apply to or limit the right of obligees or any party to whom a pledge
of assets or receipts has been given pursuant to subsection 5.05(m) to pursue any remedies for the
enforcement of any pledge or lien given by the Authority on its rents, fees or revenues or the right of the
federal government to pursue any remedies conferred upon it pursuant to the provisions of this ordinance
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or the right of the Authority to bring eviction actions in accordance with subsection 5.05(s).
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 47-8 Cooperation in Connection with Projects
47-8.01 Cooperation in Connection with Projects
For the purpose of aiding and cooperating in the planning, undertaking, construction or operation of
projects, the Tribe hereby agrees that:
(a)

It will not levy or impose any real or personal property taxes or special assessments upon the
Authority or any project of the Authority.

(b)

It will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Authority and the occupants of projects all services
and facilities of the same character and to the same extent as the Tribe furnishes from time to
time without cost or charge to other dwellings and inhabitants.

(c)

Insofar as it may lawfully do so, it will grant such deviations from any present or future building or
housing codes of the Tribe as are reasonable and necessary to promote economy and efficiency in
the development and operation of any project, and at the same time safeguard health and safety,
and make such changes in any zoning of the site and surrounding territory of any project as are
reasonable and necessary for the development of such project, and the surrounding territory.

(d)

It will do any and all things, within its lawful powers, necessary or convenient, to aid and cooperate
in the planning, undertaking, construction or operation of projects.

(e)

The Tribal government hereby declares that the powers of the Tribal Government, including the
powers of the Spokane Tribal Court and the Spokane Tribal Police under the direction of the Tribal
Court, shall be vigorously utilized to enforce eviction of a tenant or homebuyer for nonpayment or
other contract or leasehold mortgage violations.

Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 47-9 Tribally Designated Housing Entity
47-9.01 Designation as Tribally Designated Housing Entity
Pursuant to subparagraph 21(B) of section 4 of the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act
of 1996, 25 U.S.C. 4103(21)(B), the Spokane Tribe, acting through its Tribal Council, designates the
Spokane Indian Housing Authority as the Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) for the Spokane Tribe.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

47-9.02 Delegation re Submittal of Indian Housing Plan
The Spokane Tribe, acting through its Tribal Council, delegates to the Spokane Indian Housing Authority,
authority to submit any Indian Housing Plan (IHP), or amendment thereto, pursuant to the provisions of
the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996, on behalf of the Tribe without prior
review by the Tribe.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

Section 47-10 Savings Clause, Severability, Pending Actions
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47-10.01 Savings Clause, Severability, Pending Actions
If any paragraph, subparagraph, clause or sentence of phrase of this ordinance or regulations adopted
pursuant to this ordinance shall be declared invalid, or declared invalid as applied to any person or
circumstance, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance, and
those remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect and to this end, provisions of this ordinance
and any regulations adopted hereunder are declared severable. Any action pending at the date of the
amendment of this ordinance shall not be affected by amendment of this ordinance, and the action shall
proceed pursuant to prior provisions of the Law and Order Code of the Spokane Tribe or regulations enacted
pursuant thereto.
Legislative History: Enacted: 05/25/04, Resolu. 2004-290.

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aspokane%3A7e9a3a57090a9b15. Public record. Not legal advice.
