Port: North Dakota needs a database for economic development programs

North Dakota’s growing investment in homegrown startups is back in the spotlight after new details emerged about the public dollars funneled into Thread, a once-promising Grand Forks tech company now facing financial trouble. The firm received far more in state-backed loans and venture investments than initially reported, raising fresh questions about how taxpayer support is tracked — and whether the public can meaningfully scrutinize where economic development money goes. The situation is prompting renewed calls for greater transparency and a searchable statewide database of business incentives. Rob Port with InForum makes the argument worth reading.

Rob Port

InForum

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