The North Dakota State Legislature's Conference Committee convened on May 2, 2025, to discuss significant adjustments to funding allocations within the proposed SB 2225. The meeting focused on modifying financial "buckets" designated for various community development initiatives, particularly in relation to housing and slum and blight remediation.

Key discussions included a proposal to increase the funding for the first bucket from $4 million to $5.75 million, while reducing the second bucket from $8 million to $6 million. The third bucket would see an increase from $6 million to $7.75 million, and the fourth bucket would decrease from $2 million to $1.5 million. These adjustments aim to create a more flexible funding structure that allows for discretionary use by communities.

Representatives highlighted the importance of these changes, noting that the adjustments were suggested by program administrators who would oversee the implementation. The committee members expressed a desire to strike a balance between providing adequate funding and ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to meet the needs of both urban and rural areas.

A consensus emerged around a total funding proposal of $25 million, which would allow for a healthy housing program in North Dakota. The discussions also touched on the coordination between the new funding structure and existing programs, particularly the Housing Incentive Fund (HIF), which has a current balance of $35 million.

As the meeting progressed, members debated the implications of these funding changes on smaller communities, emphasizing the need for targeted support for areas with populations over 20,000. The committee ultimately agreed to revisit the proposal after a brief recess, indicating ongoing negotiations to finalize the funding allocations.

The outcomes of this meeting are expected to play a crucial role in shaping North Dakota's approach to housing development and community revitalization efforts in the coming years. Further discussions will determine the final structure and distribution of the proposed funds.