A recap of recent events and happenings in the administration of Gov. Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Strinden





The Scope
________________________________________________________________________



*May 16, 2025*

________________________________________________________________________


prop tax
Armstrong signs historic property tax relief and reform package for North Dakota homeowners

Gov. Kelly Armstrong joined bill sponsors and other legislators as he signed a landmark property tax relief and reform package to ease the burden on North Dakota homeowners and limit growth in local spending.

“It ended up being an unbelievably great and historic package that is going to have real, meaningful results for the citizens of North Dakota, particularly primary residential homeowners,” Armstrong said during the May 3 bill signing ceremony at the Capitol. “This was an absolute team effort – both chambers, Governor’s Office, both parties, everybody recognized that property tax relief was the No. 1 priority we had to accomplish this legislative session. And I think we came up with a really, really great package.”

House Bill 1176 passed the House 86-4 and the Senate 46-0. The bill more than triples the state’s existing primary residence property tax credit from $500 per year to $1,600 per year. A dedicated stream of earnings from the state’s $12 billion Legacy Fund will pay for the relief, estimated at $409 million in the 2025-2027 biennium. This earnings stream will grow as the Legacy Fund grows, allowing the size of the tax credit to be increased in future sessions.

Armstrong thanked lawmakers for going beyond the $1,550 credit he proposed in his State of the State Address on Jan. 7, which kicked off the regular session that occurs every two years.

Lawmakers adopted the governor’s proposed 3% cap on future increases in local property tax budgets. The cap will limit property tax increases across residential, commercial and agricultural property and encourage cities, counties, schools, and park districts to budget prudently and plan ahead. If the entire 3% isn’t used, the remainder of it can be carried over for up to five years. Other sections of the bill expand the current renter’s refund program and increase funding for a disabled veterans tax credit.

House Bill 1176 was introduced by Rep. Mike Nathe and co-sponsored by House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, Reps. Jared Hagert, Craig Headland, Todd Porter, Greg Stemen, Steve Swiontek and Don Vigesaa, and Sens. Brad Bekkedahl, Mark Weber and Dean Rummel.

“We’ve listened to the people of North Dakota. They wanted property tax relief. We’ve done that with the $1,600 credit,” Nathe said. “We’ve more than tripled the credit from what it was, from the $500, and it’s a sustainable program. And we are investing Legacy Fund dollars back into the people of North Dakota.”

“I’d like to thank both the House and Senate for their hard work on it, because, like I said, it was a lot of back and forth, but at the end of the day, we came out with the right product for the people of North Dakota,” Hogue said. 

*Read Gov. Armstrong's Op-Ed* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



*Legislature adjourns after approving state budget for 2025-27 biennium, addressing priorities*
sine die

Before adjourning "sine die "early on May 3, the Legislature approved a preliminary two-year general fund budget of $6.25 billion and a total state budget of $20.3 billion for 2025-27, representing increases of 2.6% and 3.5%, respectively, over the current 2023-25 biennium.

Other administration priorities addressed by lawmakers included:

*Phone-free Schools*: In what Armstrong called one of the most impactful bills of the session, HB 1160 [ [link removed] ] requires K-12 public schools in North Dakota to adopt bell-to-bell phone-free school policies [ [link removed] ]. The bill, which takes effect Aug. 1, requires all personal electronic communication devices to be securely stowed and inaccessible to students during instructional time from the start of school until dismissal at the end of the day.

Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden championed the legislation with State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, lead sponsor Rep. Jim Jonas, Sen. Michelle Axtman and others through bill amendments introduced in late March. Axtman’s companion bill, SB 2354 [ [link removed] ], also passed the Legislature and was signed Friday.

*Recovery and Reentry:* Armstrong signed a trio of bills [ [link removed] ] focused on reentry practices that will make North Dakota safer and help address prison overcrowding. The new laws – HB 1425 [ [link removed] ], 1417 [ [link removed] ] and 1549 [ [link removed] ] – focus resources on efforts that interrupt crime, promote recovery and help people leaving prison and jails successfully transition back to the community. Lawmakers also granted Armstrong’s request to fully fund the successful Free Through Recovery and Community Connect programs.

