Bismarck, N.D. – The City of Bismarck’s City Commission approved ballot language for a proposed Home Rule Charter amendment that would extend the city’s existing half-cent sales tax dedicated to roadway projects.
If approved by voters, the amendment would allow the city to continue collecting the tax through December 31, 2038. The funding would be used for the construction and reconstruction of roadways included in a defined project list approved by voters.
City Engineer Gabe Schell said public input was gathered in December 2025 and January 2026, with the project list finalized during the first two months of 2026.
Schell explained that the sales tax has helped reduce the need for special assessments on property owners, particularly in high-traffic areas.
“What’s been important to remember for many of the businesses and residents along these corridors is that this half-cent sales tax has kept us from needing to use special assessments in instances where the costs would have been substantial,” Schell said. “Especially in areas that are traveled by large numbers of people, this mechanism helps distribute that cost more evenly, rather than placing it on a small number of property owners.”
Bismarck voters initially approved the half-cent sales tax in November 2018. The tax generates approximately $10 million annually and is currently set to expire in early 2029.
Through 2025, about $68 million in sales tax revenue, along with $18.5 million in federal and state funding, has been invested in roadway improvements across the city.
These investments have supported the construction of 23 lane miles of concrete pavement and 26,000 tons of asphalt, as well as the installation of four roundabouts and four traffic signals. Projects have also included 10 miles of sidewalks and trails and the planting of more than 1,000 trees along public rights of way.
