Community Development
The mission of the Community Development division is to promote tribal development while expanding the Tribe's ability to exercise its sovereign rights through planning, analysis, recording, and implementation, all while protecting Mother Earth.
If you have questions about the ongoing activities of Community Development, please contact Robert Torzynski AICP, Planning Manager at (269) 782-4896 or via email to:  Robert.Torzynski@PokagonBand-nsn.govÂ
Geographic Information Services (GIS)
GIS provides accurate information, assistance, support, and utility location, as well as maintains and creates information to aid in the development of maps to support Departmental activities.
Steven Wahweotten, GIS Specialist/Assistant Planner
Steven.Wahweotten@PokagonBand-nsn.gov
Ten County Service Area | Tax Exempt Area | Utility Line Installation Specifications
Utility Locating & Excavation Policy | Utility Line Trace Wire Product Specifications | Child Safety Zone Map
Land Development Pre-Application Review
All building, demolition, grading, and excavation activities taking place on Tribal Lands (with a few limited exceptions) must meet various codes, ordinances, and specifications in order to protect health, safety, and the environment. These requirements vary depending on the scope and the nature of the project. For example, a new flag pole may require a utility locate only, while a new structure may require building permits, utility locate, and environmental review.
To ensure that all projects meet all standards, a Pre-Application Review is required and is coordinated by the Community Development Team. For further information including a Pre-Application Conference Request form, please contact Robert Torzynski, Planning Manager, at: Robert.Torzynski@PokagonBand-nsn.gov, or by telephone at (269) 782-4896.
Tribal Road Program
Tribal Road Program keeps inventory of all the roads, maintains a long-range transportation plan, and creates an annual transportation improvement plan.
2025-2028 Tribal Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP)
The Pokagon Band has developed a draft Tribal Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP). The draft TTIP identifies and prioritizes transportation projects proposed for the next 4 years and provides planning level cost estimates for those projects.
Priorities are based upon the 2025 funding for the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) as allocated by Congress and will change from year to year based upon a variety of factors.
Copies of the draft TTIP are available at the Pokagon Band Department of Housing & Community Development Offices, at 57824 Potawatomi Trail, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047, or by e-mailing a request for a copy to: Robert.Torzynski@PokagonBand-nsn.gov
Questions regarding the draft Pokagon Band TTIP may be addressed to Pokagon Band Planning Manager, Robert Torzynski, at (269) 782-4896 or by email at the address provided above.
The public is entitled and encouraged to review the draft TTIP and respond in writing at the above provided e-mail address. Comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2024.
Realty/Properties
Realty/Properties retains records of all Tribal-Owned Properties, including:
- Mortgages
- Rentals
- Easements
- Utility Information
- Addresses
- Surveys
- Leasing documents