North Dakota House passes Department of Commerce budget after debate over amendments

After two days of heated debate, the North Dakota House passed the Department of Commerce budget last Thursday with a 61-31 vote. Lawmakers clashed over late additions, including funding for drones, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, and a $75 million development fund line of credit. Critics warned the bill risked violating the state’s single-subject rule,

Read & Share   sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

Mandan to begin gift card program to boost Memorial Highway businesses during construction

With a $119 million highway project underway, Mandan businesses along the Strip are bracing for a bumpy few years — but help is on the way. The city is launching a new gift card program in late May, offering residents a 25% bonus on purchases to encourage shopping local during construction. Funded through the Mandan

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North Dakota House passes $30 million incentive for ag facilities, moves to governor’s desk

North Dakota is rolling out the welcome mat for major ag development, with the Legislature approving a $30 million incentive bill aimed at jumpstarting projects like the proposed Agristo potato processing plant in Grand Forks. The funding would come in two stages—after construction and once production hits halfway. With an emergency clause included, the measure

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North Dakota Legislature advances bill to back rural improvement projects, strikes another

A long-term vision for rural North Dakota didn’t survive the legislative gauntlet — but lawmakers didn’t walk away from the issue entirely. Senate Bill 2097, a bold plan to create a $50 million endowment fund, was scrapped after House members balked at its scale and timing. In its place, a more modest option advanced: a

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From Abandoned Church to Community Anchor: How Small-Scale Development Revives Neighborhoods

“Turn what you have into what your neighborhood needs.” That’s the spirit behind the transformation of a church in Duncanville, Texas—captured in a new video from Jon Jon Wesolowski. Once a quiet property with an aging sanctuary and empty classrooms, this space now hums with activity thanks to a bold, incremental redevelopment effort led by

Read & Share   sourced from: Strong Towns

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Econ. Development Review committee considers value of economic incentives

Minot’s leaders are leaning toward keeping tax incentive programs as part of the city’s economic development strategy — but they want to be smart about it. A review committee signaled support for tools like the Renaissance Zone and property tax exemptions for builders and homeowners, noting their role in revitalizing downtown and supporting new projects.

Read & Share   sourced from: Minot Daily News

Listen: The Bottom-Up Revolution Is…Designing Prosperous Places

Good places don’t happen by accident — they’re built by people who know how to shape them. In this episode of The Bottom-Up Revolution, architect Will McCollum shares why teaching the next generation of citymakers matters more than ever. From his early inspiration wandering the medieval streets of Toledo, Spain, to launching a new summer

Read & Share   sourced from: Strong Towns

Turning a Neglected State Roadway Into an Economic Engine

Most people drive past places like Columbia, Missouri’s Business Loop 70 without a second thought — four lanes of traffic, scattered businesses, and not much reason to stop. But thanks to Carrie Gartner and the Loop Community Improvement District, this once-forgotten stretch of highway is becoming something rare: a local hub for makers, entrepreneurs, and

Read & Share   sourced from: Next City

Small Town America vs Big Box Stores

In Washington, Maine, a small-town store owner is fighting to protect more than just his business — he’s defending a way of life. Across the country, communities like his are pushing back against Dollar General, not just because of what these stores sell, but because of what they take. Local grocers and hardware stores close.

Read & Share   sourced from: Strong Towns

Mayor of Grand Forks tours potato processing plants in Belgium

What was once a site of controversy may soon become a hub of opportunity. After a Chinese-owned corn milling project was scrapped over national security concerns, a new partner is eyeing the same land—this time, from Belgium. Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski is touring potato plants abroad as Agristo considers building a U.S. facility that

Read & Share   sourced from: WDAY

Grand Forks woman named North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year

Deanna “Dee” Decimus Holmes, founder of All Embracing Home Care, has been named North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Holmes, who started her in-home care business in 2019, now serves over 100 clients across nine North Dakota counties and recently expanded to Arizona. Her dedication to providing

Read & Share   sourced from: Grand Forks Herald

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MACEDC Reflects on 2024 Achievements, Strengthens Commitment for 2025

Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) spotlighted an incredibly successful 2024 and looked to the year ahead during the 2025 Annual Meeting on Monday evening.   North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong delivered the keynote address to over 250 attendees at the Regency Event Center in downtown Minot. In his presentation, Governor Armstrong praised the work MACEDC is

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Williams County to give out $80,000 in tourism grants

Tourism doesn’t just happen—it’s built, often piece by piece, by local ideas and community effort. In Williams County, that effort just got a boost. The 2025 Tourism Grant Program is now accepting applications, offering $80,000 to support events, advertising, and capital projects that draw visitors and showcase the region. From expanded facilities to fresh events,

Read & Share   sourced from: KX News

Minot Economic Development Committee Debates City’s Role in Growth

Minot’s new Economic Development Committee is shifting from listening to leading — and the growing pains are showing. At its latest meeting, members clashed over whether to restore a key city position cut from the budget and wrestled with how to balance business growth with taxpayer expectations. Child care shortages emerged as a major barrier

Read & Share   sourced from: The Dakotan

This Nebraska town hopes to draw new residents with $50,000 down payment for house (and why it matters in Minot)

In Pawnee City, Nebraska, opportunity comes with a front porch and a $50,000 boost. This small town of 878 is betting that new homes and a strong community will attract families looking for affordability and a slower pace of life. With a grant-funded housing initiative and incentives from the Chamber of Commerce, the town is

Read & Share   sourced from: Omaha World-Herald

Williston Invests in Homeowners with Neighborhood Revitalization Program

Keeping a home in good shape isn’t just about comfort—it’s about maintaining the character and stability of a community. Williston’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program, backed by $2 million from Gate City Bank, offers affordable financing to help homeowners make crucial repairs and upgrades. From foundation fixes to energy-efficient improvements, the program makes revitalization more accessible. With

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