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1. What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A Comprehensive Plan is commonly used in many jurisdictions across the United States as the guiding document for future growth and development of the physical, social, and economic environment of a community. The North Dakota Century Code requires that zoning regulations for a municipality be in compliance with a Comprehensive Plan. Ultimately, it is anticipated the plan will set forth a variety of goals, policies, and recommendations to guide the present and future development of the community. This plan will provide staff with an understanding of the future policy and regulatory changes needed over the next 25 years to align with community existing and anticipated needs. 

Conceptually you might think of a Comprehensive Plan as a roadmap of where the community wants to go in the future. Ordinances like the Cities zoning and subdivision regulations could be considered as the vehicles for how to get to that desired future outcome. 

Elements that will be addressed in the plan development include the following:

• Bismarck’s Growth History
• Socio-Economic Profile
• Land Use and Urban Form (Future Land Use, Existing Neighborhoods, and Downtown)
• Community Facilities (Schools, Parks, Intergovernmental Cooperation)
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Social (Arts and Culture, Recreation, and Governance and Participation)
• Natural Resources
• Natural Hazards
• Growth Management
• Economy
• Housing
• Health
• Historic Preservation
• Public Safety

2. Why are we updating the Plan?

Comprehensive Plans are generally updated once every 5 years for a community Bismarck’s size. Presently, a suite of independently developed plans is collectively serving the intent of a more traditional Comprehensive Plan. Some of these plans include the 2014 Growth Management Plan, the 2014 Fringe Area Road Master Plan, the 2017 Infill and Redevelopment Plan, the 2015 Long Range Transportation Plan, and the 1980 City of Bismarck Policy Plan. Many of these plans are in need of update and it is staff's opinion that combining these independent planning efforts into one document will be more effective as a guiding tool and more user friendly for the public and customers. Additionally, City Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission members, as well as members of the public, have expressed a desire for a unified guiding plan for the community. 

3. What is the geographic scope of the plan?

The plan will include the City of Bismarck and the surrounding Extraterritorial Area. 

4. Who will be involved?

The plan will be largely developed by Community Development department staff in collaboration with public entities in the community, such as but not limited to Bismarck Public Schools, Burleigh County; Bismarck Parks and Recreation, and the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC. Additionally, a broad cross section of public, non-profit, and private sector individuals, who have diverse interests related to the future growth and development of the Bismarck area, will be engaged. 

5. When will the plan be completed?

It is anticipated the plan will be completed in December 2022, however a variety of key milestones and public engagement opportunities will occur throughout the plan development. To remain informed of those opportunities please visit the project website. You may also sign-up and receive plan development updates:  

• Sign up for e-Notification and click "Together 2045" to get updates for Together 2045 – Bismarck’s Comprehensive Plan sent right to your inbox.
• Email Planning Division if you have any questions about Together 2045 – Bismarck’s Comprehensive Plan.

6. How can I get involved?

A variety of public engagement opportunities will be available throughout the plan development. To remain informed of those opportunities please visit the project website. You may also sign-up and receive plan development updates:  

• Sign up for e-Notification and click "Together 2045" to get updates for Together 2045 – Bismarck’s Comprehensive Plan sent right to your inbox.
• Email Planning Division if you have any questions about Together 2045 – Bismarck’s Comprehensive Plan.