Potawatomi: Continue Investment in Milwaukee


Milwaukee, WI (August 15, 2006): Milwaukee taxpayers continue to benefit from the partnership with the Forest County Potawatomi Community as the Tribe today transferred $4.2 million to both the City and County of Milwaukee.


 


The Forest County Potawatomi Community has shared nearly $55 million with the City and County since 2000. The annual payments are about 3% of the Milwaukee casino’s gross revenue and are at least twice what the Tribe would pay if the casino property were subject to local property taxes. In addition to the annual revenue sharing, the Tribe pays roughly $400,000 in annual property taxes on non-casino land in the Menomonee Valley.


 


According to a recent national report on Indian gaming, the City and County of Milwaukee receive one of the largest percentages of gaming revenue of any local government nationwide (Casino City’s Indian Gaming Industry Report, Alan Meister, Ph.D., June, 2006).  


 


The Potawatomi have announced plans to invest $240 million in their Milwaukee casino, a project which is expected to create 500 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs. The Tribe also donates about $3 million annually in Greater Milwaukee through its charitable arm, the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation.


 


“The Potawatomi are committed to being strong partners with Milwaukee,” said Gus Frank. “The continuing investments in Milwaukee mean more family supporting jobs, more citizens having access to essential public services and helping community centers remain open and safe places.”


 


The Tribe employs nearly 2,000 people in Milwaukee. About 75% of these employees live in Milwaukee County and more than half of the employees are minorities. The Tribe is also the largest employer in Forest County providing more than 700 jobs to local residents.