Addressing Workforce Housing: A Critical Conversation for North Dakota’s Future

Housing is no longer just a local concern — it is a foundational component of economic development. Without adequate housing, communities struggle to attract and retain talent, businesses stall expansion efforts, and growth becomes constrained.

At the ND Future Forum, hosted by the Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC) on June 18 in Grand Forks, housing will take center stage as business and policy leaders come together to explore viable solutions. The forum is focused on shaping North Dakota’s next century of growth and competitiveness. The kickoff panel, "Housing Solutions to Solve Workforce Challenges," will examine the direct link between housing availability and workforce stability — and how businesses are taking action.

PANELISTS:

• Matt Naugle, Essentia Health
• Nick Phillips, Applied Digital
• Moderated by Michael Hoagberg (Headwaters/AVA)

Following the panel Christopher Schilken, North Dakota Department of Commerce Commissioner will sit down with GNDC VP Government Affairs, Andrea Pfennig. Schilken will bring the agency perspective and share lessons from his earlier leadership in Watertown, SD, where a comprehensive plan was deployed to alleviate housing shortages and expand capacity in step with economic demand.

The ND Future Forum offers a full day of sessions focused on future-facing topics relevant to the business community, an agenda is available here. This is not a retrospective event — it is a forward-looking forum focused on aligning leadership, policy, and innovation to ensure North Dakota remains globally competitive in the decades to come.

EVENT DETAILS

• DATE: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
• TIME: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• LOCATION: Event Premier Sponsor: Minnkota Power Cooperative, Grand Forks, ND (Hybrid: In-person or online attendance available)
• REGISTRATION: open now

North Dakota’s business community is not waiting for solutions — it’s building them. Join us at Future Forum to be part of this essential conversation,