Economic report highlights gaps, growth, path forward

By Donovan Quintero | May 8, 2025 | News |

WINDOW ROCK

The Division of Economic Development delivered a detailed economic report to the Budget and Finance Committee, outlining ongoing recovery efforts, development goals, and structural challenges affecting communities across the Navajo Nation.

Strategic economic priorities take shape

Alisha L. Murphy, the economist for the DED, reported that unemployment is still a significant issue, with a rate of 39.9 percent, leaving 32,000 Navajo job seekers without work. Per capita income stands at $10,510, which is about one-quarter of the U.S. average. Murphy said many contributions from traditional economic activity, such as weaving and herding, go unrecorded, contributing to the gap between actual community value and official data.

Despite these conditions, the Nation is working to build on key economic strengths, particularly in tourism and small business development.

To read the full article, please see the May 8, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

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