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July 2023 Economy at a Glance

The July Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: McKenzie County’s May 2023 labor force was 9,780; in May 2022 it was 8,839. Alexander’s city sales tax distributions for June 2023 was $51,164; in June 2022 it was $24,460. The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in June 2023 was […]

North Dakota leads nation in growth of earnings and real GDP

Recent data taken from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows North Dakota’s exceptional performance in terms of earnings and gross domestic product (GDP) growth. According to the BEA estimates, North Dakota achieved the highest growth in real GDP among all 50 states in the first quarter of 2023, experiencing a surge of 12.4% […]

Nationally-known social media influencer in Watford City

Blair Wheeler, a social media influencer from South Carolina, traveled to Watford City in June and highlighted many areas of the town and surrounding areas through his social media. Wheeler is a golfer, marketer, amateur photographer, husband, and adventurer who has been using social media to document his golf experiences all over the country. His […]

The Bakken Area Skills Center beam rising event

The Bakken Area Skills Center held their beam signing and rising event in late June where CTE students from Watford City High School had the opportunity to sign their names on the beam as a time capsule for future generations! Financial partner logos were also added to the beam for all their contributions in making […]

Taxable sales and purchases at all time high

Taxable sales and purchases for McKenzie County in 2023 Q1 is the highest it has been for quarter 1 since at least 2017. The amount increased from $56.5 million in 2022 Q1 to $76.7 million in 2023 Q1 – a 36% increase.

Ribfest 2023

Thousands of attendees, music, ribs, and other food vendors, inflatables, a cornhole tournament, and more will be coming to Watford City’s Main Street on Friday, August 11 for Best of the West Ribfest! Click here for the schedule.

Young Professionals of McKenzie County to kickoff in September 2023

Are you a young, ambitious individual looking to take your career and social connections to new heights? Look no further than McKenzie County’s vibrant and dynamic Young Professionals organization! Committed to cultivating a thriving community of talented individuals, this organization is designed to help you unlock your full potential and achieve remarkable success. By joining […]

$1.3 million expansion & upgrade to the Good Shepherd Home

Good Shepherd Home in Watford City is set to undergo a $1.3 million expansion and upgrade project, thanks to the contributions of approximately 190 individuals and businesses. The project includes expanding and renovating the chapel, creating an adjacent courtyard, and implementing a greenhouse. The capital campaign started in September 2021 and reached it’s goal in […]

Destination Development Grant Program

The Destination Development Grant Program, a funding initiative aimed at supporting tourism development in North Dakota, will be accepting applications starting on July 3, 2023. The program provides grants of up to $5 million for the 2023-2025 biennium to facilitate the creation of new or expanded tourism experiences and attractions. This expansion of tourism will […]

New housing program approved

The McKenzie County JDA Home Builder Construction Loan Participation Program has been approved with $4.5 million in revolving loan funds provided by the McKenzie County Commission. The purpose of the program is to incentivize builders to build 3-6 houses at a reduced construction loan interest rate. Builders will work with their local lender, and the […]