Staff Reports
SAN JUAN, N.M. — The Budget and Finance Committee held its first public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2027 Comprehensive Budget at the San Juan Chapter House June 5, bringing together community members, chapter officials, Navajo Nation leaders, and program representatives to discuss priorities for the Nation’s upcoming budget and financial future.
The hearing provided an opportunity for community members to learn how the Navajo Nation budget is developed, understand the Nation’s financial outlook, and share recommendations on funding priorities to better serve Navajo communities.
“Public participation is essential to building a budget that reflects the priorities of our people,” BFC Vice Chair Carl R. Slater said. “These hearings help ensure that community voices are heard as we make difficult funding decisions and provide greater understanding of the budget process and investments in critical services.”
The comprehensive budget process was explained in both English and Navajo, emphasizing that all public comments and recommendations will be reviewed and incorporated into the development of the FY27 Comprehensive Budget legislation.
Council Delegates Amber Kanazbah Crotty and Cherilyn Yazzie joined Slater in encouraging community participation and stressing the importance of understanding the Budget Instructions Manual, which guides the Navajo Nation’s annual budget process.
During the hearing, Navajo Nation Controller Sean McCabe presented an overview of the Nation’s financial outlook and revenue projections for FY27. Community members were informed that the Navajo Nation is projecting $301 million in revenue for FY27. After mandatory set-asides required by Navajo Nation law, $218 million will remain available to support government operations and programs.
BFC members noted that many programs continue to carry unspent funds from previous fiscal years, emphasizing the need to improve project completion, program management, and efficient use of public resources.
Crotty highlighted the unique needs of the Northern Agency and stressed that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t adequately address the diverse needs of Navajo communities. She emphasized the importance of transparency, regional planning, infrastructure investment, and stronger support for chapter governments.
Public testimony covered a wide range of issues facing communities across the Navajo Nation.
BFC members called for additional funding to improve roads in the Northern Agency, expand access to clean water in communities affected by uranium contamination, and support long-term housing development initiatives. Testimony also highlighted the need for permanent police facilities, detention centers, and increased law enforcement resources to address public safety concerns, including missing and murdered Indigenous relatives.
Additional recommendations focused on strengthening election administration, improving solid waste management, modernizing infrastructure, and addressing workforce shortages. Participants called for updated election equipment, increased funding for chapter services, competitive infrastructure funding opportunities, and market-based wages to recruit and retain qualified employees.
Community members also advocated for investments in irrigation systems, headgate modernization, farmland restoration, and agricultural development to improve food security and strengthen local economies.
The BFC reiterated that all testimony and recommendations received during the public hearing process will be reviewed and considered as the FY27 Comprehensive Budget legislation is finalized.
BFC members encouraged Navajo citizens to continue participating in future hearings to help shape funding priorities for programs and services across the Navajo Nation.
The BFC will continue hosting public hearings throughout the Navajo Nation. The next FY27 Comprehensive Budget public hearing is scheduled for June 22 at the Casamero Lake Chapter House beginning at 10 am.
