Bismarck and Mandan officials and the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC announced a regional effort to make newcomers feel welcome, according to a City of Bismarck announcement posted May 1, 2025. The campaign, called “Bismarck-Mandan: Where Home is More than Hello,” encourages residents to help newcomers feel at home in the two communities, the announcement said.
The announcement said the area’s population grows by about 1,000 people a year. It identified newcomers as including students, people retiring from rural North Dakota, temporary health care workers, employees recruited by local businesses and legal immigrants. It also said two-thirds of University of Mary students come from out of state.
As part of the effort, the Chamber EDC’s Make Your Mark Bismarck-Mandan website is creating a free directory where clubs, nonprofits and interest groups can register so residents and newcomers can find them, the announcement said. Groups can submit information through the Club and Committee Submission Form, accessed from the site’s menu. The announcement also encouraged residents to join the Bismarck Mandan Make Your Mark Facebook group to share stories of connection and learn about local events.
Businesses can display campaign window materials available from either city office or the Chamber EDC, according to the announcement. Local businesses and organizations can request a 15-minute presentation or window clings by calling the Chamber EDC at 701-223-5660 or emailing the organization; the announcement did not provide an email address.
