Gov. Doug Burgum outlined Tuesday a $96 million housing initiative that aims to provide financing assistance to developers for building new single and multi-family homes and take advantage of existing infrastructure to help limit costs.

“We’re growing and our economy is growing,” Burgum said during a news conference at Bismarck’s Custer Park. “We can’t grow unless we’ve got workforce, and we know we’re having challenges with workforce coming to our state because housing in certain markets, in certain places in the state, has gotten very tight.”

The recommendations will be part of Burgum’s state budget proposal he’ll announce during the first week of December.

The plan calls for nearly $39 million to be put toward “financing innovations” to provide gap funding for developers to construct single and multi-family homes through the North Dakota Housing Incentive Fund, which is managed by the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency.

Group gathering input on North Dakota housing needs

It would also provide low interest construction loans for projects relating to entry-level homes and aging-in-place home designs within established neighborhoods.

“None of the programs we are talking about today are going to be directed toward greenfield, or new infrastructure,” Burgum said. “We have to invest in places where we’ve got existing infrastructure.”

Burgum emphasized that focusing the projects in areas with existing streets, utilities and fire and police coverage will not increase the property tax burden for the community.

The plan would also incentivize partnerships at the local level through low interest loan programs to improve existing houses with repairs so people can stay in their homes longer and keep those homes in a sellable condition, if the homeowner decides to move.

Almost $23 million would be used to fund innovation grants to spur additional housing projects in urban and rural areas. 

Burgum said clearing some of the permitting and zoning “red tape” would also help promote the next generation of manufactured housing, which is modular home designs.

“As the manufactured home moves from what we might traditionally think about with mobile homes, which people think is substandard, there’s a whole new industry coming and we’ve got to attract it to North Dakota,” Burgum said. “There’s a way to lower the cost of homebuilding with modular, manufactured housing as a key part of that, that hasn’t really arrived here … and we’ve got to make sure our code allows that to happen.”

The ideas are the result of the North Dakota Housing Initiative Advisory Committee, which has been working to develop a comprehensive housing strategy. The committee held five listening sessions with stakeholders in Bismarck, Fargo, Harvey, Williston and at the Strengthening Government to Government Conference with tribal nations.

Committee member Kim Settel, vice president of retail banking and lending for Gate City Bank, said clearing regulatory burdens for new construction would go a long way toward incentivizing new home construction.  She also emphasized finding ways to decrease mortgage rates. 

Burgum highlighted that some homeowners with grown children may want to downsize and sell their home to a new family, but high interest rates are a deterrent.

“If we can get them into a rate that is more amenable to what it was, then you can open that house up for another family,” Settel said. 

She also said no two housing markets are the same and what may work to increase housing in a city like Fargo may not be the same approach needed in Bowman.

The plan also provides $10 million to address ongoing homelessness through emergency shelter operating funds and re-housing assistance.

Burgum said homelessness can occur rapidly for families, based on circumstances. He added about a third of all homelessness involves families with children.

“It’s not just about individuals, it’s about families,” Burgum said. 

State Rep. Mike Beltz, R-Hillsboro, a member of the Housing Initiative Advisory Committee, said the best thing you can do for a homeless person is to put a roof over their head.

“It provides them stability and exponentially increases the opportunities for positive outcomes on that front,” Beltz said.

Burgum said about $16 million of the new initiative will provide eviction prevention resources and housing assistance for those deemed high-risk for housing instability. To receive housing assistance, the recipient must take part in a financial coaching program, he said.

“We just want to make sure people understand, on the financial side of things, both the responsibilities and the opportunities within home ownership,” Burgum said.

Beltz said the housing initiative proposal will fall across multiple state agencies that will administer the programs.

To assist the construction workforce, $6 million from the program would be made available through grants to local schools for continuing to promote construction careers.

Lawmakers will consider Burgum’s budget proposal, as well as budget recommendations from Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong, when the legislative session begins Jan. 7.

It’s not often that a game’s most intriguing aspect is its site, but that’s the case this week for Ohio State.

The No. 2 Buckeyes play Northwestern on Saturday at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. The Wildcats’ home field, Ryan Field, is undergoing a two-year rebuild. The team’s temporary makeshift stadium on campus holds only about 15,000 fans, so Wrigley Field is an alternate site for higher-profile games.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day, a New Hampshire native, attended baseball games as a kid at Boston’s Fenway Park, which opened only two years before Wrigley Field’s debut in 2014.

