North Dakota Governor Releases Budget Guidelines

Armstrong says the state's economy is doing well, but agencies must tighten belts for 2027-2029 biennium.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:09pm

A serene, painterly image of a state capitol building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of governmental stability and deliberation.The governor's budget guidelines set the tone for how state resources will be allocated in the coming biennium.Bismarck Today

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has provided state agencies with guidelines to build their proposed budgets for the 2027-2029 biennium. While the state's economy is performing well, Armstrong is calling for fiscal restraint, with no increases in funding for most agencies and programs.

Why it matters

The governor's budget guidelines set the tone for the upcoming legislative session and will shape the state's spending priorities for the next two years. This is a closely watched process, as it determines funding levels for critical services like education, infrastructure, and social programs.

The details

Armstrong says the state's economy is doing well, but he is asking agencies to tighten their belts. Most agencies will see no increases in funding, though the current foundation aid for K-12 schools and grants for Career and Technical Education will remain even.

  • Governor Armstrong released the budget guidelines on April 9, 2026.

The players

Governor Kelly Armstrong

The current governor of North Dakota, who has released the budget guidelines for the 2027-2029 biennium.

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What’s next

The state agencies will now use the governor's guidelines to build their proposed budgets, which will then be submitted to the legislature for consideration during the upcoming session.

The takeaway

Governor Armstrong's budget guidelines reflect a cautious approach, prioritizing fiscal responsibility over new spending initiatives. This sets the stage for a legislative session focused on maintaining core services rather than expanding programs.