Bismarck City Commission Candidate Debate - April 30, 2026
Bismarck City Commission Candidate Debate - April 30, 2026
On April 30, 2026, the League of Women Voters, Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, AARP of North Dakota, and Dakota Media Access hosted a debate for the Bismarck City Commission. Moderator Sargiana Witski introduced three candidates—Trevor Vinnett, Amelia Dahl, and Matthew Hull—running for two open positions. The debate covered key city issues, including property tax caps, economic development, inclusivity, homelessness, and housing affordability. No votes were taken; the event aimed to inform voters ahead of the June 9 election.
Discussion Items
- Property Tax Cap (3% State Law): All candidates expressed concern about the new state law capping property tax increases at 3%. Trevor Vinnett called it “detrimental,” predicting strain on city budgets and employee retention. Amelia Dahl noted it would be “very hard” for property-tax-funded departments. Matthew Hull highlighted that only 25–30% of property tax goes to the city (primarily for emergency services) and suggested using bond issues for large projects like a new police station. He also noted that the city’s top-tier fire department saves the community $10 million annually in insurance rebates.
- Public-Private Partnerships: All three supported partnerships. Dahl emphasized reducing red tape to encourage private investment. Hull stressed public guardrails (e.g., preventing a factory next to the cathedral district) and saw an opportunity for affordable housing. Vinnett agreed, noting the city should facilitate rather than build housing.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Candidates focused on transit and sidewalks. Hull advocated expanding transit and ADA compliance. Vinnett, who works with Bismarck Transit, stressed fixed-route hours and holiday service. Dahl highlighted inaccessible curbs and bus stops as barriers for people with disabilities.
- Economic Growth: Vinnett supported state programs like the Renaissance Zone and Opportunity Fund. Dahl said attracting people requires affordable housing and amenities. Hull proposed a Fifth Street pedestrian corridor to connect downtown, the event center, and Kirkwood Mall, and suggested more community events.
- Public Lands and Waters: Hull favored protecting small green spaces and trails, and partnering with the park board. Dahl supported upholding zoning laws. Vinnett criticized the city for giving away land at Keelboat ramp, reducing public access.
- Land Use Planning: Hull noted Bismarck’s limited growth options (north/northeast only) and called careful planning critical. Vinnett agreed and stressed public input before engineering decisions. Dahl praised the new land development code as a successful public-private collaboration.
- Aging Infrastructure: Vinnett pushed for ADA compliance in city buildings and facilities. Dahl advocated avoiding deferred maintenance. Hull cited the lead line replacement project and recommended using federal grants to keep costs down.
- Artificial Intelligence: All candidates agreed AI should not replace people. Hull noted police use of AI for report writing, pending resident approval. Vinnett insisted on maintaining human interaction. Dahl called for a formal AI policy and noted AI can streamline processes.
- Community Triage Center (Behavioral Health/Homelessness): All three strongly supported a triage center. Vinnett, who sits on human service budgets, stressed coordination with hospitals and private donations, not taxpayer funds. Hull said it would save money and help people become self-sufficient. Dahl called it a “one-stop shop” for crisis services.
- Housing Affordability: Vinnett proposed working with the Burleigh County Housing Authority and using homestead tax credits. Dahl urged reducing red tape for developers. Hull highlighted the lack of starter homes and working-class housing, noting that increasing supply could lower property taxes. He criticized current development as targeting upper-middle-class buyers.
Key Outcomes
- No votes or decisions were made. The debate served as a public forum for candidates to present their positions. The election is scheduled for June 9, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
It's for the Bismarck City Commission. I'm Sargiana Witski, a member of the League of Women Voters, and I will be your moderator. This debate has been organized and the questions developed by the League of Women Voters, the Bismarck Tribune, the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC, AARP of North Dakota, and Dakota Media Access. There are three candidates running for two open positions on the Bismarck City Commission. And all three of the candidates have joined us here today. They are Trevor Vinnett, Amelia Dahl, and Matthew Hull. Our purpose is to provide voters with information about the candidates and their positions on issues that affect the citizens of Bismarck. The candidates have not received questions in advance. Viewers watching this debate live on April 30th may submit questions by texting LWV Bizman 152 to 2233 to join the session. Then text your question. This debate format is as follows. Each candidate will have 60 seconds to make an opening statement, and after opening statements, the candidates will respond to the question. The first responses to questions will be rotated between the candidates, and each candidate will have 60 seconds to respond to each question. After each candidate has responded to the question, there will be up to three additional minutes allowed for debate or additional comments from all three candidates. After the final question, each candidate will then have 60 seconds to make a closing statement. Candidates are asked to comply with their time restrictions so we can get to as many questions as possible. Our timer will let you know when your responses are down to 30 seconds, then 10 seconds, and then stop. For the debate segment, they will indicate when we are down to one minute and then stop. Now let's get to our candidates. Each of you have 30 have 60 seconds to make an opening statement. Trevor, you can go first. First of all, I would like to thank the League of Women Voters for putting on this debate this evening. My name is Trevor Burnett, and I I have lived in Bismarck for 15 years, and I want to help the community, and I'm on uh I've been a past member of the Human Relations Committee. I've I'm on the Bismarck Parking Authority. I've ran for man city commission in the past. I'm in the Bismarck Lions Club. I I'm active with our transit system, homelessness, anything in the community to help people with disabilities. I'm on the state reef council. I served on the state council of developmental disabilities. I'm active in the legislature. I'm advocating for the city and state and local issues. So I just appreciate your vote. Thanks. Amelia? Good evening. Uh I will echo what Trevor said. Thank you to the League of Women Voters for this opportunity tonight. My name is Emilia Dahl. I have lived in Bismarck now for 14 years. My husband and my two children have called this wonderful city home for that time. We have enjoyed many of the great things that the city has to offer, and I look forward to working on the city commission to make Bismarck a place for all members of the community. Matt? I'd like to also thank the League of Women Voters and other organizations for putting on this event. My name is Matt Hall, and I'm an archaeologist. Like many, I didn't grow up in Bismarck, but moved here more than 10 years ago. Since then, I fell in love with local, married her, and we have twin boys about to turn a year old. I also fell in love with what Bismarck has to offer, and I'm excited about our future. Combined with enjoy actually genuinely enjoying engaging with residents about their problems and priorities is why I'm running. If elected, I'll have two key uh principles. One, it's not what I want.
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