Northern Township to Become Beltrami County's Newest City

Judge rules in favor of Northern Township in boundary trial against Bemidji

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Northern Township has been granted its incorporation bid to become the city of Northern, Beltrami County's newest city, after a favorable ruling in a boundary trial against the city of Bemidji. The township will officially become a city in 2027 after holding an election and swearing in its first mayor and four council members.

Why it matters

This ruling marks the end of a historic boundary dispute between Northern Township and the city of Bemidji. It allows Northern Township to move forward with its own development plans, including a wastewater treatment facility project, while maintaining a cooperative relationship with its neighbor Bemidji.

The details

Chief Administrative Law Judge Jessica Palmer-Denig ruled that Northern Township had met the criteria for incorporation under Minnesota statute and granted its petition, while denying Bemidji's counterbid to annex portions of the township. Everything owned or implemented by Northern Township will be transferred to the new city of Northern once the incorporation process is complete.

  • The township will become a city in 2027 after holding an election and swearing in its first mayor and four council members during the 2026 mid-term election on November 3.
  • The mayor position and two council member positions will expire on December 31, 2028, while the remaining two council member positions will hold seats that expire on December 31, 2030.

The players

Jessica Palmer-Denig

Chief Administrative Law Judge who presided over the boundary trial and issued the ruling in favor of Northern Township.

Jorge Prince

Mayor of Bemidji, who expressed disappointment in the ruling but stated the city will continue to be a neighbor to Northern Township.

Northern Township

The township that successfully petitioned for incorporation and will become the city of Northern, Beltrami County's newest city.

Bemidji

The city that had a counterbid to annex portions of Northern Township, which was denied by the judge's ruling.

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What’s next

Bemidji can file an appeal within 60 days of the initial ruling with the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Unless Bemidji chooses to do so, the boundary dispute between it and Northern Township has seemingly concluded.

The takeaway

This ruling marks the end of a long-standing boundary dispute and allows Northern Township to move forward with its own development plans as the newest city in Beltrami County, while maintaining a cooperative relationship with its neighbor Bemidji.