Navajo Housing Authority to Report Successful FY 2024: Significant Progress in Expenditures and Project Implementation

WINDOW ROCK—Navajo Housing Authority is on track to exceed expectations for FY 2024 with significant progress in expenditure rates and project implementation. Despite past challenges in meeting expenditure goals, particularly in 2021 and 2022, NHA has made substantial strides this year.
During the July 2024 NHA Annual Meeting, a comprehensive review of FY 2024 accomplishments highlighted a series of financial milestones.
A key feature was the reduction of the Undisbursed Fund Factor (UDFF), a measure utilized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to evaluate the amount of funds that have been allocated to a grantee but have not been spent.
HUD uses the UDFF as one of the criteria in determining future funding allocations.
In the financial outlook report, Chief Financial Officer Raymond Nopah said as of June 2024, NHA’s UDFF was reduced to $19 million, a significant decrease from the $65 million reported at the beginning of the fiscal year.
“Over 2024, our target was $65 million, but that’s been going down every quarter and every month,” he said. “Right now, we’re at $19 million.
“We have about 90 days to get things going and in the month of July, we will have spent $7 million,” he added.
Another cornerstone of FY 2024 was NHA’s unified approach to project implementation. The organization executed $68 million in new contracts, ensuring critical housing development projects across the Navajo Nation.
Ernest Franklin, Chief Operations Officer, emphasized the collaborative efforts across various NHA departments.
“We will work together to make things happen, it’s not just one department or one branch, it’s all four branches working together,” he said.


Key Accomplishments: 
• Timely Submissions and Audit Compliance: NHA successfully submitted the 2023 audit on time, clearing previous audit findings and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The FY 2025 Indian Housing Plan (IHP) was also submitted ahead of schedule.
• Increased Revenue and Investments: Significant growth in rental and homeownership revenues contributed to the organization's robust financial health. In addition, strategic management of investments further strengthened NHA's financial portfolio.
• Infrastructure and Technological Enhancements: Upgrades in IT infrastructure, including the deployment of laptops and improved internet connectivity for field offices, have enhanced operational efficiency and support future automation initiatives.
• Enhanced HR and Training Programs: The Human Resources department developed comprehensive training programs and implemented an applicant tracking system to streamline recruitment processes, addressing staffing needs more efficiently.

These achievements underscore NHA’s dedication to maximizing the impact of allocated funds for housing and community development projects.

As NHA looks forward to FY 2025, the focus will remain on sustaining and building upon the achievements of FY 2024. Key objectives include enhancing project administration, optimizing financial planning, and fostering stronger partnerships with external stakeholders.

“The progress we have made in FY 2024 is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire organization,” said Heather Duncan-Etsitty, Chief Executive Officer. “We are poised to achieve even greater success in FY 2025, and I am excited about the future of NHA and the impact we continue to make in our communities.



Learn more about NHA's successful FY 2024