Bismarck residents have two chances this month to weigh in on city decisions: the City Commission meets Tuesday, Oct. 14 and Tuesday, Oct. 28, both at 5:15 PM in the Tom Baker Meeting Room (City/County Building, 221 N. 5th St.). Agendas and packets are posted ahead of time in the city’s Agenda Center, and meetings are broadcast by Dakota Media Access for those watching from home.

Bismarck operates under a commission-style government, with the mayor and four commissioners voting on items that shape streets, water, public safety, planning and zoning, budgets, and contracts. Regular meetings occur on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, a predictable cadence that helps residents follow topics from first presentation to final vote.

“The City Commission meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:15 pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room,” the city notes in its public FAQ.

For October specifically, the city calendar confirms Oct. 14 and Oct. 28 sessions; the event pages include “Download Agenda” links as they’re posted.

City Notice: “Live meeting coverage is available on Government Access Channels… or streaming on DakotaMediaAccess.org and Facebook LIVE.” (City/DMA meeting notice)

Civic Engagement Angle: City staff emphasize that agendas, minutes and most meeting videos are centralized for easy access so residents can track issues from start to finish.

Make Your Voice Count: Mark your calendar for Oct. 14 and Oct. 28 at 5:15 PM. Review the agenda in advance, attend in person at the Tom Baker Room, or watch the livestream, then send comments or speak during public input to shape decisions that affect Bismarck neighborhoods.