NAZLINI, Ariz. — On Tuesday, Aug. 12, Nazlini Chapter meeting, residents and officials pressed Navajo Nation leadership on the community’s top priorities, from aging infrastructure and economic development to road repairs and water rights.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren told chapter leaders that major upgrades, such as the estimated $18–19 million project to replace the local water pump and electrical system, will require close coordination with the Navajo Nation Council and Speaker Crystalyne Curley, who represents the community. He said he invited Speaker Curley to be present at the meeting to join the discussion on how to move projects forward.
“You have big projects here that can uplift your community now and for the future,” Nygren said. “We’ve got to change the mindset and invest in our own communities. Build something we’ll be proud of.” He added that he will continue signing bills into law and executing matters, “as long as the legislative branch continues to get documents to my desk that promote the livelihood of the Navajo people.”
President Nygren was joined by Navajo Department of Health Director, Sherylene Yazzie, Division of Community Development Director, Candice Yazzie, Division of Natural Resources Director, Mike Halona, Division of Public Safety Director, Mike Henderson, and Navajo Department of Transportation Director, Tom Platero.
Residents also outlined their vision for a youth complex with a playground, basketball courts and, eventually, a swimming pool. President Nygren pointed to examples in Chinle and encouraged early land identification to speed planning and funding.
Economic development was another focus, with calls for a convenience store and multipurpose building. President Nygren said he would work with the Division of Economic Development to explore partnerships, noting that local profits should be reinvested in Nazlini.
Road conditions remain a major concern. Navajo Division of Transportation officials stressed the importance of early compliance work to avoid costly delays.
Nazlini is the second stop in an effort to visit all 110 Navajo chapters to hear firsthand the challenges communities face.