Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council approved Legislation 0069-26 on April 21, 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.
The legislation overrides 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.
“By clearly assigning administrative oversight to the Office of the Controller and the NNFRF Office, this legislation helps ensure stronger accountability and more efficient management of remaining Fiscal Recovery Fund projects as we work toward the 2026 expenditure deadline,” she said. “It also preserves the President’s authority to execute contracts where appropriate, while giving the Nation the flexibility needed to prevent project delays and protect these critical funds for our communities.”
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 does not authorize any actions that would conflict with federal law or U.S. Department of the Treasury guidance.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council approved Legislation 0069-26 on the consent agenda with a vote of 19 in favor and two opposed. The Navajo Nation Council serves as final authority for the legislation.
