State of Arizona, Hopi Tribe, and Navajo Nation Sign MOU to Create Economic Opportunity in Four Corners Region

Signatories are pioneering new models for State-Tribal coordination to honor Tribal sovereignty and champion economic development

Phoenix, AZ - Today, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Hopi Tribe Chairman Lamar Keevama, and Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance economic resilience for Tribal communities in the Four Corners region, which has been impacted by the decline of the coal industry.

"I am proud to enter into this agreement with the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation, reinforcing our shared commitment to State-Tribal cooperation and promoting new economic opportunities for Tribal communities," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "Creating partnerships that affirm Tribal sovereignty and strengthen Arizona's economy is key to delivering the Arizona Promise."

The agreement will increase intergovernmental coordination, facilitate local and regional dialogue, and enable collaborative research and analysis towards improved economic and workforce development opportunities and outcomes. Activities will include conducting strategic planning to prepare for potential coal facility closures and sharing economic and workforce data with Tribal data sovereignty at the forefront.

"For decades, it was Navajo energy that helped power the Southwest, fueling the growth of states like Arizona, Nevada, and California, where populations continue to rise despite Navajo water being debated for use," said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. "Meeting the energy demands of the future will require everyone to work together. This is about more than strengthening our economies - it is about protecting our land, embracing responsible innovation, and making sure Navajo families are thriving here 100 years from now."

"Northeastern Arizona has been home to the Hopi people since time immemorial and to generations of our neighbors in the region. This MOU reflects our shared commitment to working together to strengthen economic resilience across the Four Corners Region," said Hopi Chairman Lamar Keevama. "By bringing together our knowledge, resources, and priorities, this agreement strengthens intergovernmental coordination and commits to lasting economic and workforce development opportunities that will uplift all our communities."

Coal mines and power plants in the Four Corners region laid the foundation for a flourishing Arizona economy. With the closure of coal facilities such as the Navajo Generating Station (NGS) and Kayenta Mine, communities lost access to life-sustaining wages and opportunities. This includes approximately 700 direct job losses, 3,000 indirect job losses, and $50 million in annual revenue losses for the Navajo Nation following the NGS and Kayenta closures. After these closures, the Hopi Tribe also experienced a devastating 85% reduction in total revenue and lost approximately 1,900 total jobs - a staggering figure given the Tribe's overall population of approximately 14,000 people.

"Recognizing the pivotal role that Tribal nations play in the development of Arizona's economy, this agreement reinforces the need for innovative State-Tribal efforts to provide new avenues for job and revenue creation throughout the region," said Jason Chavez, Director of Tribal Affairs for the Governor's Office.

As part of the agreement, staff from the State of Arizona, Navajo Nation, and Hopi Tribe will convene regularly to discuss shared challenges and opportunities, share resources, and build strategies for direct support to coal-impacted communities. The MOU builds upon existing collaborations between the State of Arizona, Hopi Tribe, and Navajo Nation, including a prestigious award received by the three governments in March of 2026 to pursue collaborative research in partnership with Harvard's Growth Lab and Project on Indigenous Governance and Development.

"In addition to this MOU and our collaborative research with the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation, our office is promoting multiple initiatives that support Tribal energy and economic development," said Governor's Office of Resiliency Director Maren Mahoney. "Additionally, in June 2026, the Governor's Office on Tribal Relations and the Governor's Office of Resiliency launched the State-Tribal Clean Energy Partnership, making technical assistance and other resources available to all of Arizona's federally recognized Tribes to facilitate Tribal energy and economic development."

On September 22, 2026, the Office on Tribal Relations and Office of Resiliency will host the Arizona Tribal Energy Summit and Workshop, where Tribal leaders will gather alongside a range of stakeholders to discuss Tribal energy development opportunities.

Read the Arizona-Navajo Nation-Hopi Tribe MOU here.