ABOUT NDARC

Strengthening Regional Collaboration in North Dakota

The North Dakota Association of Regional Councils (NDARC) was founded in 2017 to support collaboration among North Dakota’s eight regional councils and strengthen regional development across the state. NDARC works to connect regional partners, share resources and best practices, and advocate for regional priorities at both the state and federal level.

Our Mission

To support and amplify North Dakota’s regional councils so they can better serve communities across the state.

Why Regional Councils Matter

Regional councils help communities work together across county and city boundaries to address shared challenges and opportunities. In North Dakota, regional councils support communities through economic development initiatives, infrastructure planning, grant assistance, housing development, and regional collaboration.

By working at the regional level, councils help communities leverage resources, coordinate investments, and strengthen long-term economic resilience. This helps state agencies, legislators, and partners understand the value of the system.

Collaboration

Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, information, and best practices among regional councils. NDARC helps strengthen partnerships and encourages collaboration to address shared challenges and opportunities across North Dakota.

Capacity

Support and strengthen the capabilities of regional councils through shared resources, training opportunities, and coordination. NDARC helps councils build the tools and knowledge needed to effectively serve their communities.

Advocacy

Represent and elevate the priorities of regional councils with state and federal agencies, policymakers, and partners. NDARC works to ensure regional perspectives are included in discussions that impact communities across North Dakota.

Education

Inform partners, stakeholders, and the public about the work of regional councils and the importance of regional development. NDARC shares information, resources, and success stories to increase awareness and understanding.

Governance

NDARC’s Board of Directors is comprised of the Executive Directors of each regional council. Each regional council pays annual dues to support NDARC operations.

Board Officers:

  • Chair: Dawn Mandt — Red River Regional Council
  • Vice Chair: Brent Eckstrom — Lewis & Clark Regional Development Council
  • Secretary/Treasurer: Sandy Shively — North Central Planning Council

Member Regional Councils

  • Tri-County Regional Development Council
  • Souris Basin Planning Council
  • North Central Planning Council
  • Red River Regional Council
  • Lake Agassiz Development Group
  • South Central Dakota Regional Council
  • Lewis & Clark Development Group
  • Roosevelt Custer Regional Council

Work With NDARC

NDARC collaborates with regional councils, state agencies, and partners to strengthen communities across North Dakota. By connecting local leaders with resources, technical assistance, and strategic planning support, NDARC helps communities address challenges, pursue new opportunities, and build a more resilient future for residents and businesses alike. Through collaboration and shared expertise, NDARC works to ensure that every region of the state has the tools needed to grow and thrive.

Connect with NDARC to learn how we can support your community’s next project or initiative.