‘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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2024 Oil & Tax Revenue Study highlights economic impact in ND

Oil and gas taxes have been a vital part of North Dakota’s economy, contributing over 50% of local tax collections over the past decade. According to the latest Oil and Gas Tax Revenue Study, these funds support essential services such as infrastructure, education, public safety and tax relief.

Produced by the Western Dakota Energy Association and the North Dakota Petroleum Council, the study examines tax collections from 2008 to 2024 and explores how revenues from the Extraction and Gross Production Tax are distributed to enhance the state’s quality of life.

Key findings include:

  • Over $32 billion in financial support since 2008
  • Approximately $6 billion in tax revenues for fiscal years 2023 and 2024
  • A cumulative Legacy Fund balance of $8.9 billion as of December 2024

To view the complete study, click here.

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February 2025 Economy at a Glance

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

  • Online job openings for McKenzie County in December 2024 was 246 openings; in December 2023 it was 192 openings.
  • Watford City’s city sales tax distribution in January 2025 was $513,536; in January 2024 it was $330,483.
  • Alexander’s city sales tax distribution in January 2025 was $100,906; in January 2023 it was $71,098.

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McKenzie Health 2024 Annual Report

McKenzie Health’s 2024 Annual Report highlights significant growth, service expansions and facility improvements aimed at enhancing patient care. The hospital welcomed new specialists in multiple fields, relocated urgent care to its main campus for expanded access and introduced a sports medicine program to support local athletics. Efforts to reduce patient transfers have been successful, reinforced by an upgraded Level 4 trauma designation.

In 2024, the hospital also delivered 99 babies, maintaining essential obstetric services and top-of-the-line gynecological procedures. Facility developments include expanding services at the Williston Health Center, acquiring space for an upcoming oncology and infusion center, and planning a hemodialysis clinic. Remodeling projects have improved assisted living and long-term care facilities, while strong donor support has funded key enhancements like a chapel expansion and a year-round greenhouse. Financial performance remains strong, despite challenges such as staffing shortages and housing constraints. Looking ahead, McKenzie Health remains committed to investing in workforce development, facility upgrades and technology to provide high-quality care.

Read McKenzie Health’s full 2024 Annual Report here.

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JDA Housing Down Payment Assistance Program

On February 18, the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners approved the launch of the Job Development Authority (JDA) Housing Down Payment Assistance Program. The purpose of this down payment assistance program is to encourage the construction and purchase of single-family homes in McKenzie County by providing down payment financial assistance to homebuyers in McKenzie County who will make the purchased home their primary residence for at least five years. The Board of County Commissioners allocated $2 million towards the program.

Learn more and apply for the program here, or contact Daniel Stenberg at 701-444-8856.

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Williston State College to offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs

Williston State College (WSC) has partnered with Dickinson State University and Mayville State University to offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs directly on WSC’s campus. This collaboration allows students to earn degrees in fields like secondary education, business and social sciences without relocating, addressing workforce needs in western North Dakota.

Through the new Memorandums of Understanding, WSC students can transition seamlessly into these programs, providing an affordable and local path to higher education. The initiative reflects WSC’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students and supporting the region’s communities.

Read more on this partnership here.

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January 2025 Economy at a Glance

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

  • McKenzie County’s landfill daily averages in 2024 was 994.8 tons; in 2023 it was 945.8 tons.
  • McKenzie County’s LoadPass Permits in 2024 was 31,600 permits; in 2023 it was 29,499 permits.
  • The Theodore Roosevelt National Park had approximately 67,900 visits in 2024; in 2023 it had approximately 60,800 visits.

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Rural-focused documentary series My Town to feature Watford City

The rural-focused documentary series My Town, created by Emmy-winning documentarian Cory Hepola, will feature Watford City, ND, in its upcoming second season. The series explores the stories behind why people choose to live in small towns, highlighting opportunity, innovation and a strong sense of community. Hepola describes Watford City as a place where “independent spirit combines with community pride.” The episode will showcase its world-class schools, state-of-the-art healthcare system, public amenities and breathtaking landscapes. Watford City’s rich history, including ties to Theodore Roosevelt, adds to its appeal as a thriving example of modern rural living.

My Town debuted in 2024 and quickly gained acclaim for shedding light on the positive realities of rural life, amassing nearly one million impressions and thousands of hours of watch time online. In Season 2, Hepola expands his journey to eight communities across five states, including Watford City, to share stories that challenge misconceptions about rural America.

Produced in partnership with The Brookshire Company, the series continues to advocate for rural communities by showcasing their unique strengths and opportunities. Episodes are available to stream for free on YouTube.

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Region 1 projected to have highest employee growth in North Dakota

The North Dakota Labor Market Information Center has published statewide and regional employment projections through 2033, analyzing over 100 industries and 700 occupations. The report provides detailed insights into job growth, industry trends, workforce exits, occupation transfers, average wages and required entry-level education. Offering a ten-year outlook, these projections help stakeholders understand labor demand across the economy. Additional information on these projections is available here.

According to the report, Region 1, where McKenzie County is located, had an estimated 41,637 employees in 2023 with an average wage of $87,496. By 2033, Region 1’s employment is projected to grow to 47,193, marking a 13.34% increase. This percentage increase is the highest among all regions in North Dakota, highlighting Region 1 as a leader in job growth and economic expansion.

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Growth of North Dakota and McKenzie County

North Dakota’s population reached a record 796,568 as of July 1, 2024, marking the largest increase since 2020, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This represents a growth of 17,474 residents since the 2020 census and 12,642 more than the 2023 estimate.

Governor Kelly Armstrong attributed the growth to the state’s job opportunities, low taxes, strong education and healthcare systems and quality of life, including outdoor recreation. Armstrong emphasized plans to work with the legislature on property tax reforms to support continued growth.

In the oil-producing region of North Dakota, Williams County (Williston) and McKenzie County (Watford City) saw the highest growth rates, with increases of 3.7% and 3.5% (McKenzie County gained 500 residents), respectively.

North Dakota has grown by over 18.4% since 2010, ranking among the nation’s fastest-growing states. Read more on this growth here.

Graphic taken from ND Governor's website
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Get in Touch

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

Stay in Touch

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