Minot project recognized with EDC award
Trending
BISMARCK - Citizens Alley + Downtown Minot Activation Strategy was recognized during the 2026 Mid-America Economic Development Council (Mid-America EDC) Annual Awards, presented Aug. 31-Sept. 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
North Dakota earned four honors this year, recognizing projects that are strengthening communities, creating economic opportunity and advancing innovation across the state, according to the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The annual awards recognize outstanding achievements in economic development across Mid-America EDC's 13-state region.
Citizen's Alley + Downtown Minot Activation Strategy was honored in the Placemaking-Large Population category for transforming underutilized space into a vibrant community asset. The project reflects Minot's commitment to community engagement and creative placemaking.
"Citizen's Alley has become something truly special for downtown Minot, and it's wonderful to see that work receive recognition at a multi-state level," said Minot Area Chamber EDC President/CEO Brekka Kramer. "It speaks to the power of community development and what's possible when people come together around a shared vision."
"Watching Citizens Alley become a place where people gather – from summer concerts to winter ice skating – is proof that even the most overlooked spaces can become places people return to, again and again," said Jessica Ackerman from Aksal Group. "The Destination Development Grant from the ND Department of Commerce helped accelerate this project, and we’re honored to see that partnership recognized by the Mid-America EDC."
Other projects recognized include:
- Overcoming Adversity-Small Population, Rainbow Energy Center, Bismarck, for its response to evolving energy market challenges and work at Coal Creek Station.
- Project of the Year-Small Population, Applied Digital for the data center's economic impact, community investment, partnerships and technological innovation in Ellendale.
- People's Choice Award, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, Medora, for its vision and anticipated long-term economic and cultural impact with the newly opened library. The selection was made by conference attendees.