“As I got older, I had an opportunity to see the Cubs play in Wrigley,” Day said Tuesday. “The surrounding area, the restaurants in the area, it’s just got a great vibe. It’s a unique place with an unbelievable history, so it’s a great opportunity for us. I’m also excited for Buckeye Nation to get to the game and experience that as well.”

The Buckeyes will visit Wrigley on Friday after arriving in Chicago to gain some familiarity with it.

“It’s a different feel, but it’s a great opportunity for our team,” Day said. “Ultimately, it’ll be a 100-yard football field and there will be stands and we’ll compete.”

More: Ohio State football stock report: Special teams impact widens in shutout win over Purdue

As for the opponent, this should be similar to last week’s mismatch against Purdue. A year after being the surprise team in the Big Ten under David Braun following the firing of longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern is 4-5 (2-4 Big Ten). Ohio State is nearly a 30-point favorite.

Two years ago, the Buckeyes won in Evanston 21-7 in a game played in extreme wind. The wind is expected to be only 10-15 mph on Saturday.

More: Ohio State football history: 2014 College Football Playoff Championship 10th anniversary

“Good,” Day said. “That’s 70 mph less than last time we were here.”

Here are four takeaways from what Day, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and quarterback Will Howard said at Tuesday’s press conference:

Footwork the big issue in deep passing game problems

By almost all measures, Will Howard’s season has been a success. He has completed 74% of his passes this year after completing less than 60% in his career at Kansas State. In four of his last five games, Howard has completed at least 80% of his passes.

But sporadic success on deep passes is the most glaring deficiency in OSU’s offense. Against Purdue last week, Carnell Tate was open but couldn’t hang on to an underthrown pass when he hit the turf. Against Penn State, two potential touchdowns went for incompletions. Jeremiah Smith slowed down on one route. On the other, Howard’s pass to Tate drifted out of bounds.

Day and Howard said the main issue is the quarterback’s footwork.

“That’s something we’re going to continue to work through,” Day said. “I think he’s throwing some really good balls down the field, and then sometimes he’s been a little bit late with his feet. When his feet are right, he throws a good ball.”

Howard said his feet have tended to “go dead a little bit” on deep throws.

“We’re emphasizing this week keeping my feet alive,” he said.

Day pleased with left side of offensive line

The Purdue game was Ohio State’s second with Donovan Jackson at left tackle and Carson Hinzman at left guard, and Day is happy with how they played on Saturday.

Hinzman was the starting center last year before losing the job to Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin. He had played little until left tackle Josh Simmons was lost for the season in the Oregon game, forcing the line shuffle.

“He was solid,” Day said. “He’s taking the next step at guard.”

Purdue used a “Bear” front often against Ohio State with linemen bunched together in the middle of the line.

“A lot of 1-on-1 blocks there, so you’ve got to sustain your blocks,” Day said.

Hinzman left the game with a left knee injury late in the second quarter but returned after halftime.

“He got a little scare there, but he’s fine now,” Day said. “Another week of work, another week of experience at playing guard will go a long way.”

Howard said he had faith that Jackson and Hinzman would play well even before they were thrust into new roles.

“I think a lot of people around Buckeye Nation were concerned, and I really wasn’t,” he said. “I knew those guys would step up to the challenge. I knew they were ready for it.

“I’m so proud of those guys with how they’ve stepped into their new roles and done an amazing job. But I’m not surprised, and I think they have a lot more ahead of them.”

Day mostly happy with Eddrick Houston’s starting debut

Eddrick Houston was the prize defensive line recruit in this year’s recruiting class. In fact, Day left his signing day press conference for a phone call with Houston to keep him in the fold when it looked like the player was wavering.

Houston was recruited as a defensive end, but he has been moved to the 3-technique tackle position. Against Purdue, coaches decided to give Tyleik Williams extra time to heal from an ankle injury, and Houston got the start.

He was credited with two tackles and an assist in 27 snaps. He also committed a costly penalty when he shoved a Purdue player after a third-down stop, drawing a personal foul.

“There was obviously the one silly penalty that he’ll have to learn from,” Day said. “But overall, I thought there were a lot of flashes for somebody who has not played inside a whole bunch in his career.

