Navajo Nation Delays Hearing on ZenniHome Controversy Until Next Month

In an unfolding controversy that has captured attention within the Navajo Nation, the Council has opted to delay its investigation into the ZenniHome affair until next month. This postponement follows a recent hearing where significant allegations surfaced, providing new insights into the complicated situation.

Tamarah Begay, the founder of Indigenous Design Studio + Architecture, appeared before the Budget and Finance Committee in Window Rock alongside her legal representatives. During her testimony, she asserted her innocence against several allegations, stating, “They’ve made accusations — untrue, fabricated, distorted — and for too long my voice has been overshadowed by unhealthy and biased narratives.” She firmly declared, “So today, I reclaim it. I am not a thief, and I am not a criminal.”

Begay's firm had partnered with ZenniHome, a now-defunct company previously based in Mesa, to produce a total of 160 modular homes intended for the area surrounding the former Navajo Generating Station. Despite receiving $24 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, only 18 homes have been completed to date. This situation compelled Begay to initiate legal proceedings in Maricopa County Superior Court to reclaim the federal funds.

In a striking move, an employee decided to testify about the failed project, despite advisories from the Navajo Nation Department of Justice recommending against public disclosures. Begay expressed her readiness to support the Navajo Nation, sharing, “I want to cooperate and help the Navajo Nation any way that I can. I am devastated by what happened here, and I believe I have been targeted and victimized during this whole entire process.”

The Navajo Nation faces a pressing housing crisis, with an estimated need for 30,000 new homes across Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Begay had previously believed that ZenniHome aligned with her vision for solving the housing shortage. Nonetheless, Council Delegate Lester Yazzie raised concerns about whether effective due diligence was undertaken to assess ZenniHome's ability to execute such a substantial project. In her defense, Begay mentioned, “We don’t ask our consultants about that, but Bob Worsley has had a successful business. He ran the SkyMall,” adding that she had verified the workings of Worsley’s Mesa facility during a visit.

ZenniHome founder Bob Worsley shares his excitement about opening up this facility atop the former Navajo Generating Station in Page in 2024.

Adding to the controversy, Begay accused ZenniHome CEO Bob Worsley, a former Arizona state senator, of forging her signature on official documents submitted to the state of Arizona under the name of HozhoniHome. A 2023 filing with the Arizona Corporation Commission indicated the formation of an LLC listing Begay’s firm as a member. HozhoniHome is among several ZenniHome-affiliated entities currently experiencing bankruptcy in Delaware.

Legal advisor Myles Lewallen clarified that while no instances of Begay’s forged signature have been confirmed, the LLC was formed “without her consent and against her express direction.” Business attorney Paul Ellsworth had formalized the LLC as a partnership between IDS+A and ZenniHome, identifying Worsley as the manager. Despite being subpoenaed, neither Worsley nor Ellsworth has commented publicly on the situation.