“The State of Cities” examines the problems and achievements of Bismarck/Mandan

BISMARCK, ND (KFYR) – The two neighboring towns of Bismarck and Mandan may be different, but in many ways they are the same. At the State of the Cities press conference on Tuesday, both cities addressed their cities’ achievements, challenges and future prospects.

The city of Bismarck discussed new projects for next year, such as water treatment and sanitary sewer changes. The city hopes to secure funding in the upcoming legislative session. The City of Mandan won its Best of the Best Award, presented last month at the Main Street Summit, and a new light show will open on Main Street later this month. The city also discussed the Memorial Highway construction challenges they face.

“We are a community. What is good for Bismarck is what is good for Mandan. And what’s good for Mandan is good for Bismarck. We have to work together,” said Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz.

“And not just all the good things, but some of the challenges that we face because we have so much in common,” said Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling.

The two cities hope to come together to combat the labor shortage in the area.

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