The August 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
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.
The July 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
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.
The June 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
The May 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
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.
The April 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
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
The March 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
