One reason for optimism about the tribe having local control is that the current tribal council has begun enforcing long-ignored rules. More are on payroll deductions. We've even gone to the schools to set up payroll deductions. No one ever did that before. The housing authority has also had three semi-trailer truckloads of junk cars hauled out of housing areas.
Tenants can keep only operable cars and two animals on their property now.
Modern houses are in demand on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Here Habitat for Humanity volunteers build one such home. Anyone repeatedly hosting loud parties faces eviction. New tenant organizations are helping with enforcement. Even though there will be more flexibility, the same money has to be spread further.