Efforts continue for vibrant, prosperous McKenzie County

According to data from Job Service North Dakota, our labor force increased by 1,000 over the past year, bringing us within 600 from our all-time labor force record high that was set in 2019 at 10,584. More workers lead to more economic activity and demonstrate the need for more infrastructure projects, which have been going strong over the past decade and continue on into the foreseeable future.

The Bakken Area Skills Center opened its doors in January 2024. The center provides space for high school and post high school students to receive hands-on training in health careers, automation, automotive and building trades.

The McKenzie County Ag Expo will be the site of our county fair June 13-16. The Ag Expo opened last year and provides a 112,000-square-foot facility, outdoor arena, ample parking and camping spots, and has already seen over 33,000 visits. The Expo has quickly become a venue of choice for a wide variety of events. But the Ag Expo isn’t the only event space in town. The Rough Rider Center, which opened in 2016, had its 1,000,000 visit in December 2023. The Rough Rider Center has space for meetings, sporting tournaments, indoor swimming and indoor hockey rinks.

Expansion efforts continue on U.S. Highway 85, with plans to complete construction on the 10-mile stretch of 4-laning between Watford City and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit entrance this year, while planning is underway for the next stretch of roadway to happen in subsequent years.

Regarding childcare, the new Wolf Pup Daycare at Fox Hills is set to open later this year. That facility will have capacity for 180 children. Additionally, the City of Alexander is looking to begin construction on a childcare facility that will have capacity for 70 children.

Economic development efforts include those that add vibrancy to our community so that we retain and attract high quality workforce. Last fall the Long X Arts Foundation and Watford City High School hosted a Cultural Fair with over 500 people attending and representatives from over 20 countries.

We are looking forward to August 27-29, when Governor Burgum will be bringing his Main Street Initiative Summit to our community. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, tours and other unique events spread throughout our community. Each year, the event garners interest from hundreds of individuals looking for ways to see that their communities remain relevant and vibrant.