To further address jail and prison overcrowding, the administration worked to secure a letter of intent from the Grand Forks County Commission to enter into an agreement with the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide custody and care of DOCR residents in unused space in the county’s new jail expansion [ [link removed] ]. The Legislature granted Armstrong’s request for funding to support the agreement with the county. Funding was also provided for a similar agreement with the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center in Bismarck, as well as a Reentry Center to better serve correctional needs in northwestern North Dakota. Over $35 million was also provided for completion of the Heart River Correctional Center in Mandan, a project authorized by the 68th Legislative Assembly, to better serve the state’s female residents.

*State Hospital and Behavioral Health Services: *The Legislature approved a plan to replace the outdated State Hospital with a new state-of-the-art facility, to be constructed in Jamestown. The facility will provide 140 treatment beds to serve those most in need of acute mental health services. The budget includes $300 million for construction.

Lawmakers also provided nearly $13 million for behavioral health facility grants, to create 24 new in-patient acute psychiatric beds in Grand Forks, and $1.5 million for 10 beds in Williston. 

*Public Charter Schools:* Armstrong signed SB 2241 [ [link removed] ] creating a framework for establishing public charter schools [ [link removed] ]. North Dakota previously was one of only four states not to allow public charter schools, which operate to achieve specific educational objectives. Public charter schools can’t charge tuition or engage in religious practices, and they must be open to all North Dakota students and operate under a performance agreement with the state Superintendent of Public Instruction

*Challenge Grants:* Lawmakers appropriated nearly $25 million for higher education Challenge Grants, which leverage public funds with private dollars to support student scholarships.

*Boards and Commissions: *Senate Bill 2308 [ [link removed] ] establishes a task force to review and assess all state boards, commissions, committees, councils and task forces for inefficiencies and duplications. It eliminates 16 boards and commissions. Armstrong proposed the review in his State of the State address and testified in favor of the bill, saying the more than 150 boards and commissions in state government is too many.

*Natural Gas Pipeline: *Lawmakers authorized $100 million through a Bank of North Dakota line of credit to purchase pipeline capacity, to improve the feasibility of constructing a critical west-to-east natural gas pipeline. The pipeline would ensure continued Bakken oil production and supply natural gas to eastern North Dakota for residential and commercial uses.

*Value-added Agriculture:* Armstrong signed HB 1322 [ [link removed] ] creating a $30 million incentive program to attract value-added agriculture projects to North Dakota, such as the proposed Agristo potato processing plant in Grand Forks.

*Military Friendliness:* Armstrong signed several bills supporting the North Dakota National Guard, including HB 1076, which increases the death benefit paid to families of fallen service members from $15,000 to $100,000, and HB 1078, which provides more comprehensive medical coverage for Guard members called to state active duty.

Military-related infrastructure investments include $74 million for a military gallery expansion to the North Dakota Heritage Center, which includes $15 million from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund, $20 million from a Bank of North Dakota line of credit, and $39 million through private sector donations. In addition, the budget includes $2.5 million to design a new National Guard readiness center in Williston, $3 million for the Fargo National Cemetery, $6 million for critical infrastructure improvements across the state, and the transfer of 25.2 acres of property in Jamestown to the National Guard for future growth and operational capabilities.

*Supporting First Responders:* Armstrong signed two bills, HB 1419 [ [link removed] ] and SB 2296 [ [link removed] ], acknowledging dispatchers as first responders, opening access to mental health and disability benefits and adding dispatchers to the state’s Public Safety retirement plan.

________________________________________________________________________



*Armstrong visits with officials in Watford City on workforce initiatives, visitor attraction efforts *
watford 1

This week, Gov. Armstrong visited Watford City for multiple events and stops around the city with local officials to discuss the community's continued focus on workforce livability initiatives and visitor attraction efforts. 

Armstrong received updates from Watford City and McKenzie County leaders on workforce needs and development efforts during a tour of the city, then met with officials and students at the Bakken Area Skills Center and heard from leaders at the McKenzie Health Center.

The governor also visited Wolf Pup Daycare and sat down with Cory Hepola to talk about what makes Watford City and all North Dakota communities special for Hepola's "My Town" YouTube series. The episode is scheduled to air in late July.

watford 2
________________________________________________________________________



Governor meets with students at Southwest Area CTE Education Academy in Dickinson
Gov. Armstrong with Southwest Area CTE Education Academy students

In addition to the Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City, Gov. Armstrong also visited with students this week at the Southwest Area CTE Education Academy in Dickinson, which opened last October as one of 13 career academy projects across North Dakota approved for matching funding from the state in 2021.

