The Puyallup Tribe holds more than 300 acres of commercial and industrial land across Tacoma’s urban and industrial core, with sites at the Port of Tacoma, along I-5, and inside Fife’s logistics corridor. PTE works with qualified partners to develop these properties. These sites offer industrial scale, regional access, and a sovereign development environment that can create a different path for the right project.
Why Build Here
What Tribal land makes possible.
For partners who need industrial scale, port access, logistics capacity, or a different development path, PTE offers something conventional sites cannot: land, sovereignty, enterprise capability, and long-term alignment in one place.
01
Tax Advantages
On Tribal trust land, properly structured projects may benefit from property tax, federal income, construction, B&O, and leasehold tax advantages. Applicability depends on the project structure, site, tenant use, and current law.
02
Financing and Credits
Opportunity Zone designation, New Markets Tax Credits, BIA loan guarantees, wage incentives, and depreciation tools may support qualifying projects. PTE works with partners to evaluate which tools fit the project.
03
Direct Permitting Path
The Tribe permits development on Tribal trust land through its own governmental authority. This can create a more coordinated path than conventional development, with review shaped around the site, project, and Tribal priorities.
04
Integrated Business Capability
PTE has built experience with infrastructure, market readiness, and enterprise management. That means partners are working inside an enterprise system that can help turn a concept into a working operation.
Who We Build With
The right partner.
PTE prioritizes development structures where both sides have a stake in the outcome. The strongest partners bring complementary strengths: technical expertise, specialized operating knowledge, market access, capital, or project discipline. We select projects that deliver long-term commercial performance, responsible use of Tribal land, and lasting economic value to the Tribe.
Available Properties
Opportunities.
Industrial, port-adjacent, and mixed-use sites across Tacoma’s urban core.
FTZ · Industrial
Blair Backup
An 89-acre FTZ-designated industrial site at the Port of Tacoma. Environmental assessment is complete. Current short-term industrial leases are in place, with additional tenant capacity available.
FTZ · Port-Adjacent
Blair Waterway
A 59-acre FTZ-designated waterfront site directly adjacent to the Port of Tacoma. Environmental assessment is in progress. The site is suited for port operations, terminal, distribution, and energy development.
Industrial · Development
PTE Industrial Complex
A 40-acre site in Fife with a 90,000-square-foot warehouse in operation and room to develop the rest. A power substation is planned on site, adding the energy capacity heavy industrial and logistics tenants need. Union Pacific Railway access runs along the north border.
In Development
Truck Stop at Taylor Way
A commercial fueling and convenience site currently in design. The site is positioned for fleet fueling, commercial services, and the Port of Tacoma trade corridor.
Opportunity Zone · Mixed-Use
Administration Building Site
A 13-acre site on E Portland Ave in Tacoma, adjacent to the Puyallup Tribal Administration Building. Planned as a mixed-use entertainment destination. Transit-accessible near Portland Avenue and I-5, within the Tribe’s designated Opportunity Zone.
Future Development
Additional Parcels
Future development parcels across Tacoma’s urban core.
Full Detail
Development advantages on Tribal land.
Building on Puyallup Tribal trust land may create tax, financing, contracting, and permitting advantages that may not be available in conventional commercial development. Applicability depends on ownership, entity structure, project location, tenant use, and current law.
Federal Income Tax Exemption
Tribally chartered enterprises may hold the same federal tax status as the Tribe itself. Depending on structure, the Tribe’s ownership share in a properly structured venture may be exempt from federal income tax.
No Property Tax
Indian trust lands and permanent improvements are generally exempt from state property tax. Depending on structure and use, this may affect the economics for businesses operating on Tribal land.
Construction Tax Advantages
When the Tribe is the owner, construction materials and services may qualify for sales tax exemptions. Certain construction services may also qualify for Washington B&O tax exemptions.
Business & Occupation Tax Treatment
Joint ventures majority-owned by the Tribe or a Tribal entity may qualify for Washington State B&O tax exemptions. Distributions to minority partners may also receive different B&O tax treatment depending on structure.
Leasehold Excise Tax Exemption
Washington leasehold excise tax may not apply to tenants on Tribal trust land when statutory conditions are met, including rent at or above applicable fair market value thresholds.
Simplified Permitting & Zoning
On Tribal trust land, state and local permits and zoning restrictions may not apply in the same way. The Puyallup Tribe issues permits directly for qualifying projects on Tribal land.
Opportunity Zone Designation
The Tribe’s designated census tract near Portland Avenue and I-5 may create Opportunity Zone investment opportunities. Current program rules and investor eligibility should be verified.
New Markets Tax Credits
Qualified capital investments in Indian reservations may be eligible for New Markets Tax Credits. These credits can support certain projects in low-income communities and should be evaluated with tax counsel.
Wage & Employment Credit
Employers with qualified employees who work and live on the reservation may be eligible for federal wage and employment tax credits.
Accelerated Depreciation
Certain qualifying investments on Tribal land may be eligible for accelerated depreciation or other cost-recovery treatment. Current program availability should be verified.
BIA Loan Guarantee
The Bureau of Indian Affairs may guarantee a portion of private loans for eligible businesses on or near Indian reservations. Loans may support operations, equipment, construction, and other qualifying uses.
EB-5 Foreign Investment
Projects on Tribal land may qualify for EB-5 investment considerations depending on location, job creation, and current program rules. Eligibility should be reviewed with immigration and investment counsel.
SBA 8(a) Sole-Source Program
Tribal government-owned companies may qualify for the SBA 8(a) program with enhanced terms, including eligibility for sole-source federal contract awards.
HUBZone
American Indian and Alaska Native reservations may qualify as HUBZones. Eligible businesses can benefit from competitive and sole-source contracting opportunities, along with price evaluation preferences in certain federal competitions.
Defense Contracting
Companies majority-owned by the Tribe may qualify for certain Department of Defense contracting opportunities, including work connected to domestic sourcing requirements.
Foreign Trade Zone
Manufacturers operating in the Puyallup FTZ may defer, reduce, or eliminate certain duties depending on how raw materials, finished goods, and final markets are structured.
Financing Tools
Tribal Economic Development bonds, federal energy loan guarantees, and other financing tools may support certain qualifying projects on Tribal land. Eligibility, capacity, and use restrictions should be confirmed with counsel.
