North Dakota Policy Council

Dear Tom,



With property taxes on the minds of citizens, the NDPC has released an article showing how the key to lower property taxes is increased government transparency. You'll also find an article that asks the question: should North Dakota be sued for its economic development programs?








Government Transparency is Key to Lower Property Taxes


The North Dakota legislature has been trying to provide property tax relief and reform for several years. While their efforts have been honest, legislators are largely missing the point. The debate taking place in Bismarck largely centers on how much more money the state should give to political subdivisions (i.e., school districts, cities, and counties) and what kind of strings the state should attach to such spending. Another debate focuses on whether the state should cap property assessment increases or cap overall property tax increases per property. These solutions are largely attempting to cover up symptoms instead of attacking the disease that is causing property taxes to go up, which is local government spending. The cure for the disease is increased government transparency.


Click HERE to read more.

Is it time to sue North Dakota?


In August 2007, the Goldwater Institute, a free-market think tank based in Scottsdale, AZ, filed a lawsuit challenging the City of Phoenix's subsidy to a developer of a planned mall in the city, known as CityNorth. The lawsuit was dismissed but an appellate court ruled that the city was in violation of the state's "gift clause," which prohibits governments from giving taxpayer dollars to private companies. North Dakota has a similar clause in its constitution.


Click HERE to read more.

Tax Facts


The following is a series of charts and graphs regarding property taxes and personal and corporate income taxes.


Click HERE to see the facts.

Moving Forward: A North Dakotan's Guide to Public Policy, 2009


The NDPC is very excited to announce the release of its 2009 issues guide. The guide offers realistic, well-researched, and simple solutions to many of the problems facing North Dakota. The guide covers economic development, K-12 education, property taxes, government transparency, property rights, and others. This guide is a road map to freedom and prosperity for North Dakota and is based on the two essential building blocks for good public policy: individual liberty and economic freedom. This guide will also be sent to all legislators, legislative candidates, many local leaders, and supporters of the NDPC. It will also be available for download by clicking HERE.

Tax Deductible Support


Please, consider supporting the North Dakota Policy Council. You can make a tax deductible online contribution by clicking HERE, or simply send your tax deductible contribution to:


North Dakota Policy Council
PO Box 3007
Bismarck, ND 58502