Cherokee Nation council approves $3.65 billion FY2026 comprehensive budget

Cherokee Nation Tribal Council on July 31 approved the administration's fiscal year 2026 comprehensive budget after a daylong hearing that included a high-level presentation from Treasurer Janice Taylor and questions from councilors. The combined operating and capital budget totals $3,650,000,000 and was approved by acclamation.

The budget presentation and discussion centered on revenue assumptions, capital projects and staffing. "I'm Janice Taylor, the treasurer here at Cherokee Nation, and it really is an honor to stand before you today and present the proposed budget for Cherokee Nation for fiscal year 26," Taylor told the council as she opened her overview. She said the proposed plan is balanced: total budgeted revenues match planned uses, producing a net change in position of zero.

Taylor outlined the budget's major figures and drivers. The FY2026 operating budget is $2,800,000,000 and the capital budget is $804,200,000 for a combined $3,650,000,000. Federal funding is the largest revenue source, accounting for roughly 65% of the budget. Grants and compact revenue are projected to decline by about…