Chair of the Resources and Development Committee
Brenda Jesus
Vice Chair of the Resources and Development Committee
Casey Allen Johnson
Member of the Resources and Development Committee
Shawna Ann Claw
Member of the Resources and Development Committee
Rickie Nez
Member of the Resources and Development Committee
Danny Simpson
Member of the Resources and Development Committee
Otto Tso
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About the Resources and Development
Resources and Development Committee – Overview and Operations
The Resources and Development Committee (RDC) is one of the standing committees of the Navajo Nation Council. The RDC consists of six (6) members and is responsible for overseeing the Nation’s natural resources, land use, community development, economic growth, and infrastructure. Its primary purpose is to establish policies that protect, manage, and develop the Navajo Nation’s resources, ensuring sustainability for future generations while fostering economic opportunities for its people.
Purpose and Function
The Resources and Development Committee (RDC) is one of the standing committees of the Navajo Nation Council. Its role is critical to the responsible use, protection, and development of the Navajo Nation’s natural, environmental, and economic resources. As caretakers of the Nation’s land and infrastructure, the RDC ensures that policies and decisions promote sustainable development while preserving cultural and environmental integrity for future generations.
Who the Committee Oversees
The RDC holds oversight authority over several key Navajo Nation divisions and programs, including:
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Division of Natural Resources
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Division of Community Development
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Division of Economic Development
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Division of Transportation
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Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency
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Chapters and Local Government Units
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Gaming Regulatory Office
It also oversees associated boards and commissions such as District Grazing Officers, Eastern Navajo Land Board, Farm Boards, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
What the Committee Does
The committee’s broad scope includes areas such as:
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Land and Natural Resources: Regulates land use, water rights, grazing, agriculture, wildlife, and minerals.
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Infrastructure Development: Guides housing, roads and transportation, utilities, air and rural addressing systems.
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Economic and Community Development: Oversees local government planning, commerce, gaming, and telecommunications.
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Environmental Stewardship: Monitors environmental protection and enforces relevant regulations.
Key Responsibilities and Powers
The RDC has the authority to:
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Establish Policies: It creates rules and regulations governing land use, resource development, environmental protection, and infrastructure planning.
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Approve Agreements and Plans: It grants final approval for land withdrawals, leases, permits, and key development plans including capital improvement and housing projects.
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Legislative Oversight: It reviews and recommends legislation impacting natural resources, economic growth, and community infrastructure.
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Coordinate Development: Works with divisions, chapters, and external partners to align projects with Navajo Nation priorities and ensure streamlined operations.
Additionally, the committee represents the Navajo Nation in local, state, and federal matters related to its areas of responsibility, ensuring advocacy and alignment with the Nation’s interests.
Meetings and Participation
The Resources and Development Committee meets regularly on Wednesdays, except during weeks when the full Navajo Nation Council is in session. These meetings are open to the public and are an opportunity for community members and stakeholders to stay informed and engaged.
An Action Relating to Resources and Development Committee; Approving a Tribal Authorization Access to the Navajo Department of Transportation for the Purpose of Construction Maintenance Easements for N12 (13-2) 1, 2, & 4 Located Within the Tsaile/Wheatfields Chapter Vicinity and Approving a Waiver of Consideration and Perpetual Term for the Tribal Authorization Access
Legislation 0204-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Resources & Development Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Carl R. Slater
Co-Sponsor: N/A
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
An Action Relating to Resources and Development Committee; Approving a Temporary Construction Easement to the Navajo Department of Transportation for the Purpose of Constructing Roadway Improvements to N12 (13-2) 1, 2, & 4 Located Within the Tsaile/Wheatfields Chapter Vicinity and Approving a Waiver of Consideration
Legislation 0205-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Resources & Development Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Carl R. Slater
Co-Sponsor: N/A
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
An Action Relating to Resources and Development and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Approving and Authorizing the Renewal of a Contract Between the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, Inc. (NAPI) and the United States Department of the Interior Under 25 U.S.C. §§ 5301 et seq. (P.L. 93-638 Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, As Amended), for a Five-Year Term Beginning on January 1, 2026 and Ending on December 31, 2030, for the Operation and Maintenance, On-Farm Development, Agriculture Testing and Research Laboratory, and Water Quality Monitoring on the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project; Approving and Authorizing the Fiscal Year Agreement and Scope of Work for the Period of the Contract Term
Legislation 0198-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Resources & Development Committee
- Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Danny Simpson
Co-Sponsor: N/A
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
An Action Relating to the Resources and Development and Budget and Finance Committees; Accepting the Internal Audit of Newcomb Chapter from the Office of the Auditor General; Approving the Proposed Corrective Action Plan of the Newcomb Chapter
Legislation 0196-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Resources & Development Committee
- Budget & Finance Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Rickie Nez
Co-Sponsor: N/A
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
An Action Relating to the Resources and Development, Budget and Finance and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees, and the Navajo Nation Council; Approving $1,270,800 from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance (“UUFB”) for the Navajo Department of Transportation to Fund the Purchase and Installation of Two Automated Weather Observing Systems for Tuba City and Chinle Airports
Legislation 0194-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Resources & Development Committee
- Budget & Finance Committee
- Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee
- Navajo Nation Council
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Shawna Ann Claw
Co-Sponsor:
- Casey Allen Johnson
- Helena Nez Begay
- Otto Tso
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
An Action Relating to Resources and Development Committee; Approving the Grant of Right-of-Way to Windstream Communications, LLC for the Purposes of Constructing, Operating, and Maintaining Fiber Optic Cable for Windstream Communications, Lybrook School Located on Navajo Nation Trust Lands in Counselor Chapter, Navajo Nation (Sandoval County, New Mexico)
Legislation 0048-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Resources & Development Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: George H. Tolth
Co-Sponsor: Danny Simpson
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
Approving a Right-of-Way to New Mexico Department of Transportation for the Purposes of Construction, Operation, Maintenance for NMDOT US 64 MP 8.1 to 13.8 Located on Navajo Nation Trust Lands in Beclabito Chapter
Legislation 0065-25
Legislation Title
Legislation Description
Approved Committees
- Resources & Development Committee
Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
Sponsor: Amber Kanazbah Crotty
Co-Sponsor:
- Eugenia Charles-Newton
- Rickie Nez
Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS
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