Gov. Burgum Releases Housing Recommendations

The governor addressed a crowd in Bismarck, outlining proposals that would be added to his upcoming budget.

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Governor Doug Burgum is aware that housing is becoming an issue within the state of North Dakota.

At a news conference in Bismarck on November 12th, he unveiled a set of recommendations, gathered into 6 separate categories, that he believes will tackle the issue head-on.

These recommendations were compiled by the North Dakota Housing Initiative Advisory Committee, and include goals such as reducing “red tape” and providing financial coaching.

Burgum says it’s vital that the housing situation is addressed, as failure to do so would mean that the state economy would suffer.

“We’re hearing from people that say hey, we gave someone an offer, there’s no income restrictions. It’s a dual career young family. They want to move back to North Dakota,” Burgum said, painting a picture.

“They get a job offer in a community like Bismarck, they come, and they search and search and search and they can’t find a home that fits their budget so they end up declining the job.”

The committee’s recommendations add up to $96 million in investments.

They will be submitted to the legislative assembly in December as part of the governor’s budget proposal.