Bismarck, N.D. – The City of Bismarck, in collaboration with the Downtown Bismarck Community Foundation 501c3 and the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary, has announced the second public “Call for Projects.” This initiative invites community members, partners, and students to submit proposals aimed at enhancing Bismarck’s development, economic growth, talent recruitment and retention, and the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
The first “Call for Projects” was launched in 2019, which resulted in 10 submissions being considered by the city commission. Many of those proposals have either been completed or are currently in progress. Building on the success of the first round, the 2025 initiative aims to continue fostering community-driven ideas and projects.
Proposals will be managed through the city’s economic development partners, who will collect, evaluate, and present the applications to the City Commission for consideration. The application period is expected to last approximately six weeks, ending before the start of the city’s budget process.
Evaluation criteria for submissions include:
– Alignment with community needs
– Entrepreneurial engagement
– Sustainability
– Scalability
– Measurable impact
– Community involvement
– Resource availability
– Innovation and creativity
– Accessibility
– Legal and ethical considerations
– Partnerships and collaboration
While the City of Bismarck is not required to provide funding for the approved projects, it will assess each proposal on a case-by-case basis, determining whether it aligns with the city’s goals. If applicable, $25,000 from the Vision Fund or Special Projects Funds may be allocated to certain projects that meet the necessary criteria. However, the funding would not be ongoing, and projects will be assessed individually for city staff involvement.
Community members interested in submitting proposals are encouraged to act promptly, as the window for applications will soon be closing. This initiative represents an ongoing opportunity for Bismarck’s residents and partners to contribute ideas that can shape the city’s future.
