Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Naabik’íyáti’ Committee unanimously advanced Legislation 0069-26, clarifying that the Office of the Controller and the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Office hold administrative oversight of all NNFRF projects, including subrecipient agreements, on April 16.
The legislation advances an override of Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren’s March 22 veto of Resolution No. CMA-16-26. The resolution removes the Division of Community Development as the administrative oversight entity for NNFRF projects and reassigns that authority to the OOC and NNFRF Office. It further clarifies that the Navajo Nation President retains authority to execute contracts related to NNFRF projects.
Legislation sponsor Council Delegate Shawna Ann Claw said that the reassignment of oversight authority will improve accountability, consistency, and efficiency in the expenditure of remaining NNFRF funds.
“Centralizing administrative oversight with the OOC and NNFRF Office aligns with the Nation’s need for uniform fiscal management and timely review of project modifications and fund allocations as the Dec. 31 expenditure deadline approaches,” Claw said.
Claw also emphasized that the legislation clarifies the OOC’s authority to reallocate funds among substantially similar NNFRF projects, providing necessary flexibility to prevent delays, project failure, or the reversion of funds.
She further noted that the legislation doesn’t authorize any actions that would conflict with federal law or U.S. Department of the Treasury guidance.
“Section 5 clarifies that, where contracts are otherwise permissible under applicable Navajo Nation law and federal requirements, the Navajo Nation President retains authority to execute such contracts on behalf of the Executive Branch,” she said. “This legislation strengthens administrative accountability, reduces confusion regarding NNFRF oversight, and supports the timely expenditure of funds for the benefit of the Navajo people.”
Legislation 0069-26 was unanimously approved by the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee on the consent agenda with a vote of 15 in favor and none opposed. The measure will now advance to the 2026 Spring Session of the 25th Navajo Nation Council for consideration and final approval.
