Burgum, Workforce Development Council announce ND Works plan to help address workforce challenges

Plan includes over $50M in proposals focused on recruitment and retention, removing barriers to employment, automation, skills training and more

Gov. Doug Burgum, Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford and members of North Dakota’s Workforce Development Council (WDC) on Wednesday released a package of proposals to address the state’s workforce challenges during a press conference on the final day of the 2022 Main Street ND Summit.

The proposals, dubbed the ND Works Investment Plan and totaling over $50 million, are based on recommendations from the WDC, which held a special meeting to discuss the proposals before today’s press conference.

“With broad representation across multiple industries and all levels of government, the Workforce Development Council is uniquely suited to recommend solutions to our workforce challenge, which remains our No. 1 barrier to economic growth,” Burgum said. “We look forward to working with the legislature to refine the ND Works Investment Plan and other proposals to address our workforce shortage and help North Dakota communities reach their full potential.”

The ND Works plan focuses on five key concepts: career exploration and preparation; addressing the technical skills gap; recruitment and retention; removing barriers to employment; and occupational licensure reform. The proposals include:

• Dedicating $20 million to a competitive Regional Workforce Impact Grant program for local governments, economic development groups, chambers, regional councils and other workforce entities working to address regional labor demands.
• Providing nearly $25 million for a strategic marketing and recruitment campaign which will include support for expanding the Find the Good Life talent attraction initiative and Job Service North Dakota virtual job fairs.
• Expanding the state’s automation tax credit with a $5 million Automation Enhancement Workforce Training Grant to support upskilling and advanced training for employers utilizing automation technologies to ease workforce challenges.
• Adding $2 million to the Technical Skills Training Grant, which since its inception in 2020 has supported the launch or expansion of nearly 30 training programs in health care, information technology, transportation, welding and more.
• Creating a job placement pilot program with nearly $750,000 to ensure that incarcerated individuals released from North Dakota’s correctional facilities are trained and connected to positions where they can succeed.
• Continue working on occupational licensure reform to identify ways to expedite the process for professional licensure in North Dakota.

“The Workforce Development Council is pleased to see our recommendations included in the Governor’s ND Works Investment plan,” WDC Chairman Dave Farnsworth said. “Throughout the last several years, the Council has informed several initiatives that are successfully impacting North Dakota’s workforce, including recommendations for area career and technology centers, talent attraction, skilled workforce training, expedited licensure for military members and spouses, and more. We look forward to working with the Governor’s Office and the legislature over next few months to continue building out this plan.”

Burgum, Sanford and legislators also announced a comprehensive child care proposal in September to address the availability, affordability and quality of child care services, which continues to be a barrier to workforce participation.

Burgum and Sanford also joined with State Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus and legislators in August to propose income tax reforms that would save North Dakota taxpayers an estimated $250 million annually and establish North Dakota as the lowest flat-tax state in the nation, making the state a more attractive place to work and affordable place to live.

American Governors’ Border Strike Force detail seizes fentanyl, stops other illegal activity in North Dakota

North Dakota law enforcement agencies participating in a joint detail as part of the American Governors’ Border Strike Force recently seized more than 50 pounds of illegal drugs, including enough fentanyl to kill hundreds of thousands of people.

Gov. Burgum signed a memorandum of understanding in April with 25 fellow governors to create the American Governors’ Border Strike Force to better address the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and the negative effects of increased illegal immigration on public safety and crime in states including North Dakota. The strike force aims to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations and combat human trafficking and drug smuggling activities.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP), North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and North Dakota State & Local Intelligence Center (SLIC) participated in a joint Border Strike Force enforcement detail in North Dakota on Aug. 22-28.

Officers participating in the weeklong detail pursued six vehicles that fled from law enforcement, recovered one stolen vehicle, and seized more than $26,000 in U.S. currency, eight illegal firearms, nine vehicles and 51.6 pounds of illegal drugs. The drugs included 1.1 pounds of cocaine, 26.3 pounds of marijuana, 16.5 pounds of methamphetamine and 7.7 pounds of fentanyl.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration considers 2 milligrams of fentanyl a potentially lethal dose. By that measure, the fentanyl seized during the detail was enough to potentially kill every North Dakotan more than twice over.

“This detail demonstrates how coordinating our law enforcement resources can make a real difference in addressing the negative impacts on our communities from drug trafficking, human trafficking and other border-related crimes,” Burgum said. “We’re grateful to the Highway Patrol, BCI, SLIC and all law enforcement agencies across our state for their efforts to thwart illegal activity and help keep North Dakota’s communities and citizens safe.”

“I commend the law enforcement professionals who executed this successful operation, and we pledge to continue efforts to seize dangerous drugs and other contraband that threatens our communities,” Attorney General Drew Wrigley said.

“The results of this detail offer a glimpse at how the illicit supply of drugs is impacting every state in the nation, including our own,” said Col. Brandon Solberg, superintendent of the NDHP. “Public safety agencies are committed to working together to ensure North Dakota remains a safe place to visit, live, work, and raise a family.”

Led by Arizona and Texas, the Border Strike Force also includes Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

For information on treatment and other resources for addressing the disease of addiction, visit the state Behavioral Health Division’s website here.

Burgum announces Energizing Our Communities plan in kickoff to 2022 Main Street ND Summit

Gov. Burgum on Tuesday announced proposed investments in community development to help cities attract and retain workforce as he kicked off the 2022 Main Street ND Summit with a keynote address at the Bismarck Event Center.

The Energizing Our Communities plan announced by Burgum includes multiple proposals totaling over $20 million that will be brought to the state legislature for consideration next year.

