Today’s Business Briefing

Dec 31, 2025

Education (K–12, Higher Ed, Private Schools, Training)

K‑12 SIS data handoff — action required (NEW): N.D. DPI alerted districts that PowerSchool Data Replication is moving to Infinite Campus and districts must follow the new replication steps.
Why it matters: Avoid data sync gaps that can disrupt attendance/grade exports and vendor integrations.
Who’s affected: K–12 districts, ed‑tech vendors, SIS integrators.
Dates/Deadlines: Follow DPI’s instructions immediately; notice posted Dec 30.
Source: DPI notice. ND Portal

Healthcare (Hospitals, Clinics, Payers, Public Health)

Behavioral health residential capacity — two RFPs (NEW): HHS issued solicitations for ASAM 3.1 Low‑Intensity Residential services in Fargo and Grand Forks.
Why it matters: Opportunity for providers/nonprofits to expand reimbursable treatment beds; contracts start early 2026.
Who’s affected: Licensed SUD providers, hospitals with behavioral health units, community nonprofits.
Dates/Deadlines: Grand Forks due Jan 20, 2026; Fargo due Feb 2, 2026 (12:00 p.m. CT).
Source: HHS procurement notices. Health and Human Services North Dakota

Government / Nonprofit Service Providers & Workforce

Workforce + Refugee alignment RFP (NEW): HHS is seeking proposals to align refugee resettlement with North Dakota labor demand (employment services, employer partnerships, data).
Why it matters: Funding to build pipelines into hard‑to‑fill roles (healthcare, logistics, manufacturing).
Who’s affected: Nonprofits, workforce boards, chambers, employer consortia.
Dates/Deadlines: Proposals due Feb 16, 2026 (12:00 p.m. CT).
Source: HHS RFP. Health and Human Services North Dakota
Primary Residence Credit applications open tomorrow (UPDATE): The PRC property‑tax credit opens Jan 1, 2026; officials highlight expanded relief.
Why it matters: Home‑based entrepreneurs and solo operators who own and occupy their homes can reduce personal overhead; frees up cash for Q1 spending.
Who’s affected: Owner‑occupied homeowners statewide; indirect impact to small/solo/home‑based businesses.
Dates/Deadlines: Application window opens Jan 1, 2026.
Source: N.D. Tax Commissioner news. ND Tax Commissioner

Energy (Oil & Gas, Power, Pipelines, Utilities, Renewables)

New transmission line hearings set for January (NEW): The PSC scheduled three public hearings on the proposed JETx 345‑kV transmission line (Dickey/LaMoure/Stutsman Cos.), with technical hearings Jan 8–9 and public sessions Jan 12, 14, 16.
Why it matters: Could affect electric reliability and interconnection timelines for data centers, manufacturers, and large users in east‑central ND.
Who’s affected: Utilities, large power users, local contractors, landowners.
Dates/Deadlines: Hearings Jan 8–16, 2026; plan comments/attendance.
Source: Local reports summarizing PSC schedule. News Dakota+1
City of Horace utility rates rising Jan 1 (NEW): Water, sewer, and trash rates increase for Horace customers effective Jan 1, 2026.
Why it matters: Adjust overhead/fees for storefronts, restaurants, STRs, and home‑based businesses in city limits.
Who’s affected: Businesses/residents served by Horace utilities.
Dates/Deadlines: Effective Jan 1, 2026.
Source: City announcement via local media. InForum

Transportation / Logistics

Williston area road closure (NEW): 59th St NW closure posted Dec 30 (Williams County).
Why it matters: Last‑mile detours for oilfield service, delivery routes, and ag haulers near Williston.
Who’s affected: Carriers, contractors, field crews operating in Williams County.
Dates/Deadlines: Effective Dec 30 until further notice.
Source: Williams County Road Updates. Williams County, ND

Sectors with no new items posted statewide since yesterday

Small/solo/home‑based entrepreneurs & freelancers; E‑commerce/marketplace facilitators; Cottage food producers; Short‑term rentals; Technology/Data Centers; Construction/Real Estate; Agriculture/Manufacturing; Retail/Hospitality/Tourism; Education (higher ed/private schools beyond the K‑12 item above); Taxes/fees beyond the PRC note. (We’ll surface any NEW postings tomorrow.)

Thank you for following along with us here in 2025. We have laid out critical information the entire year here in concise, no-nonsense form perfect for your busy day.

The word you will see used more than often in 2026 is RESILIENCE. That’s exactly what we wish for you and your business and we hope to be a small part of what brings it to you.

From all of us at NDBU, we wish you happy and prosperous new year!

Respectfully submitted: