Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Naabik’iyati’ Committee approved Legislation No. 0268-25, adopting the Navajo Nation’s New Mexico Legislative priorities for 2026 on Jan. 22. The Navajo Nation Council’s New Mexico Caucus developed the priorities, which will be shared with New Mexico legislators to help guide policy decisions and funding that affect Navajo communities throughout the state.
Legislation sponsor and Chair of the New Mexico Caucus, Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, said the priorities reflect a commitment to long-term improvements for Navajo families.
“My responsibility is to make sure our communities in New Mexico are heard and supported at every level of government,” she said. “These priorities are about equity, accountability, and ensuring our children, elders, and families receive the services and opportunities they deserve, both now and in the future.”
The priorities reflect the needs of New Mexico chapters and communities and focus on key areas that include education, infrastructure, government-to-government consultation, public safety, public health, housing and community development, natural resources, social services, advocacy, and economic development.
The approved priorities address the equitable distribution of the Indian Education Fund to better support Navajo students, as well as investments to increase salaries for school employees. These efforts aim to strengthen recruitment and retention of qualified educators and staff while improving learning environments for students across rural and underserved areas.
The New Mexico Caucus also highlighted ongoing challenges with capital outlay and infrastructure projects, particularly the requirement to obligate 5% of appropriated funds within six months of accepting an Intergovernmental Grant Agreement. New Mexico Delegates are advocating for the removal of this requirement and for clearer, more accessible IGA language to prevent delays and allow projects to move forward efficiently.
Public safety remains a significant concern, with requests for increased resources to support correctional facilities, fire stations, and emergency response services in Navajo communities. The priorities also call for improved E911 communication systems, rural addressing, expanded coverage in dead zone areas, stronger sex offender registry policies, and funding for coordinated information systems to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and human trafficking cases in New Mexico.
Council Delegate Danny Simpson motioned for a directive focused on the execution of pending IGAs between the Navajo Nation and the State of New Mexico.
“We cannot allow millions of dollars meant for our communities to expire because of administrative delays,” Simpson said. “These funds are critical for infrastructure, safety, and basic services, and they must be put to work for the Navajo people.”
The directive calls on the Navajo Nation President and the Division of Community Development to immediately complete and execute all pending IGAs so that funded projects can begin and be completed. The directive addresses approximately $29 million in New Mexico capital outlay funding that is at risk of expiring and reverting back to the state.
The Naabik’iyati’ Committee approved Legislation No. 0268-25 with a final vote of 20 in favor and none opposed. The Naabik’iyati’ Committee serves as the final authority over the legislation.
