Additional Funding Approved for Down Payment Assistance Program

The McKenzie County Commission has approved adding an additional $2 million in funding towards the JDA Housing Down Payment Assistance Program. Since launching in February 2025, 79 homes have become a part of the program. The program provides up to $40,000 in down payment assistance towards the purchase of a newly-constructed house, and up to $15,000 towards the purchase of an existing house. See webpage for complete details and application.

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July 2025 Economy at a Glance

The July 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • YTD City of Watford City sales tax distributions were $2,858,396, for the same period last year they were $2,347,967.
  • YTD Rough Rider Center visits for this year are 119,700, while for the same time period last year they were 111,200.
  • Apartment occupancy rate for Brookledge remains high at 94%.

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City of Watford City Embarks on Official City Branding Initiative

Watford City is excited to announce the launch of a new official city branding project, a significant step towards shaping the city’s future identity. This initiative aims to develop a strong, cohesive brand that reflects the spirit and evolution of Watford City, a place that has seen remarkable transformation over the past two decades. The project’s goal is to create a brand that not only represents city government but also fosters a deeper sense of community among residents.

To lead this important effort, The City of Watford City is partnering with The Good Kids, a renowned brand agency based in Bismarck, ND. The Good Kids are known for work on statewide projects, such as The North Dakota Tourism icon project, and local brands such as The Merc at Long X and The Living in McKenzie County magazine and podcast.

Together, representatives from the city and The Good Kids will embark on a comprehensive process to craft a brand guide that captures the essence of this vibrant community. This guide will serve as a foundational tool, ensuring consistency and clarity in all official communications and initiatives as the official City of Watford City “logo”, while helping to articulate what makes Watford City a unique and desirable place to live, work, and visit.

A crucial component of this project is community engagement. Before any creative development begins, there will be a community engagement survey to gather feedback directly from residents. Your insights are invaluable in helping your city government understand what makes Watford City special to you, what you envision for its future, and what elements should be represented in our new brand. This is an opportunity for every resident to contribute to the narrative of our city. Watford City has changed dramatically since its current logo and brand were established. This new branding project is an opportunity to honor the past while embracing the present and future.

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June 2025 Economy at a Glance

The June 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • YTD Occupancy Tax is $81,642, for the same period last year it was $70,258
  • YTD Rough Rider Center visits is 105,300, the same period last year was 101,800
  • McKenzie County’s labor force for April 2025 was 8,193, for April 2024 it was 7,958.

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May 2025 Economy at a Glance

The May 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • Watford City’s city sales tax distribution in April 2025 was $339,504; in April 2024 it was $262,643.
  • The McKenzie County Landfill’s daily average in April 2025 was 105.8 tons; in April 2025 it was 83.3 tons.
  • The number of permits issued in Watford City in April 2025 was 40 permits; in April 2024 it was 28 permits.

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JDA Interest Buy Down Program Launched

The McKenzie County Job Development Authority (JDA) is offering an interest buydown loan program designed to help diversify the local economy and grow the tax base for public benefit. This funding serves as a required local match for Bank of North Dakota’s (BND) Flex PACE and PACE programs and is available to eligible businesses operating within McKenzie County.

To qualify, applicants must have a lead lender committed to applying through BND’s Flex PACE or PACE programs, complete an initial review with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and submit a completed application. Projects within Watford City limits or its extraterritorial area must instead utilize the Rough Rider Fund.

To learn more or apply, contact Meghan Taunton at 701-444-8856 or visit here.

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April 2025 Economy at a Glance

The April 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • McKenzie County’s LoadPass permits in March 2025 was 3,024 permits; in March 2024 it was 2,937 permits.
  • The number of births in McKenzie County in 2024 was 263 births; in 2023 it was 247 births.
  • Watford City’s total Taxable Sales & Purchases in Q4 of 2024 was $73,064,333; in Q4 of 2023 it was $70,956,404.

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VA ATLAS Telehealth Program expands to McKenzie County

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Advancing Telehealth through Local Access Stations (ATLAS) program is bringing a new, innovative healthcare experience to McKenzie County. Designed to improve access for Veterans in rural areas, ATLAS provides private, high-tech telehealth pods where Veterans can connect with VA providers through secure videoconferencing.

These stations offer a comfortable and convenient alternative to long travel times or unreliable internet connections at home. Upon arrival, Veterans are greeted by an on-site attendant for check-in and basic technical assistance before their virtual appointment begins. However, attendants do not stay for the session or have access to any medical information.

Each ATLAS site is linked to a VA Medical Center (VAMC), which determines the clinical services available—ranging from primary care and mental health to specialty services. This initiative ensures that Veterans in McKenzie County can receive high-quality VA care closer to home.

Appointments can be scheduled through the VA office to use the ATLAS POD for telehealth, where Post Commander (Jesse Johnson) and an ATLAS attendant will be notified of the appointment to ensure everything is okay with the veteran. Learn more here.

Photo taken from Connected Care website
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March Economy at a Glance

The March 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • Watford City’s occupancy tax distribution in February 2025 was $24,734; in February 2024 it was $14,335.
  • Watford City’s city sales tax distribution in January-February 2025 was $998,933; in January-February 2024 it was $823,901.
  • Alexander’s city sales tax distribution in January-February 2025 was $189,792; in January-February 2024 it was $170,291.

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‘Living in McKenzie County’ podcast releases new episodes (S1, Ep. 7, 8 & 9)

In Season 1, Episode 7 of Living in McKenzie County, titled “Cooperative Work Experience”, host Daniel Stenberg explores the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program, which helps high school seniors gain career readiness through hands-on internships. The episode features Watford City high school and CWE students Aidan Pelton, Addison George and Kollin Klang, along with Jill Leach, the work-based learning coordinator. They discuss how CWE bridges educational goals with real-world experiences, allowing students to explore career paths early. The program benefits both students—by refining career aspirations—and local businesses, which gain fresh talent and help nurture future community leaders. The episode emphasizes the mutual advantages of CWE for students and employers.

In Season 1, Episode 8 of Living in McKenzie County, titled “Wintering Well”, the podcast explores how to find positivity and purpose during winter. Hosted by Daniel Stenberg and featuring Nick Ybarra, Bekah Engebretson and Calli Thorne, the episode highlights different approaches to embracing the season. Nick shares how he stays active by maintaining the Maah Dah Hey Trail and finding adventure in the cold. Bekah views winter as a time for rest, reflection and community connection, while Calli emphasizes mental well-being and staying positive through activity and support networks. The episode encourages listeners to see winter as a season of growth and opportunity.

In Season 1, Episode 9 of Living in McKenzie County, titled “Building a People Pipeline”, listeners learn how Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) programs help develop the local workforce by connecting students with career opportunities early on. Hosted by Vawnita Best and featuring insights from Nikki Darrington, Chelsea Bulzomi and Susan Granrud, the episode highlights the importance of starting career exploration in middle school and the value of job shadowing. The discussion emphasizes how CWE programs benefit students by aligning education with career goals while helping local businesses build a skilled workforce. The episode encourages collaboration among employers, parents, and educators to support the next generation’s success.

You can watch Episode 7, 8 and 9 here. For all episodes and more information on the Living in McKenzie County podcast, visit the McKenzie County Economic Development website.

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Get in Touch

Meghan Taunton
McKenzie County Economic Development
100 2nd Ave SW, Suite A
Watford City, ND 58854
701-444-8856
mtaunton@co.mckenzie.nd.us

Stay in Touch