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 Cauy Hartel at 701-444-8855 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:
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.
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:
To view the complete study, click here.
The February 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
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.
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 Cauy Hartel at 701-444-8855.
