President Nygren highlighted continued momentum on long-standing economic development projects, including the Shiprock Pinnacle Hotel, Cameron Horseman’s Lodge Phase One, and the Crownpoint Hotel. These projects, shaped across multiple administrations, are now being actively advanced toward completion, with the Shiprock Pinnacle Hotel targeted for a summer opening. Planning is also moving forward on a $50–$80 million Horseman’s Lodge Phase One facility near Flagstaff, in coordination with the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise and financial partners.
A major economic opportunity discussed was the Carbon Forest Offset Program, which has already issued its first carbon credits and could ultimately generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the Navajo Nation once fully authorized. President Nygren emphasized the program’s importance to long-term financial strength, environmental stewardship, and tribal sovereignty.
The President also reported strong gains in revenue collection, noting that the Navajo Nation Tax Office collected $162 million, up from an initial $128 million. In response to rising costs of living, he discussed a proposed minimum wage increase to better support Navajo workers and vendors.
Infrastructure investments remain a central priority. President Nygren highlighted progress on water and electricity projects, including a $250 million water treatment plant, continued expansion of the Light Up Navajo initiative, and steady progress on homesite lease approvals—key steps toward accelerating housing development and utility access.
Additional updates included broadband expansion, chapter house renovations, senior center improvements, healthcare services, veteran housing initiatives, and the need for increased funding and oversight for the Department of Diné Education. President Nygren emphasized accountability, interdepartmental coordination, and timely project completion across all departments.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗷𝗼 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟲 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟮 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱.
In closing, President Nygren reaffirmed his commitment to tackling large-scale challenges, strengthening partnerships, and delivering meaningful, measurable progress for the Navajo people throughout 2026.
