NAVIGATING
HB 1176
WHAT IT MEANS FOR NORTH DAKOTA SCHOOLS
At ICON Architectural Group, we’ve always believed our role goes beyond designing buildings - we’re here to help shape the future of communities. That’s why the passing of House Bill 1176 (HB 1176) caught our attention and it should grab yours as well.
While HB 1176 provides significant property tax relief - raising the state’s property tax credit for primary residences to $1,600 - it also introduces critical changes to how school districts can operate. And those changes deserve a closer look.
NEW VOTING LIMITS.
NEW CONSTRUCTION PRESSURES.
NEW NEED FOR STRATEGY.
With the passage of House Bill 1176, North Dakota school districts now face new limits on when they can bring bond referendums to the community. What was once a flexible calendar is now narrowed to just two windows every two years: the June primary and the November general election.
What’s Changing?
Before HB 1176:
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School districts could call a vote at almost any time throughout the year.
Now:
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Bond referendums are limited to June and November of even-numbered years.
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This means a possible vote in June 2026 and again in November 2026, but not again until June 2028.
WHY IT MATTERS
FOR YOUR DISTRICT
More districts targeting the same election dates = More projects hitting the bidding market at the same time.
This leads to:
🔺 Higher construction costs due to increased competition
⏳ Delays in contractor availability
💸 Less negotiating power on bids
THE SMART MOVE: PLAN NOW
With fewer election windows and more competition, the districts that start early will have the advantage.
Early planning helps you:
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Build community support in advance
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Lock in timelines that avoid peak bidding seasons
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Attract strong contractor interest and better pricing
LET'S DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TOGETHER.
If your district is just beginning the conversation or already knee-deep in planning, I’d welcome the chance to be a thought partner and sound board. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
This work may begin with bricks and mortar, but at ICON, it’s really about people, purpose, and possibility.
Email: travis.jordan@iconarchitects.com
Call: 701.772.4266