By Anna Nelson, Executive Director, Williston Economic Development
Williston, North Dakota is a city built on opportunity — where strategic location, abundant resources and bold vision continue to drive impressive economic expansion. Originally established in 1887 as a Great Northern Railway hub, Williston has evolved into a key player in the national energy market, a growing center for commerce and a welcoming environment for investors and developers alike.
Railroad Park near the Amtrak station in Williston, North Dakota, which was established as a Great Northern Railway hub in 1897. Photos above and at top courtesy of Williston Economic Development
Fueled by agriculture and supercharged by the Bakken oil fields, Williston experienced exponential growth in the 2010s. The city’s population has nearly tripled over the last 20 years and that momentum hasn’t slowed. With the opening of Williston Basin International Airport in 2019 and a focus on future-ready infrastructure, the city is positioning itself as a hub for regional and international business.
Williston Square is an 800-acre mixed-use development on the site of the former airport that’s slated to include low-density residential, restaurant, retail and experience-oriented development, along with health and wellness buildout and community-centered event/public space. Photo courtesy of Williston Economic Development
Williston Square: A Development Game Changer
The centerpiece of Williston’s next chapter is Williston Square — an 800-acre master-planned development rising on the site of the former airport. This ambitious live-work-play destination is designed to attract residents, businesses and visitors with its dynamic mix of commercial, residential, educational and recreational offerings.
To date, the Square has secured commitments from major players. Retailers like Genesis and Slim Chickens were early entrants, followed by significant investments from Sanford Health, which is developing a multispecialty clinic, and Bethel Lutheran, which is building a skilled-nursing facility. In late 2024, construction began on a new elementary school and a housing development — two projects that directly support workforce attraction and retention.
Fast-casual restaurant chain Slim Chickens and local apparel retailer Genesis were early tenants in the Williston Square development. Photo courtesy of Williston Economic Development
Infrastructure investments will exceed $100 million by 2025, including the realignment of U.S. Highway 2 and 26th Street to improve access and establish a formal gateway to the Square. Upcoming commercial builds include Taco Bell and several other proposed national chains. Nearby, businesses like Starbucks, T-Mobile, Jersey Mike’s Subs and Noodles & Company opened in 2024, with Pizza Ranch expected in 2025.
A Diversified, Forward-Looking Economy
Williston’s economic landscape is rapidly diversifying beyond energy. Recent projects — a new multimillion-dollar water park, an indoor/outdoor hockey complex and a 1,000-seat event center — are positioning the city as a regional tourism and recreation destination. Meanwhile, the energy sector itself is evolving through enhanced oil recovery and value-added production.
Williston’s energy sector is evolving thanks to enhanced oil recovery and value-added production. Photo courtesy of Williston Economic Development
Emerging industries are also taking root. Uncrewed aerial systems and data centers are gaining traction, supported by Williston’s pro-business environment and reliable infrastructure. In 2022, WalletHub named Williston the seventh-best small city in the U.S. to start a business, and in both 2023 and 2024, Forbes Advisor named North Dakota the No. 1 state to launch a business.
A Supportive Ecosystem for Development
Williston offers investors a highly supportive development ecosystem. Williston State College and its workforce training arm, TrainND Northwest, provide workforce training aligned with industry needs, while Williston High School has expanded its career and technical education offerings.
Public-private partnerships are core to the city’s strategy. Williston’s Economic Development department collaborates with the Small Business Development Center at Williston State, with Williams County and with the Tri-County Regional Development Council to facilitate growth. Funding support is available through the city’s STAR Fund, which reinvests a portion of the local sales tax into business incentives, grants and interest buydown programs.
Emre Erkal runs 3E Pastry Cafe alongside his father, Sidik Erkal. The eatery serves Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in Williston. Photo courtesy of Williston Economic Development
For investors and developers seeking a high-potential, growth-focused market with strong leadership, world-class infrastructure and a clear vision for the future, Williston is open for business.
For more information, contact Anna Nelson at 701-577-8110 (office), 701-651-8265 (cell) or annan@ci.williston.nd.us.
Links to Learn More
Williston Square
Williston Economic Development
City of Williston
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Williston Economic Development on Linkedin