The Navajo County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14, during which the board approved an update to the Navajo County Comprehensive Plan.
American Institute Certified Planner Terri Hogan walked the board through the purpose of the updated plan, its process and schedule, public participation and its contents.
It was noted by Hogan that although the comprehensive plan was readopted in 2023, no major updates have been implemented since its original adoption in 2004. “It’s a 30,000-foot policy document,” Hogan stated, “It’s your blueprint for growth in the county, for planning and development.”
Hogan explained that while the comprehensive plan is for all Navajo County, two-thirds of the county is sovereign nation, which prevents the county from having authority in those areas. While the comprehensive plan does not apply to those areas, collaboration and interwork was stated to be essential.
“There is connectivity with roadways, with open space so it’s important to look at that entire area and to coordinate with tribal nations as well as incorporated cities and towns that have their own general plans that are a requirement of state land too. We work in concert with them and coordinate with them.”
Hogan also went into extensive detail explaining community outreach efforts, both in person and virtually, and the feedback that was received, all of which was vetted one-by-one.
Despite the extensive work done since the project’s kick-off in Jan. 2024, District I Supervisor Fern Benally was displeased. “I don’t like your plan, bottom line,” she said. Although it was stated in the presentation that the county has no say over sovereign nation and incorporated towns and cities, Benally spoke as if it was by choice that these places were excluded. “It’s just for the towns and municipalities to grow and improve while the rest of the county is left behind,” she said, “Is that why you’re rushing it and trying to get this through?” She went on, saying “You’re leaving two thirds of the county out […] And this is unacceptable to me.”
It was then restated by Project Manager Cody Cooper that statutory authority is not granted to the county over incorporated cities and towns as well as sovereign land. “We are limited with the statutory authority on this, so that limits it to the unincorporated portions of this county that are not considered sovereign nation. As a part of the process, we did look at the connection of infrastructure, as well as with those citizens,” Further adding that outreach was done with the different chapters in the county and working in concert with those communities was highly emphasized while making the plan.
Even after clarification, Benally was still believed the exclusion to be voluntary. “You kept saying all jurisdictions and all areas, but you’re not even trying. I bet you didn’t even contact the Navajo Nation to see if they can participate in this.” Benally said she never saw anything at the chapters houses and has never been personally asked questions about this plan by them. She then stated, “You kept saying statutory. Meaning, okay, we’ll leave you behind because you’re not under Navajo County, is what you’re saying.”
Benally then went on to insinuate the lack of full coverage was due to prejudice, adding, “In fact, one of my constituents said ‘I was listening to the radio, and I heard that Navajo County there, in the area in Holbrook, is very prejudice. Is that correct?’ and I said I don’t know. I didn’t hear your radio commentaries or what you were listening to. And so, I see it. I see it myself. I see it even today.”
Supervisor Alberto Peshlakai made a statement in approval of the comprehensive plan, further explaining that county supervisors operate under state authority while tribal nations don’t. “Tribal nations are considered sovereign entities, with the right to govern themselves. Meaning that their planning processes are not subject to state regulations in the same way.” He also noted tribal nations and the county have different focal points for their plans to address their specific purviews as well as the different funding that is provided.
Supervisor Daryl Seymore thanked staff who had spent hours on making this plan, which he stated to be very much needed. Chair Jason Whiting also voiced his thanks and praise for the community outreach. Vice Chair Dawnafe Whitesinger noted her support as well and stated her gratitude for the extensive community outreach as well as the plan’s emphasis on community input. She explained that she believes community integration includes tribal nations with it. “I know for all five of us that tribal communities are valued asset for Navajo County.”
It was also noted that this is a living document and can be modified in the future as needed. There was no public comment during the public hearing.
The comprehensive plan was approved with Whiting, Seymore, Peshlakai and Whitesinger voting in favor and Benally voting against.
Some changes in the updated plan include:
* Updating existing elements of Land Use and Transportation.
* Categorizing elements under three different themes, while adding seven elements not previously contained in the Comprehensive Plan.
Those themes include Theme 1: Progress – land use, transportation, and economic growth. Theme 2: Quality of Life – housing, water/wastewater and public facilities. Theme 3: stewardship – energy, environment and open space/recreation.
* Amending Character Areas to Land Use Designations including open space, rural residential, neighborhood residential, multifamily residential, mixed use, business commerce and employment.
* Amending the future land use map.
* Updating standards for what qualifies as a major and minor amendment of the Comprehensive Plan and those actions that do not qualify as an amendment.
* Stylistic changes to comply with new county brand standards.
During the meeting, the board re-elected Supervisor Whiting as chair and elected Whitesinger as vice chair, with supervisors Seymore, Alberto Peshlakai, Whitesinger and Whiting voting in favor and Supervisor Benally voting against on both motions. Whiting was also thanked and acknowledged for his service as chair during the previous year.
