Katie Ralston Howe

This document outlines the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) State Plan for the North Dakota Department of Commerce. It aims to support community-based anti-poverty programs focused on promoting self-sufficiency, family stability, and community revitalization. Key strategic goals include ensuring timely and complete distribution of CSBG funds to Community Action Agencies, submitting high-quality annual reports, monitoring agency compliance with organizational and fiscal standards, and providing consistent statewide training and technical assistance on program management and data collection.

The 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for the State of North Dakota outlines a strategic framework for housing and community development. It aims to achieve three primary goals: providing decent housing, ensuring a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities. Key priorities include increasing access to affordable rental and homeowner housing, combating homelessness, supporting special needs populations, enhancing local public infrastructure, and promoting economic development. The plan emphasizes maximizing and effectively utilizing available funding resources to address critical needs across the state.

The meeting, held via TEAMS conferencing due to winter weather, included introductions for two new members. Administrative matters included the approval of the Q3 September 11, 2025 minutes. Discussions on Labor Market Information (LMI) updates for November 2025 highlighted the North Dakota unemployment rate at 2.5% and listed the top occupational groups with open jobs. Upcoming job fairs, webinars, and podcasts for early 2026 were reviewed, along with the JSND Labor Demand Survey report. Updates were provided on the Governor's Workforce Summit, emphasizing strong inter-agency relationships, adaptability, and industry-driven strategy. The Workforce Subcabinet review focused on shared data drafts and progress made by three taskforces: Simplify Entry, Data System Integration, and Warm Handoffs, with objectives including creating a new ecosystem landing page and a public-facing dashboard. An update covered the Workforce Pell Grant and required roles for Boards. The structure and timeline for WDC meetings through June 2026 were detailed, noting that Tech Enablement Strategy or System Alignment might become a fifth focus area for Q1 2026.

The meeting included welcoming newly appointed members and a discussion on Governor Armstrong's Department of Governmental Efficiencies (DOGE) plan, focusing on agency efficiencies, funding improvements for state programs, and reducing duplication across state agencies. Commerce Division updates were provided, with discussions on government tariffs, tourism statistics, workforce programs, and economic development. The Foundation will receive a monthly report highlighting economic indicators and community visits. Board members shared updates on topics such as tariff housing, immigration policy, AI impact on jobs, gas pipelines, visa processes, fiber connectivity, apprenticeships, data centers, workforce needs, interest rates, and site readiness. The updated Bylaws of the Economic Development Foundation were approved.