Bismarck staff present Arts and Culture Master Plan draft; city splits planning and building-inspections functions

Planner Lauren presented the draft Bismarck Arts and Culture Master Plan Wednesday and invited final input from the Planning and Zoning Commission before the document goes to the City Commission for adoption.

Lauren said the plan was supported by a 2022 Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and was developed with input from Dakota West Arts Council, Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, Bismarck Public Schools and consultant Designing Local. Staff summarized outreach that included 23 stakeholder interviews, multiple small-group conversations, an online survey and a public workshop. Draft recommendations include adopting a public-art policy, exploring a downtown plaza or signature public space, and an implementation action plan organized into near/soon/next timeframes.

Separately, planning director Daniel told the commission the City Commission voted to split planning and building-inspections into standalone departments. Daniel said he will serve as planning director and Brady will serve as building official; the reorganization is intended to clarify responsibilities, align expertise and possibly reallocate a position to strengthen enforcement in building inspections. Staff said the change is not expected to increase the city's net budget and may improve efficiency.

The commission offered no substantive edits at the meeting. The Arts and Culture Master Plan draft and implementation memo are available on the city website for public review, and staff encouraged further input prior to final adoption.