Governor Doug Burgum presented his final executive budget to the 69th Legislative Assembly, outlining a $95 million package aimed at improving housing affordability, accessibility, and stability for the 2025-27 biennium. The proposal also includes $54 million for workforce-related initiatives, such as child care support, to address North Dakota’s ongoing workforce shortage—all without introducing new taxes.
Burgum delivered his address during the Legislature’s organizational session, emphasizing a “strategy-driven budget” to tackle the state’s top barrier to economic growth: workforce challenges. Lawmakers are set to reconvene for their regular session on January 7.
“Our budget invests in key areas like housing, infrastructure, child care, education, research, and economic development to ensure continued progress in growing and diversifying North Dakota’s economy,” Burgum said.
The proposed budget increases the general fund from $6.1 billion to $6.5 billion, remaining $343 million below the record set during the 2013-15 biennium. The total budget, including federal and special funds, stands at $19.6 billion, a slight decrease from the current biennium.
Burgum highlighted the state’s robust financial position, with revenues for the current biennium exceeding forecasts by 11%, or $392 million. Reserve funds remain fully replenished, and North Dakota’s assets under management have doubled to $32.6 billion since 2017.
“This is a time of abundance in North Dakota,” Burgum stated. “As you convene, you face perhaps the greatest opportunities ever presented to any legislative assembly in our 135-year history.”
North Dakota has experienced significant growth, with a record population estimate in 2023 and the highest net in-migration rate among all U.S. states, according to ConsumerAffairs. The state’s labor force has grown by 9,200 workers since 2017, while unemployment has dropped by 49.3%. With a labor force participation rate of 68.8%—the highest in the nation—and the third-lowest unemployment rate, Burgum emphasized that continued investment is needed to sustain this momentum.
The budget includes:
- $95 million for housing programs to enhance availability and affordability.
- $19 million for child care, building on the historic $66 million package approved last session.
- $22.5 million for the Regional Workforce Impact Program, which has already funded 111 projects, including 54 child care initiatives.
- Continued support for the Find the Good Life workforce attraction campaign.
The plan also includes increased investments in behavioral health, education, economic development, tourism, and critical infrastructure such as roads, water projects, airports, and correctional facilities. Funding is proposed for the construction of the Missouri River Correctional Center and completion of the Heart River Women’s Transformational Center in Mandan.
This marks Burgum’s tenth address to a joint legislative session and his final as governor, with his term concluding on December 14. Reflecting on the progress made during his tenure, Burgum expressed confidence in the state’s trajectory and optimism for North Dakota’s future.
“People are moving here for our abundant opportunities, low cost of living, and high quality of life,” Burgum said. “Together, we have built a foundation for continued growth and success.”
