Every major infrastructure project begins with a plan. The scope has been defined, schedules developed, responsibilities assigned and the path forward mapped out.

Then execution begins.

Suddenly, the connections between all those pieces become much more visible. An approval is needed before engineering can move forward. A contractor is waiting on information. Funding requirements affect timing. A decision in one area changes what needs to happen somewhere else.

Digital infrastructure is creating new economic opportunities across Indian Country. But as Tribal Nations consider where and how they want to participate, the opportunity itself is only part of the equation. The structure of the opportunity — and what it could mean for your Tribal Nation over the long term — matters just as much.

That is the perspective Max Lopez brings to his work as Tribal Ready, PBC’s Tribal Partnerships & Development Manager. Max works at the intersection of relationships, infrastructure and economic opportunity, helping Tribal Ready, PBC engage with Tribal Nations as they explore what is possible and determine whether a digital infrastructure opportunity aligns with their own priorities