“He’s got strength. He’s got power. He ran to the football. He didn’t quite grade out (as a champion), but I think there’s a really bright future there at 3-technique for Eddrick.”

Day said Williams will play against Northwestern.

Is the backup quarterback battle tightening?

When Ohio State lifted its offensive starters early in the fourth quarter, Devin Brown took the next six snaps.

But on the next one, a third-and-12 from the OSU 46, Day inserted Julian Sayin. The freshman scrambled for 19 yards and a first down. Sayin then took the final seven snaps.

Neither backup had success throwing. Brown’s only pass, a short throw to Brandon Innis, was thrown high. Sayin was 0 for 5, including a drop by Inniss.

Brown is 10 for 19 passing this season for 108 yards and one touchdown. Sayin is 5 for 12 for 84 yards with one score.

“Devin right now is our backup, but Julian is pushing hard,” Day said. “We’ll keep evaluating it every week and see where those guys are.”

Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts.

There will be lots of history made if South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is confirmed as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, as multiple national outlets reported Tuesday.

Noem, in her second term as Republican governor, would become the first South Dakotan to serve as a president’s Cabinet secretary, extending an alliance with Trump that first developed during her time in Congress.

It would also be the first time a South Dakota governor hands over the reins of power during a legislative session, assuming Noem waits to resign until she is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, a process set for January at the earliest.

That puts the focus on Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, a 65-year-old Meade County rancher and legislative veteran who would be thrust into the spotlight as the state’s 34^th governor.

Rhoden would also preside over a consequential 2025 legislative session fraught with budgetary battles and Republican infighting, all while potentially preparing for a 2026 gubernatorial election in which he would be the incumbent candidate.

“Having a changeover happen during the legislative session would be a first,” said Rep. Tony Venhuizen, R-Sioux Falls, Noem’s former chief of staff and a curator of South Dakota gubernatorial history.

“We’re fortunate that (Rhoden) is a longtime legislator who has been heavily engaged in past sessions and would be well-prepared to step in at any point.”

Neither Rhoden nor Noem’s office responded to requests for comment Tuesday.

Legislative experience seen as valuable

Rhoden, a resident of Union Center, served in the state House of Representatives from 2001-09 and 2017-19, including a stint as House majority leader from 2005-08. He served in the state Senate from 2009-2015 and chaired the State Affairs Committee.

Rhoden finished second in the 2014 Republican primary for governor to now-U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, with Rhoden drawing 18% of the vote.

Longtime Republican legislator Lee Schoenbeck, who stepped down this year and was clearing out his state Capitol office on Tuesday, told News Watch that it “would not be the best thing” to have the transition occur in the middle of session.

He said that Noem could potentially resign earlier to accommodate Rhoden if she were sure to get confirmed in the U.S. Senate, where Republicans will have the majority and South Dakota U.S. Sen. John Thune is favored to become party leader in a caucus vote Wednesday.

Either way, said Schoenbeck, Rhoden has a “steady hand” to handle the role from a legislative perspective, drawing a contrast between Noem and Rhoden in terms of focus on day-to-day operations at the Capitol.

Key takeaways: Trump sets tone for South Dakota GOP rout

Tuesday’s election was full of good news for the GOP, soul-searching for everyone else and questions about slow tally. “It’s not acceptable that Minnehaha County takes longer to count votes than the entire state of Florida.”

While Noem was criticized for frequent travel outside the state and pursuing national political goals, Rhoden could be found in the Capitol hallways chatting with lawmakers when he wasn’t presiding over the Senate.

“He’s been way more engaged in the Legislature during his lifetime,” said Schoenbeck, who presided over the executive board for the Legislative Research Council in Pierre on Tuesday. “His entire political experience, other than a brief stint on the Meade County School Board, is all about the Legislature. I think his ability to work with and understand those relationships will put him in a strong position. He’s somebody that you might not agree with on every issue, but you can still work together. Nobody agrees with everybody.”

In 2023, when Schoenbeck was in a Senate leadership position and publicly feuded with Noem, he told News Watch: “If I have any questions, I contact Larry.”

Rhoden’s style: ‘Personable and direct’

It’s an open question whether Rhoden will have the same sway with the 2025 Legislature, which features new faces and re-structured leadership that reflects recent electoral gains by the GOP’s populist wing.