The academy in Dickinson offers 14 specialized programs designed to prepare students for regional workforce needs, including in the fields of agriculture, health sciences, information technology and manufacturing. Over 1,100 students from seven area high schools have been served by the academy in its first year.

Gov. Armstrong with Southwest Area CTE Education Academy students
________________________________________________________________________



*North Dakota celebrates Roughrider OHV Trail expansion with ribbon cutting ceremony* 
ohv

State and local officials along with private partners gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for the newly expanded Roughrider Trail, an exciting project that enhances outdoor access and strengthens North Dakota’s reputation as a premier destination for recreation and tourism. 

The Roughrider Trail, located south of Mandan along Highway 1806, has been extended by nearly five miles, creating a seamless connection between Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Rice Campground. The trail now offers users more than 22 miles of scenic, historic outdoor pathway – passing through breathtaking prairie vistas, alongside Fort Rice historic sites, and near amenities like the Little Heart Bottoms shooting range. 

"This expansion gives families more ways to enjoy North Dakota’s natural beauty," Gov. Armstrong said during the ceremony. "And it’s about growing something even more important: a culture of outdoor recreation and tourism that fuels our economy and enhances our quality of life." 

The project also supports North Dakota’s broader strategy of strengthening outdoor recreation opportunities through collaboration and strategic investment through its Office of Outdoor Recreation which was launched in 2024. The expansion was made possible through partnerships between the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD), North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Morton County Parks, the State Historical Society, and private business partners. 

"I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished here with the Roughrider Trail expansion," said Cody Schulz, Director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. "We’re not just extending a trail – we’re building momentum. It’s about making outdoor spaces more inviting, more accessible, and more impactful for everyone." 

The trail now features a new trailhead and expanded parking at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, providing easy access for OHV riders. Visitors can begin their adventure directly from the convenient parking area and connect to miles of maintained trail. 

Outdoor recreation continues to be a major driver of North Dakota’s economy, contributing $1.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2023 alone. Expanding trail systems like the Roughrider Trail supports not only tourism and recreation but also the state’s commitment to improving quality of life for all North Dakotans. 

"This is about families riding side-by-sides together, kids seeing wildlife for the first time, and building memories that last a lifetime," Schulz said.  

The Roughrider Trail was originally part of the Northern Pacific Railroad corridor. In 1979, the State Highway Department deeded this land to North Dakota Parks and Recreation to create the trail visitors enjoy today. The land itself is jointly held by three partners: North Dakota Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the North Dakota Department of Transportation. 

________________________________________________________________________



NDTO recognizes Crary Industries, Food Export-Midwest, EDND with Global Business Awards
ndto

Crary Industries Inc., Food Export-Midwest and the Economic Development Association of North Dakota were recognized for their achievements in international trade at the Global Business Awards hosted by the North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO) on Wednesday. Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden presented the awards at an event that showcased North Dakota’s international business success.

Crary Industries was named the 2024 Exporter of the Year. To win the award, the business must have expanded to a new international market, increased its export sales during the past year, and supported the larger, statewide effort to expand North Dakota's global reach. Crary Industries met these standards with ease, increasing sales across the board and acquiring new international partners.

Food Export-Midwest won the 2024 Service to Exporters award because of the decades their organization has spent supporting United States exporters through the application of various programs and resources. Their commitment to sowing success for North Dakota businesses in the global market has not wavered since their inception. The Service to Exporters Award is given to an international business resource that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting North Dakota exporters and increasing the state’s overall international business strategy.  

The Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) received the 2024 NDTO Global Ambassador award. This Award recognizes an individual or organization that selflessly assists in the promotion of North Dakota products worldwide and helps strengthen the relationships between North Dakota companies and their international partners. EDND operates as a collective voice for all North Dakota businesses, development groups and communities as they advocate for policies and ideas that champion professional and global development. This advocacy plays into the larger purpose of sharing North Dakota’s excellence with the rest of the world.

The 2024 Global Business Awards luncheon brought together some of North Dakota’s brightest minds in international business. The luncheon drew in a crowd of 90 people and began with a fireside chat with Fred P. Hochberg, former Export-Import (EXIM) Bank chairman and president.

