Top 10 | January 2026 | Grand Forks EDC

1. nd's estimated population hits 800,000

A demographic expert believes that North Dakota has exceeded 800,000 residents! As of July 1, 2025, the U.S. Census reported that North Dakota has 799,358 residents, showing a 0.75% growth year over year, which is about 50% faster than the rest of the country, according to Census estimates. This is an important milestone for the state and region!

2. dakota business lending awarded $70m for new market tax credit

Dakota Business Lending was selected by the Community Development Financial Institution Fund to receive $70 million for the New Markets Tax Credit program (NMTC)! The program is a unique financing mechanism that provides gap financing with interest-only payments for seven years, then converts to equity in the business. Principal payment is not required. Projects must fall within the eligible area, which encompasses portions of Grand Forks, including the Industrial Park, University corridor, and Grand Sky UAS Business Park. To learn more about the program, including eligibility, visit the website or contact Kevin.

3. vorbeck receives approval of conditional use permit for gf operations

Vorbeck Materials recently expanded into Grand Forks and currently leases a facility in the city’s industrial park. In order for the company to develop a PFAS-free foam suppressant for fires, they needed to submit and have approved a conditional use permit through the City of Grand Forks. The permit was approved by the City Council on Monday, January 20th. Congratulations to Vorbeck!

4. vantis enables isight drone services to expand statewide bvlos flights

ISight Drone Services received a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 beyond-visual-line-of-sight waiver allowing operations across more than 5,000 square miles covered by Vantis! The expanded operations allow for new mission opportunities across the state, including BVLOS medical delivery between clinic locations in partnership with Altru. This is made possible by Vantis, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, and the working relationship with the FAA.

5. altru begins talks to take over 3 additional hospitals

Altru Health System signed a letter of intent to take over three more hospitals in North Dakota! Altru recently took over ownership of CHI St. Alexius Hospital in Devils Lake and is exploring the potential acquisition of CHI St. Alexius Hospitals in Turtle Lake, Garrison, and Bismarck. CEO Todd Forkel shared that Altru is focused on delivering local healthcare and hopes this union will strengthen the patient-centered care across North Dakota.

6. edc, und cfi host interngf launch, report program success

The EDC team and Center for Innovation hosted the InternGF Launch Breakfast on Tuesday, January 13th! The event included a breakfast and presentation that showcased the program’s progress to the UND and Grand Forks community. Since its launch, the InternGF program has funded 172 internships, awarding more than $330,000 to regional businesses. Those funds have translated into nearly $750,000 in real wages paid to UND students who receive InternGF internships. Perhaps most notably, internships influence where graduates choose to live and work. Nearly half (46%) of students from the 2018–19 cohorts are still living in Grand Forks five years later, compared to just 12% of UND alumni overall during the same period.

Summer 2026 InternGF Applications are open until March 1st!

7. governing bodies discuss streamlining the pilot process

Throughout January, the Grand Forks City Council, County Commission, and School Board have been discussing the payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) process. Mayor Brandon Bochenski proposed a new process where all three governing bodies would gather to hear a presentation from the requesting entity. This would streamline the process, allowing each representative the opportunity to ask questions and hear the same answer at the same time. The joint meeting would also provide an opportunity for citizens to share comments. Discussions on the process between the governing entities shaped the proposed process from the city, allowing a longer period for citizen comments and voting on the proposed PILOT at their usual board meetings.

PILOT is an important tool to leverage when attracting and retaining regional investment. The proposed process will increase transparency and collaboration among each area.

8. grand forks children's museum campaign progresses with anticipated spring groundbreaking

The Grand Forks Children’s Museum campaign continues to make great progress! The project recently received a $2 million donation, which will be unlocked when there are matching funds. If fully matched, the gifts would total $4 million, bringing the project close to its goal of $35 million. Museum leaders are focused on a spring groundbreaking. This is an important step in securing an additional quality of life amenity to recruit and retain talent to the Grand Forks region.

9. lund speaks at forx builders association, partners to convene stakeholders on housing

EDC President & CEO Keith Lund joined the new Forx Builders Association president, Adrian Cummings, at the organization’s annual dinner on Wednesday, January 28th. At the annual dinner, Adrian announced that he would convene landowners, developers, home builders, and trades companies to discuss opportunities to increase home construction in Grand Forks. Grand Forks is a growing community, and our housing stock needs to keep pace. The EDC will partner with Forx Builders Association and Adrian to convene these important voices, understand any challenges that exist, and develop strategies to support the growth trajectory of our community. If you would like to be involved in the discussion or have thoughts that would support this effort, please contact Keith.

10. cruger connects local industry to nctc leadership

The EDC staff have been assisting Northland Community & Technical College President Shari Olson with conducting industry tours to learn about key workforce needs, barriers, and how technical programs could better assist in meeting regional training demands. This month, President Olson and EDC staff met with Construction Engineers and Opp Construction. Key themes emerged, including training options for basic tooling, incorporation of blueprint reading, staff upskilling programs, and exploration of commercial carpentry programs.