Council of The Cherokee Nation Approves “Responsible, Disciplined” $3.6 Billion FY27 Comprehensive Budget

Sunday, September 27, 2026 — The Council of the Cherokee Nation has approved a $3.6 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, continuing the tribe's steady investment in health care, education, public safety, and services for citizens. 

The budget, prepared by Treasurer Janees Taylor and submitted on behalf of Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, holds consistent with last year's spending plan while directing new resources toward continued services and more health infrastructure.

The tribe receives about 63 percent of its revenue from federal sources, 31 percent from tribal sources, and 3 percent from CNB, with the remaining taxes from tobacco, motor fuel tax, and car tag sales.

"Our finance team, led by Treasurer Taylor, continues to be excellent stewards of the resources entrusted to us by the Cherokee people," said Chief Hoskin. "This budget keeps us on a sustainable footing and ensures our programs and capital projects are built to serve not just this generation but the next seven generations of Cherokee citizens."

The FY27 budget includes an additional $511 million in health-related capital construction projects. This funding will support the launch of the Claremore Emergency and Outpatient Health Center, along with continued development of the OU Nursing Campus in Tahlequah and expanding access to quality care in behavioral health needs and training the next generation of health care providers for Cherokee communities.

Public Health and Wellness programs will receive more than $53 million from the tribe's Public Health and Wellness Fund, reinforcing the Cherokee Nation's focus on the well-being of its citizens for generations to come.

"This is another year where our tribe and citizens are in good financial hands," said Deputy Chief Warner. "This budget is a win for fiscal sustainability while allowing us to keep building the programs and progress that our citizens depend on, today and well into the future."

The FY27 budget reflects the shared priorities of the executive and legislative branches, ensuring that Cherokee Nation resources continue to strengthen communities across the reservation and beyond.

The budget was approved by the Council of the Cherokee Nation in a special meeting called September 24.

“When the legislative and executive branches work together in the interests of the people, good things happen,” said Council Speaker Johnny Jack Kidwell. “The Council approved a budget that is balanced and invests in the future of all Cherokees.”

FY27 also plans for a record 7,984 tribal government employees.

“This budget is balanced, responsible, and disciplined,” said Treasurer Taylor. “Most importantly, as we do each fiscal year, we will implement it with a commitment to transparency and the highest standards of government fiscal accountability.”

Cherokee Nation Press Release

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