Business and community leaders took part to share their insight during the 2017 Bismarck Mayor’s Livability Summit on Thursday before an attentive crowd of over 140. Mayor Mike Seminary shared an overview of the Community Livability Survey preliminary data gathered. The survey received 1,240 responses. 

Mayor Seminary said when asked what attracted respondents to Bismarck and what keeps them living here, 74 percent said, "the people." Other responses included being closer to family and career opportunities. Safe neighborhoods, academically successful schools, a stable local economy and recreation opportunities also topped the list. More detail will come at a later date after the responses have been fully analyzed.

Recordings of the Bismarck Mayor's Livability Summit will be aired on Dakota Media Access Government Access TV Channels 2 and 602HD for residents interested in viewing early next week. The  recording may also be viewed on-line early next week by visiting http://dakotamediaaccess.org/special-meetings-videos/.

Included in this link are unedited responses and comments of survey respondents that include demographic information and responses to the six following questions.

•What are some things that make Bismarck a great place to live?
•What are some things that need the most improvement in Bismarck?
•Which land use changes should occur in Bismarck?
•Which changes to the transportation system should occur in Bismarck?
•What attracted you to Bismarck?
•What keeps you in Bismarck?