Warm Springs Tribes Hold General Council Meeting; Plateau Travel Plaza Eyes July 11 Grand Opening

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS) convened a General Council meeting Tuesday evening at the Agency Longhouse — the first such meeting since last fall's public budget gathering — drawing tribal members for updates on the tribe's finances and its portfolio of economic enterprises.

Dinner began at 6 p.m. with the meeting following at 7 p.m.

Agenda Highlights

The evening's agenda included a financial update and reports from Chief Operations Officer Caroline Cruz and Governmental Affairs Director Andrew Hofstetter. Enterprise updates were also presented from three of the tribe's major commercial operations:

• Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort
• Indian Head Casino
• Plateau Travel Plaza

Plateau Travel Plaza: Grand Opening Set for July 11

Perhaps the most anticipated announcement: the Plateau Travel Plaza in Madras is targeting a soft reopening on June 15 following remodeling and expansion work, with a grand opening celebration planned for July 11.

The Plateau Travel Plaza, owned and operated by Warm Springs Casino Enterprises, is a key economic asset for the tribe and a major employer in the Madras area. The facility, located along U.S. Highway 26, offers fueling, a convenience store, restaurant, and truck stop services. The expansion and remodel are expected to include an expanded gaming floor alongside the renovated travel center.

The project has been in progress since mid-2025, when the tribe announced major expansion plans for both the travel plaza and Indian Head Casino.

Community Context

The General Council serves as the primary democratic body for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, with all enrolled adult tribal members eligible to participate. Meetings provide one of the few formal opportunities for tribal members to directly engage with elected and appointed leadership on financial and governance matters.

With wildfire season already underway in the region and the tribe's enterprises ramping up for the summer tourism season, Tuesday's meeting came at a busy and consequential moment for the community.