In 2016, the City of Bismarck began working on evaluating various funding options for eliminating street maintenance special assessments. Through the process of organizing an Infrastructure and Special Assessment Task Force a sustainable financial and long-term plan for street, water and sewer projects was developed. Task Force member input supported the creation of a monthly street utility fee.  

While working with the Task Forces, it was noted that the North Dakota Century Code does not provide the City the authority to collect a street utility fee for payment of street maintenance projects. Local legislators sponsored House Bill 1474, which was introduced and resulted in the creation of a study, assigned to the 2019-2020 Interim Taxation Committee.

As a result of the study, the City issued an RFP for Street Utility consulting services. AE2S Nexus was selected to develop the framework and the strategies to replace the street maintenance special assessment revenue. On Jan.12, 2021, the City Commission approved the AE2S Nexus' Utility presentation and report. This was a leap in identifying the framework for the fee and the beginning steps towards collaborating with the Legislature on the project.

For more information about the project view the Street Utility Framework Report and the AE2S presentation: Street Utility Framework and Outreach.