A pandemic relief bill set aside long-term funds for tribal lands that have lacked the tax revenue, and infrastructure, to spur businesses and wealth.The New York Times reports that Cortez, a small town in Colorado with a population of around 9,000 people, has a thriving economy with bustling businesses, friendly single-family homes, and recreational facilities such as parks, pools, and playgrounds. The town is nestled near the San Juan Mountains and has a charming small-town feel.

However, just a couple of hours southwest lies Tuba City, the largest community on Navajo Nation tribal lands in Arizona. Despite its similar population size and proximity to popular tourist destinations like Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, Tuba City struggles with widespread poverty and a lack of public services. This is a common reality for many reservations across the country, despite their rich history of trade.

The commercial areas in Tuba City are mostly filled with gas stations, dollar stores, and fast-food chains. The housing stock is primarily made up of R.V. trailers and mobile homes. Shockingly, one in three Navajo households has an income below the federal poverty line. The town is often covered in red dust from the desert winds, a reminder of the harsh living conditions for many residents.

However, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of a new senior center in the town’s center. The 5,500-square-foot facility, which cost $5 million to build, received $1 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This package, designed to address the economic and public health crises caused by Covid-19, included $32 billion in assistance for tribes and reservations. This aid includes support for households, tribal governments, community development, health services, and infrastructure. Additionally, tribal nations now have access to the $10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative program, which was previously unavailable to them.

The construction of the senior center in Tuba City is a rare exception in a town where poverty and lack of resources are deeply entrenched. It serves as a reminder of the potential impact of government support and investment in these communities. 

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