“The book of Minot is still being written and we must recognize that we have an awesome responsibility to be authors of that next chapter,” he said. “We are at a critical time in our community’s history, as elected leaders and as residents. It’s up to us to compose the next chapter of Minot’s history.”

Ross turned the podium over briefly to Brekka Kramer, president of the Minot Area Chamber EDC, and Stephanie Schoenrock, executive director for Visit Minot.

Schoenrock announced a state destinations development grant of about $1 million that will be going into downtown Minot. The grant will support Aurora Nights, a pop-up culinary experience featuring unique education and culinary experiences curated by Prairie Sky Breads; Atypical Brewery, with new outdoors features including a winter igloo; and Citizens Alley, a pedestrian plaza with new amenities such as public art and a mobile performance stage.

Visit Minot also has received a letter of intent indicating the Airstream RV Rally will be coming to the state fairgrounds in 2026, bringing more than 3,000 people for a week or more.

Members of the community listen to Visit Minot Executive Director Stephanie Schoenrock, who delivered a piece of the State of the City address in the Minot State University Dome Thursday.

Kramer spoke about MACEDC’s efforts related to the intermodal facility, military support and workforce development.

“We know that it’s a big lift,” she said of addressing a workforce shortage. “We’re willing to try new projects and try new ideas and, frankly, do different things. But it’s going to take all of us working together to really come up with innovative workforce solutions.”

Already, MACEDC has worked with the North Dakota Petroleum Council to support Ukrainian workers in the energy sector. It obtained dollars through the state to assist the proposed downtown career and technical center and Minot Public Schools’ Minot Workforce Academy, she said.

The mayor’s address touched on the State Fair, Norsk Hostfest, Minot Air Force Base, regional healthcare, Minot Park District, the Magic City Discovery Center and Minot State University. He spoke about Minot as a business hub and its efforts on flood protection, Northwest Area Water Supply project and curbside recycling.

Ross also advised against focusing so heavily on the past that there’s no vision for the future.

“We cannot afford to focus on past decisions and whether they were ultimately right or wrong for our community. Has every decision made since Minot’s early days worked out as intended? No. Will some of the decisions made in more recent years fail to deliver the results that everyone predicted? No doubt. But does that mean we stop trying to make Minot a better community? Absolutely not,” he said.

“As a community we must always be willing to take that leap of faith to ensure the future remains vibrant, progressive and prosperous. We must embrace the challenges of change. As our community grows and evolves, so does the need for bigger investments and even a deeper commitment to Minot’s future,” he added.

The Minot Commission on Aging, aided by Quentin Burdick Job Corps students, served 110 meals at the event in showcasing its nutrition program for seniors. The event also included remarks from City Manager Tom Stewart and a 10-minute video presentation that highlighted activities at places such as the airport, police department, Trinity Health and Minot State University.