Commerce Highlights

February 20, 2025

Commerce Legislative Update

With the 69th Legislative Session nearing its midpoint, we're actively monitoring several important bills as they move through the legislative process. These bills have the potential to significantly impact North Dakota's economic landscape, and we want to keep you informed of their progress. Here's a quick overview of some key legislation Commerce is tracking.

• HB 1038: Appropriation for an uncrewed aerial vehicle replacement program and a state radar data pathfinder program; carries an emergency clause. The House passed both programs; the Senate split the bill and passed the State Radar Data Pathfinder Program.
• HB 1191: Relating to the creation of an office of entrepreneurship. Was recently heard in the House Appropriations Committee.
• HB 1493: Relating to the removal of the office of legal immigration. Defeated.
• HB 1524: Relating to direct funding of regional planning councils. Passed in the House Appropriations Committee; placed on the calendar.
• HB 1581: Appropriations for Tribal Tourism Grants. Re-referred to the Appropriations Committee.
• SB 2018: Commerce Budget. Still in the Government Operations Committee—progress is moving forward and it will hopefully be moved to full appropriations by the end of the week.
• SB 2097: Relating to the creation of a rural community endowment fund. Passed in the House Appropriations Committee; placed on the calendar.
• SB 2225: Housing for Opportunity, Mobility, and Empowerment (HOME) program; carries an emergency clause. Passed in the Senate and introduced in the House.
• SB 2228: Rural Grocery Store Sustainability/Food Access. Referred to the Appropriations Committee.
• SB 2331: To create and enact a new section to chapter 54-60 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park working group. Senate second reading; failed to pass (14 yeas, 33 nays).
• SB 2390: Relating to a rural catalyst committee and grant program for Regional Councils. Referred to the Appropriations Committee.
• SB 2396: Performance Audit for Commerce and NDDF. Referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Watch for Additional Updates Here

Rural North Dakota Communities Connect and Innovate at Planning Symposium

Over 100 community leaders gathered at the North Dakota Rural Planning Symposium to share strategies for keeping small towns vibrant. Hosted by the Commerce Office of Community Development & Rural Prosperity, the event featured expert insights, funding opportunities, and hands-on workshops.

Keynote speaker Becky McCray praised North Dakota’s strong sense of community, while local leaders, like Ellendale’s City Auditor Nicole Kempf, left inspired to turn ideas into action. From mobilizing volunteers to fostering collaboration, the symposium sparked new momentum for rural growth.

Learn more about Community Services

The 2025 "Hello ND" Campaign is Here

North Dakota’s Hello ND campaign is back with a fresh, unscripted look, showcasing our state’s natural beauty, welcoming communities, and endless outdoor adventures. With new footage from 15 locations, this campaign highlights the authenticity that makes North Dakota a must-visit destination.

Building on last year’s success—438 million impressions and a 30% increase in website traffic—the campaign will expand through digital ads, social media, and TV, driving more visibility for local businesses and attractions. The 2025 Travel Guide and Hunting & Fishing Guide will connect visitors to over 250 communities, with more than 300,000 copies distributed.

To order free Travel Guides, Hunting & Fishing Guides, and Highway Maps—contact decunningham@nd.gov.

Co-op Ads: Matching funds available for digital & social media ads (March, April, August-December). Details: Co-op Advertising.

Get a Custom Hello Icon! Request yours at tlach@odney.com.

View the 2025 Campaign

Learn more about Tourism & Marketing

A Powerful New Tool for Workforce Program Access and Collaboration

The Statewide Workforce Coordination Dashboard is designed to streamline workforce program access and improve collaboration across agencies. This innovative tool allows users to:

• Search all state agency-provided workforce programs, from grants to direct services
• Filter by agency, population served, implementation type, and workforce theme
• Support legislators in reducing duplicative mandates and improving public utilization
• Identify new partnership opportunities to enhance coordination across agencies

By increasing the visibility of existing programs and fostering strategic partnerships, this dashboard ensures more effective workforce development across North Dakota.

Access the Dashboard

Learn more about Workforce Development

Miller Highlights Key Partnerships at the Tribal Economic Development Summit

Tracey Miller, Deputy Director of Economic Development and Finance at Commerce, delivered opening remarks at the Tribal Economic Development Summit on Jan. 23 in Bismarck. The event brought together leaders to explore strategies for strengthening economic growth in tribal communities. A portion of the North Dakota Development Fund grant to the Native American Development Center helped support the summit, reinforcing Commerce’s commitment to sustainable development.

Discussions centered on partnerships, workforce initiatives, and small business support, emphasizing the role of collaboration in building a stronger, more inclusive economy across North Dakota.

Learn more about Economic Development & Finance

Help Choose North Dakota's New Icon

Commerce’s Tourism and Marketing Division has partnered with The Good Kids, a Bismarck based design studio, to create a new icon that represents our great state. This initiative aims to increase awareness of North Dakota beyond our borders while also fostering pride among residents. The icon will not replace the state's "Be Legendary" brand but will complement it, offering a versatile graphic for use on merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, and flags.

After careful development, two design options are being forwarded for public input. You can help choose the icon that best represents North Dakota.

To participate in selecting the icon, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StateIconPress.