KILLDERE, N.D. — The City of Killdeer, in partnership with the Killdeer Convention and Visitors Bureau and consulting services Community Matters LLC, announced an ambitious Community Assessment Marketing Plan (CAMP). This comprehensive strategy aims to address pressing issues such as labor shortages, affordable housing, and child care issues in our communities. Following the results of an extensive online survey on January 12, 2024, the plan was officially announced on March 6, marking significant progress in efforts to increase Killdeer's livability and economic vitality.
“Killdeer stands on the threshold of an exciting new chapter,” the document emphasizes in its opening remarks.
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Over the next five years, CAMP will serve as a roadmap for the City, leveraging feedback from residents and visitors to develop targeted initiatives in key areas such as land use, transportation, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and economic development. We will develop new initiatives. By aligning community priorities with actionable strategies, Killdeer aims to build more vibrant and resilient communities that meet the needs and aspirations of our residents.
Killdeer has a population of approximately 900 people and is the largest city in Dunn County. Notably, Killdeer's average median income is $91,758, putting him 24% above the North Dakota average. This economic strength, coupled with other factors such as a strong educational system, a diverse economic sector including oil, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, and well-developed infrastructure and recreational facilities, make Killdeer desirable to residents and visitors alike. It has become a destination. similar.
“Killdeer benefits economically from a variety of sectors including oil, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing,” the CAMP document states. “Additionally, infrastructure and recreational facilities also contribute to Killdeer’s attractiveness as a place to live and visit.”
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Education plays a vital role in the fabric of Killdeer's community, with 646 students attending Killdeer Public Schools for the 2022-23 school year. The plan emphasizes the importance of quality education and its contribution to the overall well-being of the community.
“Killdeer benefits from high-quality facilities, indicators of educational performance, and teacher-student ratios,” the CAMP document states.
Economically, Killdeer boasts a diverse economic base encompassing sectors such as energy, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Natural gas, oil, mining, and quarrying provide significant employment opportunities, with approximately 500 to 600 jobs created in these industries. In addition, the agricultural sector plays a significant role, generating an estimated $77 million in sales. Additionally, tourism, especially during the summer months, is a significant contributor to the local economy, with Dunn County receiving $18 million in visitor spending annually.
“Natural gas, oil, mining, and quarrying provide significant employment opportunities in Killdeer, while the agricultural sector generates an estimated $77 million in sales,” the CAMP document highlights.
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While Killdeer has many strengths, CAMP has also identified areas for improvement, including workforce attraction and retention, housing availability, and child care services. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts and innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of communities.
“People often focus on finding child care for their children,” said Ellen Hoover of the Community and Tourism Bureau. “People choose not to move here because of the lack of child care options.”
One of the key challenges identified is the lack of affordable housing, which hinders both workforce recruitment and retention efforts. To address this issue, CAMP is proposing to develop more than 30 single-family and multi-family homes in strategic locations around North Prairie Park. However, the success of such initiatives depends on the active participation of private sector contractors and the availability of financing options.
After this, Killdeer plans to establish what is known as a “Spur Success” fund, or another type of funding pool to support business development in the region, the review said.
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Childcare services are also a key concern, with only three existing providers meeting just 14% of the town's childcare needs. Recognizing the importance of accessible child care for working families, CAMP has outlined strategies to increase the number of child care workers and increase awareness of available support programs.
In addition to addressing immediate challenges, CAMP aims to strengthen the local business environment by fostering entrepreneurship and expanding dining and retail options. Proposals include the creation of new restaurants, retail stores and service-oriented businesses that cater to the tastes of both residents and visitors. Additionally, initiatives such as the Dunn County JDA Storefront Improvement Program aim to support existing businesses by providing financial incentives for storefront enhancements.
To fund these efforts, the city is considering a variety of revenue sources, including a proposed city sales tax and hotel tax for visitors to Killdeer. These funds will help support community development projects, enhance recreational facilities, improve signage, and strengthen the town's online presence.
Overall, the Killdeer community assessment represents a concerted effort to chart a path to sustainable growth and development. By engaging stakeholders, leveraging existing assets, and implementing targeted interventions, Killdeer builds stronger, more vibrant communities that offer ample opportunities for both residents and visitors. We aim to do so.
To learn more about the Killdeer Community Assessment and access additional information about the survey, please visit the City of Killdeer's website. Alternatively, contact Convention and Visitors Bureau Consultant Ellen Huber at 701-400-6249.
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