Cowlitz Tribal Public Works Department

Mission: The Mission of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Public Works Department is to develop, manage, maintain, repair, and remodel the organization’s infrastructure and facilities; and to provide whatever services the organization needs to support its mission.

Vision: The vision of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Public Works Department is to provide great customer service at the highest standard of excellence. The Public Works Management Department organization is a team that: Promotes civility; Promotes mentoring; Encourages innovation; Trusts and empowers our staff; Has open communication; Assures confidentiality; Strives for excellence and effectiveness.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe Public Works Department has grown a lot over the years. What started as a small team handling basic maintenance and janitorial work has become a department that plays an important role in supporting Tribal operations and future growth. Today, Public Works is made up of 42 hardworking staff members, including 13 Tribal members, all of whom take pride in serving their community.

Our team supports more than 40+ Tribal facilities across Longview, the Reservation, Vancouver, Tukwila, DuPont, and nearby areas. While we handle everyday maintenance and custodial services, our work goes much further. We’re involved in preventative maintenance, building and planning, transportation and transit services, fleet management, and overseeing major construction and capital projects. From renovations and new buildings to safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements, we work to make sure every space is safe, functional, and welcoming for employees, Tribal members, and visitors.

Beyond daily operations, Public Works also helps move the Tribe forward through long-term planning, grant-funded projects, and clean energy initiatives. Recent efforts include facility expansions, solar and electric vehicle projects, and road improvements.

For over 20 years, the Tribal Transit Program has been proudly connecting our community by providing safe, reliable, and friendly transportation for all. Whether it’s getting to work, school, appointments, or events, we’re here to help you travel with ease and confidence.

We provide door-to-door assistance to and from vehicles when needed free to the community. The vehicles are equipped with lifts to make boarding easier for passengers who use wheelchairs, mobility devices, or have difficulty negotiating steps. Service is available in rural areas between Lewis, Cowlitz and Clark Counties up to a maximum of 20 miles from the I-5 corridor.

Tribal Properties we service -

• Longview Campus including the Health Clinic
• DuPont
• All reservation buildings, excluding ilani
• Olequa
• St. Mary’s
• Swift Schoolhouse
• Tukwila Facilities
• Vancouver

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to service, responsibility, and caring for Tribal resources. We’re proud to support Tribal programs today while planning thoughtfully for the future, and we remain dedicated to meeting the Tribe’s needs through dependable service and forward-looking solutions.