“This plan will energize our towns, cities and counties as they work to enhance smart, efficient infrastructure, create healthy, vibrant communities and diversify the economy – all to attract new residents to North Dakota and help retain our youth and existing workforce,” Burgum said. “Over the next two months, we will work with legislators to refine these and other proposals to address workforce challenges across every industry in our state.”

The Energizing Our Communities plan includes:

• $10 million for a Rural Revitalization and Redevelopment Grant Program to promote in-fill development in cities with 5,000 people or less, especially in blighted areas hit hard by population and business loss.
• Encouraging investment in city centers through Renaissance Zone 2.0, which will build on the 23 years of success of the existing Renaissance Zone Program by allowing communities and projects to rejoin the program and expanding the benefit and renewal periods. Renaissance Zones offer income and property tax incentives to taxpayers for engaging in qualifying zone projects that improve properties and build tax base.
• $5 million for a Rural Workforce Housing Program as recommended by regional planning councils to increase workforce housing options through the reuse of blighted infrastructure with private sector collaboration. Grants would be used to acquire and transform land into market-ready parcels.
• $5 million for Local Parks and Recreation Grants, building off the success of the existing Park District Facility Renovation Grant and expanding it to make counties and tribal partners also eligible for the matching grants.
• $800,000 to expand the Partners in Planning and Vibrancy Grants.

In addition to the proposals, Burgum provided a comprehensive overview on the positive impacts of the Main Street Initiative on North Dakota’s communities and residents, including Partners in Planning grants awarded to 20 communities to help them craft plans to attract workforce, create community spaces and develop recreational options. In 2022 alone, the Governor’s Office and Department of Commerce have traveled to 25 communities to learn about their challenges and share resources available through state and federal partners.

“The Main Street Initiative has been instrumental in creating vibrant communities that will advance the state’s ability to attract and retain a talented workforce,” Burgum said. “From utilizing existing infrastructure for multi-use developments to creating public spaces for art, events and gatherings, the influence of the Main Street Initiative and the dedication of its team can be seen across the state in communities large and small.”

Gov. Burgum and Lt. Gov. Sanford presented the 2022 Governor's Main Street Awards recipient, which can be found here.

Burgum also announced the Placemaking Planning Grant recipients, which are listed here.

Nearly 900 community leaders, business owners, city planners, economic development officials and others registered for the two-day interactive summit. This year’s theme, “Inspiring Community-Driven Workforce,” addressed the importance of community vibrancy for all generations by highlighting how community assets are critical to economic resiliency and workforce attraction and retention across North Dakota.

The summit serves as a forum for information on the community planning principles behind the pillars of Burgum’s Main Street Initiative: a 21st century workforce; smart, efficient infrastructure; healthy, vibrant communities; and economic diversification. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from a variety of renowned keynote speakers and partake in engaging breakout sessions that provide the tools and resources to support community volunteers, local champions, business owners and elected leaders at both the local and state level as they work together to create unique communities to attract a talented workforce.

First Lady highlights North Dakota's work on mental health in Dickinson, Williston

This week North Dakota First Lady Kathryn Burgum discussed mental health, recovery and eliminating the shame and stigma around the disease of addiction at two separate events in western North Dakota.

The first lady spoke at Dickinson State University on Wednesday and followed with a Q&A session allowing addiction studies students to ask questions.

On Thursday, the First Lady spoke at the Women in Leadership Expo in Williston, highlighting addiction as one of the state's biggest challenges. Following the event, the first lady and Gov. Burgum visited the Eckert Youth Home.

The first lady's initiative, Recovery Reinvented, is hosting its annual event on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Registration for the free event is open at the link below.

Register for Recovery Reinvented

Burgum congratulates 36 Middle School teams registered for ND Cyber Madness tournament

Gov. Burgum congratulated the middle school teams signed up to participate in the ND Middle School Cyber Madness tournament. Thirty-six teams from 16 middle schools across North Dakota have registered for the first-ever ND Middle School cybersecurity tournament, which took place Friday, Oct. 28. This first round occurred virtually. The 10 teams moving forward will compete in-person at the final's competition on Nov. 18. Five finalists from the east will compete from Grand Forks and five finalists from the west will compete from Minot, with all 10 teams vying for the statewide crown.

The ND Middle School Cyber Madness tournament is a friendly competition to get students involved in cybersecurity. With almost a zero percent unemployment rate, jobs in cybersecurity are promising for ND students.

“This inaugural middle school tournament will help these students expand and apply their knowledge in this fast-growing career field and prepare them for a 21st century workforce in which cybersecurity skills are highly valued across all businesses and industries,” Burgum said. “Best of luck to all 36 teams!”

State Chief Information Officer Shawn Riley also announced the upcoming second annual North Dakota Cyber Madness High School tournament. This event is a three-round competition designed for, and open to, all North Dakota high school students, including public, private, tribal and homeschool students who reside in North Dakota.

All high schools are encouraged to form teams of up to five students and a coach. The coach can register the team for the event at the link below.

High School Cyber Madness

Governor, First Lady to welcome Halloween trick-or-treaters Monday at Governor’s Residence

Gov. Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum will welcome Halloween trick-or-treaters on Monday at the Governor’s Residence, continuing a long-standing tradition.

Children and accompanying adults are invited to come to the east entrance of the residence between 4:30 and 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. Parking is available in the Capitol mall loop. The residence is in the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck.

The North Dakota National Guard and Department of Emergency Services will have equipment on site to provide an interactive experience for children.

Join us for Recovery Reinvented on Nov. 3 in Grand Forks

Gov. Burgum and First Lady Kathryn invite the public to join the sixth annual Recovery Reinvented on Nov. 3 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

This year’s event is focused on “Turning Advocacy into Action” and features an amazing lineup of speakers.

Registration for the free event is available at www.recoveryreinvented.com or at the link below.

Register Today!

Click Here for more information.