Bismarck’s city government is led by Mayor Mike Schmitz and a four-member City Commission, who together shape local policy, approve budgets, and oversee essential services—from road maintenance and snow removal to utilities and public safety. Here’s an updated look at what City Hall is tackling this month and how residents can get in touch with the people making the decisions.
Commission meeting set for Tue, Oct. 28, 2025 (5:15 p.m.) — Agenda is posted in CivicClerk; meeting is in the Tom Baker Meeting Room, 221 N. 5th St.
ETA map update moving ahead — The Commission voted to send a revised extraterritorial area (ETA) map to Burleigh County for consideration.
Winter prep — The city is seeking proposals to haul snow for the 2025–26 season; residents must clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall per ordinance.
2026 mayoral race taking shape — Mayor Mike Schmitz is seeking a second term; former commissioner Steve Marquardt announced a run Oct. 1. (Election: June 9, 2026.)
Who’s who at City Hall
Mayor: Mike Schmitz — Contact via City Hall (701-355-1300) or the mayor’s web form.
Contact the Mayor:City Commissioners: Anne Cleary, Michael Connelly, John Risch, Greg Zenker — All reachable through the City Commission staff directory (phone/email).
Directory:
When and where they meet: Regular meetings typically on Tuesdays; agendas, minutes, and videos are posted in the city’s Agendas & Minutes portal and CivicClerk.
Agendas & Minutes: bismarcknd.gov/2163/Agendas-Minutes
Core city services
Utility Billing (water/garbage): Pay online, set up auto-pay, or call 701-355-1700 (option 1). Location: 601 S. 26th St.
Start here: bismarcknd.gov/197/Utility-Billing. bismarcknd.govSnow & ice rules: Clear sidewalks within 24 hours; problems can be reported to Engineering (701-355-1505).
Guide: bismarcknd.gov/249/Snow-Removal. bismarcknd.govCity updates & media contacts: Communications Office (701-355-1300 main line; staff contacts listed).
Info: bismarcknd.gov/658/Communications.
How Bismarck’s Local Government Works
City Structure:
Bismarck operates under a commission-style government, where leadership is shared between the Mayor and four City Commissioners. The Mayor presides over meetings and casts votes, while Commissioners collectively handle both legislative and executive responsibilities. Together, they guide city policy, budgeting, and community development.
City departments—including Public Works, Engineering, Finance, Police, and Fire—carry out the Commission’s decisions, ensuring essential services like road maintenance, public safety, and utilities run smoothly every day.
Your Voice Matters:
Residents are encouraged to play an active role in local decision-making. You can attend commission meetings, submit comments, or email officials directly. Agendas and minutes are made public, and meeting packets are posted ahead of time on the city’s website to keep citizens informed and involved.
“There are tough issues we’ll have to discuss as the city grows,” said former commissioner Steve Marquardt, who launched his mayoral campaign on Oct. 1, emphasizing affordable housing as a key priority.
City leaders also confirmed that a revised Extraterritorial Area (ETA) map has been forwarded to Burleigh County for review—part of Bismarck’s long-term effort to better coordinate growth and development just beyond the city limits.
Quick ways to engage your city leaders
Email the dais: Use the mayor/commissioner contact forms (above) or call 701-355-1300 (City Administration).
Track decisions: Bookmark the Agendas & Minutes portal and the CivicClerk meeting pages; look for packets posted before each meeting.
Report a concern: For snow/sidewalk issues or street problems, use the city’s “Report a Concern” links on service pages.
City Hall touches daily life—from the street you drive to the bill you pay. With winter prep underway, growth planning on the table, and the 2026 mayoral race warming up, now’s the time to plug in: check agendas, skim the packets, and tell leaders what you want Bismarck to be next.
