The 25th Navajo Nation Council’s Budget and Finance Committee recently completed a series of public hearings across all Navajo Agencies, providing community members with the opportunity to have their voices heard in addressing the Navajo Nation’s Fiscal Year 2025 Comprehensive Budget.
Community members addressed infrastructure deterioration, public safety, economic development, and veterans’ services. The BFC, in turn, committed to incorporating the feedback gathered into the FY2025 Comprehensive Budget, with a focus on delivering tangible solutions for the Diné people.
“Our community members are facing real hardships due to the lack of proper infrastructure," Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty (Cove, Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, Red Valley Tse’alnaozt’i’i’, Sheepsprings, Beclabito, Gadiiahi/To’Koi) said. "It’s not just about convenience—it’s about safety, health, and the ability to thrive in our own Nation."
In Chinle, (Central Agency) the community highlighted concerns about the deteriorating state of local infrastructure, particularly regarding road conditions and water management systems. Residents expressed worries about the frequent water outages, unreliable irrigation systems, and the impact these issues have on their daily lives. Aging infrastructure has made it difficult for residents, especially vulnerable groups such as elders and veterans, to utilize essential services, including healthcare and education.
The community emphasized the inadequacies in support systems for those affected by domestic violence and mental health issues, calling for immediate investment in these areas. The BFC committed to addressing infrastructure repairs and improvements in the Central Navajo Agency in the FY2025 budget.
The committee acknowledged the need to prioritize infrastructure repairs and improvements, address reliable water management systems, and improve maintenance of roads in the Central Agency. Additionally, the BFC recognized the importance of expanding social services and allocating resources to address the community’s concerns.
The hearings in Shiprock (Northern Agency) focused heavily on the community’s ongoing struggles with public safety, stressing the need for improved animal control measures, and the construction of a local public safety building, which would enhance law enforcement capabilities and improve emergency response times.
The BFC acknowledged the need to explore solutions for the potential construction of a new public safety facility and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing Shiprock’s challenges.
In the Navajo Utah Agency, the discussion centered on the challenges of economic development and veterans’ services. Residents expressed frustration over the slow progress of the Veterans Housing Program, which has left many veterans without adequate housing. The community called for alternative solutions, such as providing down payment assistance for VA loans.
“Our veterans have served our country and our Nation with honor," Council Delegate Norman M. Begay (Alamo, Ramah, Tohajiilee) said. "It is our responsibility to ensure they are not forgotten when they return home."
Residents also highlighted the potential for growth through tourism and small business development but noted that bureaucratic policies and delays have hindered progress, pushing for more consistent enforcement of business site leases.
The BFC committed to addressing the community’s concerns in the FY2025 budget, pledging efforts to streamline economic development projects and enhance support for veterans.
“We are deeply committed to listening to our communities and taking decisive action to address their concerns,” Shaandiin Parrish, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee (Chilchinbeto, Dennehotso, Kayenta, said.“These public hearings have provided us with invaluable insights, and we will ensure that our budget reflects the needs and priorities of all Diné people.”
The Budget and Finance Committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the voices of the Navajo Nation are heard and reflected in the upcoming FY2025 budget. The insights gathered from Chinle, Shiprock, and Mexican Water will be instrumental in shaping the budget to meet the diverse needs of the Nation’s communities.
The Budget and Finance Committee encourages all community members to participate in future meetings and provide feedback to ensure that their voices remain central to the decision-making process.
