Main / Chapter News / History / Demographics / Community Development: Projects
Shonto Chapter of the Navajo Nation also known as Shonto Community Governance has been tirelessly treading the path for implementing local empowerment for local communities on the Navajo Nation in concert with the Navajo Nation Government initiatives.
Shonto officially became a Navajo Nation Local Governance Act (LGA) certified Chapter on September 22, 1999 with The Navajo Nation Council (NNC) Transportation and Community Development Committee (TCDC)’s approval of the Five Management System Policies and Procedures for Shonto Chapter, pursuant to the Local Governance Act, 26 N.N.C. Section 102 (B).
After achieving LGA Governance-Certification, the Shonto Community Governance initiated a series of planning and feasibility studies which established the framework for community and economic development projects. With the Shonto Chapter Community-Based Land Use Plan being approved by the NNC TCDC on February 08, 2005, Shonto Community Governance began establishing strategicplans and implementation strategies for its community development projects with input and approval from the community membership
On November 07, 2006, Shonto Chapter voters approved an alternative form of government called the Council of Na’taa and Atsilasdai Executive Form of Governance which was implemented with the first meeting of the Shonto Council of Na’taa on January 21, 2007. Coinciding with this beginning of the new form of governance, Shonto Council of Na’taa created the Shonto Economic Development Commission, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Tourism Commission comprised of designated Shonto governance officials and community residents.
On July 09, 2008 the Economic Development Committee of the 21st Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved the Business Site Leasing Administrative Management Plan for Shonto which delegated business-site leasing authority and affirmed local control, autonomy and a way to strengthen the local economy. A Shonto Business Management Commission and Business Management Office has been established to fully implement the localized business siteleasing process.
Shonto Community Governance has been keeping the momentum going by continuing to proceed with implementing its strategic plans for its community development projects of developing a commercial site named “Shonto Artist and Travel Plaza” and a public facilities project name “Shonto Community Public Service and Housing Complex.” In collaboration the Navajo Division of Community Development, the first phase of the public facilities project named the Shonto Community Public – Government Services Complex has begun to take on increased priority in community and economic development.
Jonathan M. Nez-Council Delegate
Budget & Finance Committee, Member
"Shonto Community Governance"
Shonto Chapter of the Navajo Nation
Post OfficeBox 7800 Shonto ,AZ86054
Office: (928) 672-2910 Fax: (928) 672-2862