News Release

Grand Forks, ND – Grand Forks Mayor Michael R. Brown today unveiled “The Big Plan” as part of his State of the City address. The speech was delivered to more than 450 people who attended the event at the Alerus Center.

Brown said the Big Plan stands for build, invest and grow. He said it means more than just bricks and mortar, spending money and increasing our population – it also includes building capacity, leadership, partnerships, and engagement, investing in thoughtful decision making to set priorities, and growing opportunities, optimism and an overall community support for important efforts.

“Our role in government is to create realistic optimism and market confidence so our builders, businesses, and families can invest here,” said Brown. “Our approach is to make what’s good for the community also good for the private sector.”

Brown outlined eight points essential to the Big Plan, including housing needs, asset management, and the future of the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

“Our region will become known as the “Silicon Valley of Unmanned Aerial System,” Brown said.

He also outlined the importance of prioritizing infrastructure, the development of Arts & Entertainment Zones throughout the city, and urged community support for new amenities.

The speech will be rebroadcast in its entirety on GFTV Cable Channel 2 Friday, March 1 & March 8 at 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday & Sunday, March 2-3 & March 8-9 at 9:00 a.m. and at 10:00 p.m. A copy of the complete text is available at www.grandforksgov.com.