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North Dakota is taking a significant step toward streamlining workforce services with the creation of a new, unified workforce agency. Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced the restructuring during the 2026 Governor's Workforce Summit in Bismarck, naming Katie Ralston Howe, Commerce's deputy commissioner and Workforce Development Division director, as the state's first workforce commissioner.
The new structure brings together workforce-related programs and services currently spread across multiple state agencies, including Commerce's Workforce Development Division, Job Service North Dakota, Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The goal is to create a more coordinated system that better serves North Dakota workers, employers and communities while improving efficiency and reducing duplication.
A key component of the initiative is the newly launched ndwin.gov website, which serves as a central access point for workforce programs and services, making it easier for individuals and employers to find the resources they need. The restructuring also emphasizes strengthening talent pipelines, addressing workforce skill gaps and expanding apprenticeship opportunities across the state.
Armstrong plans to seek legislative approval to formally establish the Department of Workforce Development during the 2027 legislative session. If approved, the new agency would officially take effect July 1, 2027, bringing approximately 300 existing staff members under one coordinated structure.
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Commerce joined economic development professionals and community leaders in Williston for the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) Fall Conference, held Oct. 6-8. The annual event brought together partners from across the state to share ideas, discuss emerging opportunities and explore strategies to strengthen North Dakota's economy.
Commerce also hosted Developer Day on Oct. 6 in conjunction with the conference, providing an opportunity for economic development professionals to connect with the Economic Development & Finance team, learn about available programs and resources and discuss ways Commerce can support business growth and community development.
Throughout the events, Commerce team members engaged with partners on economic development priorities, community needs and opportunities for collaboration. These conversations help strengthen relationships with local and regional partners and ensure Commerce remains connected to the communities and businesses it serves.
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Nearly 120 tourism professionals gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora on Oct. 15 for the annual North Dakota Travel Industry Marketing Summit. Hosted by Commerce's Tourism and Marketing Division, the event highlighted tourism growth, industry trends and the state's 2027 marketing strategy.
North Dakota tourism continues to gain momentum, with year-to-date visitor spending up 12%, visitation increasing nearly 4% and visits to Theodore Roosevelt National Park rising more than 10%. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library also welcomed 100,000 visitors in its first two months. State tourism marketing efforts have contributed to this growth, generating $4 million in hotel bookings and an estimated $379 million in incremental visitor spending.
Looking ahead, the Tourism and Marketing team unveiled plans to expand regional marketing, introduce new cooperative advertising opportunities and highlight lesser-known attractions, winter travel and multi-day experiences. Attendees also gained insights into emerging trends in AI search and visitor engagement, helping tourism partners adapt to an evolving travel industry.
The summit concluded with opportunities to explore the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, giving attendees a firsthand look at one of the state's newest tourism attractions.
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For 50 years, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has helped North Dakota households improve energy efficiency, reduce utility costs and create safer, more comfortable living environments. Since 1976, the program has supported families across the state while creating jobs and investing in local communities.
Administered through Commerce in partnership with Community Action agencies, the program provides energy-saving improvements such as insulation, weather stripping, air sealing and furnace repairs or replacements. These services help eligible households reduce energy consumption while addressing important health and safety concerns.
The program's impact continues to be significant. According to 2024 program data reported in 2025, 724 North Dakota homes were weatherized, 1,242 received furnace assistance and 76 received weatherization readiness support totaling $948,152. Readiness assistance helps address necessary home repairs so properties can qualify for weatherization improvements.
Beyond helping homeowners, weatherization also supports North Dakota's economy. Much of the work is completed by local contractors, creating employment opportunities and keeping program investments within communities. Community Action Partnership of North Dakota plays a key role in connecting eligible households with these services.
As the program celebrates its 50th anniversary, its mission remains as important as ever: helping North Dakotans maintain safe, energy-efficient homes while strengthening the communities they call home.
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Commerce team members Kim Schmidt, communications manager; Alicia Jolliffe, creative communications specialist; and Madison J Wanner, communications specialist, represented Commerce and North Dakota Tourism at TBEX in Fargo, a conference bringing together travel bloggers, content creators and tourism industry professionals.
In addition to attending the conference, the team helped transport travel influencers on familiarization (FAM) trips throughout Fargo and the surrounding area before and during the event. These experiences gave visiting creators an opportunity to explore local attractions, connect with tourism partners and discover stories to share with their audiences.
The event provided an opportunity to build relationships with travel content creators and showcase North Dakota as a travel destination to new audiences.
 North Dakota Tourism hosts international media for familiarization trip
North Dakota Tourism recently hosted international media representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Italy and the Nordic region for an eight-day familiarization (FAM) trip Sept. 11-18.
The trip gave travel journalists an opportunity to experience North Dakota firsthand, with stops in 11 communities and a visit to the United Tribes International Powwow. Participants explored the state's attractions, culture and unique experiences while gathering stories to share with international audiences.
FAM trips are an important part of North Dakota Tourism's international marketing efforts, helping increase awareness of the state as a travel destination and inspire future visitation.
UAS Summit
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Jeremy Holloway, Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) administrator for Commerce, has been elected to the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP) Board of Directors, representing Region IV.
In this role, Holloway will represent North Dakota and 10 other states, helping guide the strategic direction of the federal CSBG program. His election recognizes his leadership and commitment to supporting programs that improve the lives of low-income individuals and families.
 2026 Governor's Photo Contest celebrates North Dakota through photography
Gov. Kelly Armstrong, alongside North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts, announced the winners of the 2026 Governor's Photo Contest during a ceremony in Jamestown.
This year's contest drew 742 entries showcasing North Dakota's landscapes, wildlife, communities and unique experiences. For the first time, the contest also featured a video category, giving participants a new way to capture and share what makes North Dakota special.
The annual contest celebrates the creativity of photographers and encourages residents and visitors to explore the beauty and character of the state.
 Commerce connects with industry leaders at BioScience Summit
Commerce participated in the fourth annual BioScience Summit, held Oct. 21-22 in Fargo. The event brought together industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and students to explore biotechnology trends, workforce development, access to capital and career opportunities in bioscience and medical devices.
Rich Garman, director of Economic Development & Finance, delivered remarks, while Commerce team members Guillermo Fregoso and Madison Bodine also attended. The summit provided an opportunity to strengthen industry relationships, connect with innovators and explore partnerships that support the growth of North Dakota's bioscience sector.
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Now Accepting Applications
The Fly-In Grant Program provides up to $25,000 in matching funds for communities to host fly‑in events that connect job seekers with employers and showcase local quality of life. The program will help strengthen statewide workforce efforts by helping communities build meaningful connections with prospective workers and by giving candidates a firsthand look at the opportunities North Dakota offers.
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Travel Industry Conference
April 12 - 14, 2027 | Bismarck Event Center
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North Dakota's Weatherization Assistance Program does more than help households save energy. It also supports local economies by creating jobs and providing opportunities for contractors across the state. Weatherization improvements, including insulation, air sealing and furnace repairs, are completed by contractors in local communities, helping keep program dollars invested right here in North Dakota.
Want to learn more about the program or see if you qualify for assistance?
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DEADLINE TO APPLY: November 3, 2026
We are seeking a full-time Account Budget Specialist II to support financial management, budgeting and federal grant administration. This position plays an important role in monitoring grant expenditures, ensuring compliance and supporting programs that benefit communities across North Dakota. The position offers remote work from anywhere in the state, with approximately 25% in-state travel required.Â
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