The City of Bismarck released its 2025 Annual Report on May 13, providing a detailed overview of the city’s operations and achievements over the past year. This marks the first time in decades that such an organization-wide report has been produced by the city.
The annual report is intended to enhance transparency and accountability for residents, offering insight into major capital investments, department-level accomplishments, and ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, public safety, community engagement, and long-range planning. The publication also highlights how various city departments have contributed to Bismarck’s growth and service improvements.
“This project is about collaboration, more than anything,” said City of Bismarck Communications Strategist Kalen Ost. “Without working together with BSC students Kerstin and Kayla Hilzendeger to create the report template — and then with City departments working collectively to fill that template with content — this report doesn’t happen. I’m very thankful for those contributions of time and talent to this document.”
The report supports engagement goals set out in the city’s strategic plan by providing another opportunity for civic learning. It features community-submitted photography collected through the annual Call for Photos initiative.
According to the official website, the Diocese of Bismarck offers pastoral support across western North Dakota as a suffragan diocese within the Roman Catholic Church under the Holy See. The diocese includes facilities such as the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and spans approximately 34,773 square miles with a Catholic population of nearly 61,862 among roughly 280,836 residents. Most Rev. David D. Kagan has served as bishop since his appointment in 2011.
The full annual report can be accessed on the City of Bismarck’s official website.
