COMMUNITY. UNITY. COMMITMENT.

​haʔłəčiləxʷ dsyayayaʔ Welcome family, friends, and valued tribal members.
My name is Jessica Garcia, and I have long worked for positive change as one of your elected Muckleshoot Tribal Council Members. My family and I feel that there is more that we can achieve within our community and for our people; and with that sentiment in mind, I have decided to seek a re-election seat on our Muckleshoot Tribal Council. I want to continue to bring fresh ideas, and positive solutions to contribute to the growth of our people and stability of our Tribe. 

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ACHIEVEMENTS.

During my third term as your council representative, I've been able to work on many impactful projects. These following achievements listed are only a fraction of the efforts that I've had the honor of working on and seeing come to fruition:

• Economic Development: I addition to the expansion of the Muckleshoot Casino and Resort, that was completed in 2023, I was a main driver and support the Muckleshoot Tribal Members Small Business Entreprenuer opportunity which provides a consistent space for a MIT Tribal Member to set up their small business at the old Key Bank lot.
• Youth Development: I drafted new and updated policies that were ratified through committee and implemented as of January 2019. Updates include an increase in available funding for activities and travel for tribal members to participate in team and individual youth sports. I drive and support policy that allow our Muckleshoot Tribal youth to explore any sport and/or hobby that foster beneficial habits and self-development without financial stress. 
• Human Services: In 2020, Tribal Members benefited from an increase in funds available for the emergency assistance program. In addition to the $500.00 increase, emergency assistance is now available for every Muckleshoot-enrolled member aged 18 and above. In 2025, I worked for funding increase in the MIT seniors utility assistance program, the $420 increase results in a total of $750.00 for each Muckleshoot elder to utilize quarterly. In 2025, I assisted in the establishment of the Natural Disaster Assistance Hotline: (253)285-4086 and the Emergency Food Purchase assistance/hotel assistance for our Muckleshoot Tribal households that were out of power for at-least 24 hours or evacuated fromt their homes due to the 2025 PNW atmospheric river weather. 
• Youth Services: I worked to increase resources provided by the youth clothing voucher program. Available funds will move from $400 to $500 starting January 2023. In 2025, I advocated for another increase in youth clothing vouchers, it increased from $500.00 to $1,000.00 per youth. 
• Education: I supported the policy to provide private school funding for Tribal member youth and championed the expansion of resources available for students and families to include funding for breakfast, lunch and transportation expenses. I support the PSAP program. 
• Family Benefit: One of my first achievements was the paid parental leave policy for employees allowing them more flexibility in caring for their family and focus on the health and well being of their children. I helped champion the Tribal Disability Program which allows for parents/guardians of disabled Tribal members to stay home and care for their Disabled loved ones with the weight of financial burden lifted. 

Works in Progress:
Some projects, activities, policy changes/improvements, etc. that I've been working on require and deserve additional consideration, resources, and time to frame, develop, and strategize. Here is a sample of those additional efforts that I've devoted time, energy, and passion to over the course of my term:

• Housing: Phase one of the clean & sober townhomes is complete, phase 2 to be complete by summer of 2023. Additionally, in 2022, I have work with staff to begin planning phases of new apartment buildings for tribal housing. This would benefit tribal members by decreasing the volume of our current Tribal Housing waiting list. In 2024-2025 I worked with the Housing Board and staff to plan and begin building the Supportive Housing Program which will help our house our houseless Tribal members while simultaneously offering/providing them with culturally-centered therapy and healing services.  
• Human Services: I'm working on policy updates that benefit tribal members with improved and efficient services at the Family Resource Center. In addition, I've been working with Finance to establish a General Welfare Card Program; this would provide our tribal membership with non-taxable supplemental income.
• Community Services: I've supported and pushed for the planning and construction of a Community Building, Triple Gym, and Ball fields.

Vision for the Future:
While it's important to me to address current concerns, issues, and conditions, I also have a vision for the future. As a tribal leader, I believe it's also important to look ahead and to be thinking of upcoming accommodations and improvements that can be made.

• Human Services: I'd like to see program and policy development for tribal members living with disabilities and special needs. These individuals and their families need support and these efforts are long overdue.
• Government to Government Relations: I would like to continue to grow and expand my strategic political networks. At the Federal, State, and local levels, it's important that tribal leadership pursue, cultivate, and maintain good government-to-government relationships that benefit all Muckleshoot Tribal members.
• Community Services: I would like to see the areas around the "Powwow" grounds improved for all community members. The area has been neglected and needs attention and improvements. Community programs, Sla-hal, Canoe Family, and Powwow activities would all benefit from a permanent structure (Arbor) with improved restrooms, RV hookups, and utility capacity.

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PASSION. EXPERIENCE. LEADERSHIP.

Who I am:
I come from the Ross Family, we come from our Traditional Village named squalats. My parents are Laurie Molina (Ross) and Carlos Garcia. My maternal Grandparents are Marvin and Alfreda Ross. My Paternal Grandmother is Maria Garcia-Mejia. I have the honor and privilege to be a mother to 7 wonderful children. Four daughters with Matt Courville: Olivia, Alicia, Madrienne, and Lauryn. Two Daughters with my husband Matt Jones: Farrah and Audree, and one foster daughter, Vivian Asphy.
Being a foster parent is a deeply fulfilling and important aspect of my life. Opening my home to youth in need of a stable, safe, and healthy living environment is an incredible honor.
Where time allows, I enjoy participating in family and culturally oriented activities. Some examples are fishing, hunting, berry picking, sports, and Powwow’s.
I am a life-long enrolled tribal member of the Muckleshoot Tribe. I strive to be an advocate for education, natural resources, Veteran’s, Special Needs, youth, health, housing, and human service programs. I have been fortunate to spend my entire career serving our Tribe and Community, with two years at the Muckleshoot Casino, fourteen years at the Resource Center, two years in MIT Operations, and the last nine years as a Muckleshoot Tribal Council Member.
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​Stability for the Future.

I take pride in mentoring and offering advice, guidance and solutions to youth, friends, family, and community. I often receive counsel requests from people on matters concerning life trials and tribulations, relationships, and decision making. 
Volunteering and donating to community members, charities, and local churches are also important to me. I strive to remain transparent and prove that my intentions in serving our community are pure and are truly important to me and not based in personal gain. 

Let's Connect:

Jessica Garcia
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 253-561-1014 (Text Preferred)