WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Executive branch programs and tribal enterprises met to plan and coordinate on a new 1,000 homes initiative put forward by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.
“This is a priority of President Nygren and Vice President Montoya,” said Melinda Arviso-Ciocco, executive staff assistant.
The Navajo Nation’s housing crisis has persisted for decades, said Arviso-Ciocco. The president’s office is interested in supporting solutions that take into account the need for increased home ownership, rental units, home improvement programs and overall housing education.
At an earlier meeting, Chief of Staff Patrick J. Sandoval said the initiative is intended to lay the groundwork for building 1,000 new homes across a Navajo Nation. He said the initiative must involve the partnership of both government and private entities working together.
So far, the meetings have included leadership and representatives from the Division of Community Development, Navajo Nation Veterans Administration, Navajo Housing Authority, Division of Natural Resources, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Department of Justice, the Office of the Controller and others.
Today’s meeting was focused on receiving information from the DOJ on updates to the Credit Services Department’s home and personal loan rules, said Arviso-Ciocco. Additionally, specific numbers of various applications from housing-related programs and enterprises were shared with the group.
In total, the group reported more than 1,400 applications, which include NHA-waitlisted applications, Housing Improvement Program/Chapter housing requests, home loan applications, veterans housing applications and more.
The president’s office is planning a housing summit in Window Rock tentatively scheduled for May 30 for members of the public. More information will be released as details become available.
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