Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz is issuing a challenge to Bismarck third and seventh graders to find ways to improve Bismarck through the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) annual “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.

Each spring the NDLC hosts the essay contest for public, private and homeschooled students. Essays must be the student’s original work and are limited to one page, with one entry per student allowed. Originality and creativity will be considered when determining the winner for each grade in this statewide competition.

Essays must answer three questions: 

• Why is your city great? 
• What makes it special? 
• What would you do to improve your city if you were mayor? 

“Bismarck offers individuals and families an incredible quality of life—something we hear time and again from residents, visitors, and new families who choose to call our community home,” said Schmitz. “Yet, there is always more we can achieve and more opportunities ahead. This contest invites students to imagine what’s possible, to think creatively about public service and leadership, and to see how their ideas can shape the future of our city.”

Students may submit essays individually or through their classroom teacher. Submissions may be uploaded, emailed or mailed with a postmark by March 13, 2026. An online form is available to upload submissions.  Submissions may be emailed or mailed to NDLC, 410 E Front Ave., Bismarck, ND 58504. Emailed and mailed submissions must include a completed form available for download at the NDLC site.

Essay winners will be announced during City Government Week (April 6-10, 2026).  Each winner will receive a $150 prize from NDLC and the winning essays are published in NDLC’s CITYScan magazine.