2019-21 Biennium and the 2021 Legislative Session

The 2021 legislative session was the capstone to a tumultuous and busy year for OMB. Leading up to the 2021 session was a year of disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic that not only disrupted our personal lives, but also our agency business processes. During this time, many OMB team members adapted to a remote work environment and a new approach to serving customers and connecting with their team.

Despite the many challenges, the OMB team rose to the occasion and found a way to continue providing the essential services that keep state government operating and serving our citizens. But we did not just maintain services, we charged ahead with new projects and initiatives. During the 2019-21 biennium, our team achieved many noteworthy accomplishments that improve our services, increase efficiency, or enhance our learning, including the following:

• Launched a new training program for state agencies – OMB Agency Essentials.
• Delivered Leadership Everywhere training to over 3,100 team members.
• Launched a new Gallup team member engagement survey and training program.
• Launched an online onboarding process for new team members.
• Implemented a new Surplus Property marketing module.
• Implemented a new Risk Management software program.
• Launched new transparency dashboards.
• Completed the Capitol south entrance project.
• Completed a space utilization and capitol master plan.
• Completed capitol complex improvements to improve air quality and reduce points of contact to protect team members and the public from the spread of COVID-19.
• Managed the statewide purchasing card program that generated a rebate of $2.8 million in fiscal year 2020.
• Managed the distribution and reporting of $1.25 billion of federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to help the state respond to the public health emergency and support businesses and citizens.
• Consolidated printing operations for several additional agencies.
• Consolidated payroll administration and procurement functions for several agencies.
• Launched a new OMB website.
• Launched a first ever Team ND Connect intranet site to improve and streamline communication to state team members.

Although our budget process was interrupted by the pandemic, it moved forward to develop a comprehensive and forward-looking budget proposal to start the 2021 legislative session. Many of the executive budget proposals were incorporated into the legislative appropriation. Both executive and legislative budgets:

• Strategically invest federal funds to help North Dakota businesses and individuals recover from the pandemic.
• Provide an allocation framework for future legacy fund earnings.
• Provide for a comprehensive bonding package to make long-term investments in North Dakota infrastructure while taking advantage of historically low interest rates.
• Limit ongoing general fund spending.
• Support priorities such as education and property tax relief.
• Provide a balanced budget with no tax increases.

I am truly fortunate to lead such a devoted, hard-working team. The team at OMB works tirelessly, continually innovates and problem solves, and strives to provide exceptional service to the agencies and team members of North Dakota government.

FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Events

There are traditionally two large events scheduled at the Capitol grounds during the summer: the annual 4th of July fireworks display and Capital A’Fair in August. Please visit the OMB website at www.omb.nd.gov/events for updates on these events as well as a complete list of other events you will enjoy during the summer.

Tours

Public tours of the North Dakota State Capitol resumed on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, after being suspended over a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 18th floor has also been reopened to the public. Tours will be conducted Monday through Friday, on the hour from 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 3 p.m. Tours will not be conducted on the weekends as the Capitol is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Entities wishing to request group tours may fill out the tour request form on OMB’s website.

50 New AED’s on Capitol Complex

The North Dakota Office of Management and Budget is pleased to announce the receipt of 50 new Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be installed in buildings located on the Capitol Complex. The Department of Health was able to provide the AEDs through a grant.

Facility Management will install the new AEDs throughout the summer. Existing Capitol Complex AEDs will be given to the Historical Society to be used at historical sites across the state. This is a great example of four state agencies collaborating to ensure the necessary equipment is available for use in case of emergencies: Department of Health, Highway Patrol, Historical Society and OMB.

Projects

SB 2146 passed this session, allowing OMB to begin working on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) deficiencies throughout the Capitol in June. This will greatly improve the accessibility to those needing assistance within the Capitol. OMB will work very closely with the Legislative and Judicial branches as well as the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission to ensure the $750,000 appropriation addresses all of the identified deficiencies. The ADA work will conclude prior to the next legislative session.