________________________________________________________________________



Armstrong announces Governor's Band and Chorus from St. Mary's Central and Davies High School

band

St. Mary’s Central High School Wind Orchestra of Bismarck

Gov. Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong announced that the St. Mary’s Central High School Wind Orchestra of Bismack and the Davies High School Vivace group of Fargo have been selected as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

“Congratulations to these talented musicians from St. Mary’s Central High School and Davies High School whose impressive performances bring joy and instill pride in their schools and communities,” Gov. Armstrong said. “They represent their schools, communities and our state with distinction through their dedication to their craft and commitment to excellence. We appreciate all the groups that submitted applications this year, showcasing the musical talent across our state and the importance of music and the arts in our education system and communities.”

The St. Mary’s Central High School Wind Orchestra is made up of 55 of the top instrumentalists in grades 9-12 and is currently under the direction of Anne Chambers. All members participate in other musical ensembles, and many of them volunteer their time and talents to provide music at nursing homes, local businesses and community events. Many of the students also have been selected by audition to perform in the Northwest International Festival of Music in Minot, the University of North Dakota Honor Band, the Choir & Strings Festival in Grand Forks, and the Concordia Band & Choir Festival in Moorhead, Minnesota. The ensemble earned more than two dozen star ratings at Western Dakota Association music festivals, and 13 students were selected to perform at the All-State Music Festival.

The Davies High School Vivace choir is directed by Carly Grandner McDougall and features 24 students in grades 10-12. Regularly the superior ranked ensemble at music contests and festivals, the group was the featured high school choir at the Minnesota State University Moorhead Choral Festival this year and has been selected for the same honor at the North Dakota State University choral festival for 2026. The group also served as the select choir performing at the Fargo-Moorhead MLK Day celebrations from 2021 to 2025. The ensemble regularly sends 20 to 30 members to state music contest, earning high marks, and members have won concerto competitions to perform with the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra and have sung in the Fargo-Moorhead Opera.

The Governor’s Band and Chorus were selected from applications submitted by school and civic groups from across the state based on musical talent, achievement and community involvement. They may be invited to perform at official state functions throughout the year.

choir

Davies High School Vivace group of Fargo

________________________________________________________________________



________________________________________________________________________



*IN OTHER NEWS*

________________________________________________________________________


g2g

*Join Us for the 2025 Government to Government (G2G) Conference* *June 4–5, 2025 | Bismarck Event Center | Bismarck, ND*

The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission invites you to the annual G2G Conference – bringing together tribal, state, federal and private industry leaders to strengthen relationships and advance meaningful collaboration.

This free, two-day event is open to all who are committed to building stronger partnerships with North Dakota’s five federally recognized tribal nations:


* Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (Three Affiliated Tribes)
* Spirit Lake Nation
* Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
* Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
* Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation

Hear from tribal leaders, Gov. Armstrong, state officials and federal representatives. The conference will feature a wide range of breakout sessions addressing timely topics relevant to our state and region.

?? *Register here:* G2G Conference Registration [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



commencement

Gov. Armstrong delivered the commencement address to 71 graduating law students and an auditorium packed with family, friends and other guests during the UND School of Law graduation ceremony.

 



________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong met with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in Washington, D.C., just a few days before the EPA proposed approval of North Dakota’s coal combustion residuals program application. The approval would allow the state rather than the federal government to manage coal ash disposal in surface impoundments and landfills. 

Gov. Armstrong with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin

peace officer ________________________________________________________________________

On Peace Officer Memorial Day Thursday, Gov. Armstrong helped pay tribute to the law enforcement heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty, including the 69 brave souls whose names are inscribed on the ND Peace Officers Memorial. 



________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong served hamburgers to state employees to help kick off National Beef Month. North Dakota has nearly 2 million head of cattle, and the beef industry contributes $1.48 billion annually to our economy in cash receipts for cattle and calves. 

beef month

________________________________________________________________________



traynor

Gov. Armstrong announced [ [link removed] ] the appointment of Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) Executive Director J. Patrick “Pat” Traynor to serve as interim commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), effective June 2. Traynor will take a one-year civil service leave from DMF to serve full-time as interim commissioner of state government’s largest agency.



________________________________________________________________________









Stay Connected with the Governor's Office:



[ [link removed] ]    [ [link removed] ]    [ [link removed] ]    [ [link removed] ]



 

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: The State of North Dakota · 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 110
Bismarck, ND 58505-0400 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]

body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;} table.govd_hr {min-width: 100%;}