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Year in Review

Feb. 19, 2025

A Year of Success with Find the Good Life

Key Highlights:

✔ 2,200+ inquiries to the relocation help desk
✔ 745 resumes collected
✔ 629 individuals connected with local champions
✔ 44 successful relocations to North Dakota

FTGL Marketplace Launched (May 2024):

A sourcing platform that connects North Dakota employers with top talent interested in relocating to the state.

✔ 64 employers now using the platform
✔ 800+ prospects engaged at events & military hiring activations
✔ 7 prospects introduced to Grand Forks; 1 relocated, 3 more on track for 2025

Looking Ahead:

We’re excited to continue expanding our pipeline through more events, stronger partnerships with the Office of Legal Immigration, and deeper collaboration with North Dakota employers. 

NEW Statewide Workforce Coordination Dashboard

A powerful new tool designed to streamline workforce program access and collaboration. This dashboard allows users to:

• Search all state agency-provided workforce programs, from grants to direct services
• Filter by agency, population served, implementation type, and workforce theme
• Help legislators reduce duplicative mandates and improve public utilization
• Identify new partnership opportunities across agencies

Expanding Opportunities, Skills, and Community Impact

Tech Skills Training Grant Sees Major Growth in 2024

The biggest achievement for 2024 was almost doubling project funding compared to previous years, supporting 30+ companies.

Operation Intern Expands to Meet Workforce Demand

With increased funding, the program doubled company participation, allowing 224 interns to gain hands-on experience.

AmeriCorps Strengthens North Dakota Communities

Over 1.8 million hours of service provided by 200+ members, improving education, public health, and local workforce skills.

RWIP Drives Workforce Growth

The Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) invested $11.6 million in 48 projects, impacting 322 workers and creating 1,192 new childcare slots to support workforce retention.

The Office of Legal Immigration (OLI)

First Annual Global Talent Summit – August 2024

This groundbreaking summit focused on attracting and retaining global talent to drive economic growth within the state.

North Dakota’s first-ever Global Talent Summit brought together government leaders, industry experts, and immigration specialists to discuss the critical role of foreign-born talent in workforce growth.

Key Highlights:

✔ State leaders reaffirmed North Dakota’s commitment to attracting global talent.

✔ Discussions covered visa pathways, recruitment strategies, and workforce integration.

In The News

The North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration is making waves at both the state and federal level, earning recognition for its innovative approach to workforce development. 

Key Highlights:

✔ National Recognition: Their efforts have captured attention across the country, setting a precedent for workforce solutions.

✔ 31+ Million Editorial Reach: Featured in top publications such as:

• Bloomberg
• Les Echos
• The Denver Gazette
• Colorado Springs Gazette
• The Grand Forks Herald

✔ Upcoming Features: North Dakota’s impact continues to grow, with forthcoming coverage in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

✔ Setting the Standard: Named a “Best Practice Office” by U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services, North Dakota is shaping national policy and influencing workforce development strategies.

✔ A Model for Others: States across the country are looking to replicate North Dakota’s success in leveraging legal immigration to address workforce needs.

North Dakota Department of Commerce

1600 E. Century Ave., Suite 6
Bismarck, ND 58503 | 701.328.5300
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