VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Starting in January of 2025, the North Dakota Legislative Session will more than likely focus on property tax reform, K-12 facilities, use of legacy funds, and housing.

Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation Director of Economic Development Jennifer Feist believes housing should be taken seriously by North Dakota lawmakers during the upcoming session.

Governor Burgum’s office issued a new release earlier that proposed $96 million for housing. Under the proposal, $39 million would go to gap funding for developers to construct single and multi-family housing. Low interest construction loans for entry-level homes and aging-in-place home designs. $23 million for innovation grants to spur additional housing projects in urban and rural areas. Manufactured homes and decrease mortgage rates. $10 million for homelessness (1/3 of all homelessness involves families with children.) And $16 million for eviction prevention resources and housing assistance.

The proposal above is from Governor Burgum’s office, in December Governor-elect Kelly Armstrong will be sworn in as the next Governor and these numbers will more than likely be changed under his proposed budget to North Dakota lawmakers.

Feist also said the Development Corporation is partnering with the North Dakota League of Woman Voters to hold legislative forums in Valley City during the 2025 legislative session. Under the proposal, they would like to hold a legislative forum January 25th, February 22nd, March 22nd, and April 12th in Valley City.

The full interview with Jennifer Feist is below.