The City of Bismarck is updating its Strategic Plan. We've identified six specific focus groups that we’ll be meeting with and asking opinions of throughout the process. The first meeting of each group is next week, and the public is invited.

The existing plan, has served Bismarck well, and its stated objectives have either been accomplished, thoughtfully redesigned, or in a small number of cases, intentionally set aside as they were no longer considered relevant.

This strategic planning process will completely update the City’s strategic plan, with a focus on the future, informed by Bismarck’s rich history. Together we will cast a vision for the community, document guiding principles, articulate a handful of strategic focus areas and finally, develop the specific strategies and goals to help direct resources to continually advance the vision. The resulting strategic plan is envisioned as a means to progress the community toward its vision.

Bismarck residents are invested in their community and we'd love to hear more about what they think. Here’s an opportunity for community stakeholders to take part.

Community Stakeholder Focus Group Sessions will take place a follows:

Government Jurisdictions July 31   9:30 AM
Health Care  July 31 11:00 AM
Education  July 31   1:00 PM
Arts, Culture and Community  July 31   2:30 PM
Business  July 31   4:00 PM
Social Services  Aug.  1 10:00 AM

For Bismarck residents involved in any of these areas within Bismarck, we'd love to get their ideas about how to make Bismarck better.

For Bismarck residents who are interested, but not currently involved in one of these groups, you’re invited to come to the Arts, Culture and Community session on Tues., July 31, at 2:30 P.M.

All focus group sessions will be held in the Prairie Rose Room #101, upper level of the Exhibit Hall. Enter through door E42, west side of the Bismarck Event Center, 315 S 5th St., Bismarck.

There will be several other opportunities to provide your opinion as well, including a town hall meeting, an online survey, and at events throughout the next several months. For those that can’t make it next week, please send an email to: Bismarck@jdgraygroup.com for future updates.