Bismarck City Commission 2026-09-22

The Dakota Media Access recorded the Bismarck City Commission meeting held on September 22, 2026. A significant portion of the meeting focused on public comments regarding proposed revisions to the camping ordinance (ordinance 6688), which would criminalize certain camping activities by homeless individuals. Speakers, including community advocates and those with lived experience of homelessness, expressed concerns about the ordinance's potential to criminalize homelessness and those assisting the homeless, highlighting the lack of shelter options and the high costs of incarceration. Commissioners discussed the need for a more comprehensive plan involving stakeholders to address homelessness compassionately and effectively, resulting in a motion to pull the ordinance from the agenda and form a committee to develop better solutions. Additionally, the commission considered several zoning and land development code amendments, including approvals for residential and commercial development projects, and discussed a tax abatement request from Innova Homes LLC related to penalties on property taxes, ultimately recommending denial and referring the matter to the county commission. The meeting also included updates on historic preservation efforts and stormwater management plans for new developments. No contract awards or procurement decisions were made, but the discussions on homelessness policy and development projects could influence future procurement and budget priorities.