Freedom Caucus members have clashed with Noem over their contention that she took establishment positions initially on COVID restrictions, transgender rights and carbon pipelines, with Rhoden caught in the crossfire.

He was challenged at the 2022 party convention by former Speaker of the House Steve Haugaard and escaped with a narrow win, an episode that widened the populists’ rift with Noem.

‘It’s a tough gig’: Noem’s ‘demanding’ style sparks staff turnover, turmoil

Despite Gov. Kristi Noem’s strong approval ratings, lobbyists and former Cabinet members point to turbulence behind the scenes.

Jim Bolin, a Canton legislator who served 16 years in Pierre but was term-limited in 2024, told News Watch that Rhoden could have the right temperament to navigate choppy political waters.

“I would describe him as personable and direct,” said Bolin. “He doesn’t beat around the bush. Having the transition (in the middle of session) might be challenging, but a lot of the people who have worked in the executive branch have been there for many years. They probably aren’t leaving South Dakota to become part of Homeland Security, so that will help make it easier. The issues themselves will be difficult, but the transition can be handled.”

Rhoden could run as incumbent in 2026

At a Mitchell town hall earlier this year, Noem credited Rhoden with helping her learn the ropes in 2007 as a rookie legislator in Pierre, something she kept in mind when it came time to choose a running mate for her 2018 gubernatorial run.

“Because I was a farmer and rancher, I was advised to choose a businessman from Sioux Falls,” Noem told attendees. “So instead I chose a rancher from West River. I trust his instincts and values. He loves the Lord and loves his family. I knew that if I got killed the next day, he’d run this state exactly as I would, and that was important to me.”

Rhoden, who runs a cow-calf operation and custom welding business near Union Center, joined the South Dakota National Guard after graduating from high school and served six years.

He has four sons with his wife, Sandy, and also six grandchildren.

Accepting the role as Noem’s lieutenant governor in 2018, he said it was clear that “Kristi is fighting for something much bigger than herself, and she expects the same of those serving in her administration.”

Rhoden withstood Noem’s often-turbulent time in office, marked by five different chiefs of staff and no one currently in that role. The administration saw higher-than-normal turnover among Cabinet positions and executive staff.

Rhoden is viewed as a likely candidate for governor in 2026, which would mean a highly competitive GOP primary battle against U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and possibly Attorney General Marty Jackley, among other candidates.

Past transitions include 1993 tragedy

This would mark the third time that a South Dakota lieutenant governor has taken the reins as top executive while a term was still ongoing.

Democratic governor Dick Kneip resigned in July 1978 to become U.S. ambassador to Singapore under President Jimmy Carter, ending his final term about five months early. He handed the reins to former state Sen. Harvey Wollman, who had already lost the Democratic primary for governor but served until Republican Gov. Bill Janklow took office in January 1979.

The next occurrence was prompted by one of South Dakota’s most profound tragedies. George Mickelson was killed April 19, 1993, when a propeller blade broke loose on his airplane and it crashed into a farm silo about 10 miles south of Dubuque, Iowa, killing everyone on board.

Also killed in the crash were two state pilots, Ron Becker and David Hanson, banker David Birkeland, power company executive Angus Anson, Sioux Falls Development Foundation leader Roger Hainje, economic development commissioner Roland Dolly and energy commissioner Ron Reed.

Lt. Gov. Walter Dale Miller, a Meade County rancher and former speaker of the House, then became the oldest person to serve as governor at age 67.

He declared the rest of April a special period of mourning after huddling in Pierre with staff members, who had received a call from the Federal Aviation Administration around 5 p.m. with news that the state-owned plane had gone down.

Plans were made for Miller to be sworn in as governor the next day. As he left the Capitol on the night of the tragedy, he had a simple message for reporters that had gathered.

“Say a prayer for us,” he said.

Janklow challenged Miller in the 1994 Republican primary and prevailed, setting up his return to Pierre for two terms, followed by eight-year stints by Rounds and Dennis Daugaard and what appears to be a truncated tenure for Noem.

This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit news organization. Read more in-depth stories at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email every few days to get stories as soon as they’re published. Contact investigative reporter Stu Whitney at stu.whitney@sdnewswatch.org.