Minot committee refines economic development plan; backs PACE funding, Renaissance Zone and housing incentives

MINOT — The Minot Economic Development Plan Review Committee on April 11 approved edits to the draft economic development goals and agreed to recommend continued or prioritized support for several existing programs intended to spur business investment and housing development.

The committee approved text changes proposed by committee member Tyler that replace language such as “increase the tax base” with the phrasing “expand the tax base” and add language to “diversify industry sectors.” Tyler said the edits were intended to broaden the city’s approach beyond agricultural and energy reliance and the nearby Air Force base: “expand the tax base” and “diversify industry sectors.”

Why it matters: Committee members said the wording helps focus the plan on long-term, broad-based growth rather than relying on a small set of industries. Members tied the change to other recommendations in the draft — including support for state matching funds and incentives to encourage infill housing — that they said are intended to help Minot retain workers and attract new residents.

What the committee voted and recommended - Prioritize funding for state matching programs (PACE/FlexPACE): the committee voted to recommend that the city continue to prioritize PACE and FlexPACE program funding at levels adequate for their operation. Committee discussion emphasized that the Bank of North Dakota…