Renaissance Zone Program Extended 10 Years

Sept. 29, 2025 —On Aug. 5, the City Commission voted to approve a ten-year extension of its Renaissance Zone program. The program was first introduced in 2005, encouraging revitalization in the central city and other areas with existing buildings to attract businesses and residents.

The request to extend the program for 10 years received support from Morton County, Mandan School Board and Park Board.
The program has resulted in considerable progress in downtown Mandan, with the help of various developers:

• 97 projects have been completed, adding just over $30 million in documented private investment in the downtown and Main Street area.
• The value of new assessments on completed projects from 2005 to 2024 increased by approximately $28.6 million.
• The value of properties subject to the project grew from $6.9 million in 2005 to $30 million in 2019, the most recent year of available data.
• Completed Renaissance Zone projects between 2005 and present have resulted in 12 retained, 25 expanded, and 21 new businesses.

To renew the program, it was required that Mandan’s development plan be updated, including goals and criteria for eligibility. Eligible blocks include commercial and residential properties. Applicants meeting a minimum threshold for investment in building improvements and other criteria can receive up to a 100% 5-year property tax exemption and a 100% 5-year state income tax exemption.

The Business Development and Communications Department manages the Renaissance Zone program, overseeing applications, finalizing projects, and ensuring compliance. The request to extend the program was submitted to the State of North Dakota after receiving commission approval. The state has since approved the extension.

To learn more about the Renaissance Zone program, visit cityofmandan.com/renaissance.