Gov. Doug Burgum, and representatives of the Main Street Initiative (MSI) team from the North Dakota Office of the Governor and the North Dakota Department of Commerce visited Minot today for a Main Street Visit.
The visit began with a tour of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Plan with a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the MI-1 phase.
Following the tour, Burgum and the MSI team were invited to a luncheon to discuss funding with city and project leaders at Minot City Hall. After the luncheon, the visit then included a community tour organized by the Minot Downtown Business and Professional Association and the Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation.
“Community tours provide a meaningful opportunity to explore and appreciate the steps our North Dakota communities take toward smart, efficient infrastructure investments and their efforts to keep their community healthy and vibrant,” Burgum said. “Minot has several key examples of strategic, diligent infill projects and progress to curate a lively and prosperous downtown.”
The visit concluded with a 35-person community roundtable discussion that was organized by the MSI team and hosted by Burgum which involved community leaders, educators, policymakers, state officials, business leaders, law enforcement and military members, and others. Burgum cited the four principles of the Main Street Initiative: healthy, vibrant communities; smart, efficient infrastructure; skilled workforce: and economic diversification.
“If we’re going to be successful, reach our fullest potential, help support families and children, then we’ve got to have healthy, vibrant communities,” Burgum said, noting the state has an estimated 30,000-plus open jobs and is focusing on workforce and innovative education to ensure students are prepared for college, career or the military. “We want to make sure that our young people have choices — that if you live in North Dakota, if you grow up here, if you want to choose between one of those three choices, we’re going to have the education pathways to help you do it.”
More than 50 residents and leaders joined the round table at Minot Central Campus High School to listen and hear from both leaders and residents about Minot’s tremendous progress as a community. Topics included youth activities and engagement, business development and workforce needs.
Approximately 200 students representing grades 9-12 and higher education also joined in on the discussion to express their ideas and needs to keep the students involved in the community.
“We are grateful for Minot Central Campus and Magic City High School for providing a facility and coordinating students to attend the routable discussion, “Burgum said. “We highly value the voice and input of the younger generations, as they are the future residents who will ensure North Dakota continues creating vibrant communities with a thriving economy.”
The Main Street Visit in Minot is one of several community visits planned for the MSI team to engage with communities across North Dakota. More information about upcoming visits will be announced as details become available.