A Community Looking Forward
Steering and planning committees have started an important initiative to move Lisbon into the future with a well rounded strategic plan and critical goal areas that will benefit residents, visitors, and businesses in our area.
Download the Strategic Plan and if you’re interested in getting more involved to ensure these goals are met, call (701) 683-4140.
A COMMUNITY LOOKING FORWARD
LISBON: A COMMUNITY LOOKING FORWARD
Lisbon Is: A community looking forward
Lisbon is a community located in the beautiful regional setting of the Southern Sheyenne Valley. It has the
foundational essentials of a strong community – a good school system, a strong network of health care
services, an ag-based economy and regional “cluster oriented” manufacturing. This base has the potential to
develop supporting services and a strong community culture.
There is a feeling of “belonging” for a core group of residents; this translates into a nucleus that wants to
define the region’s future. They feel that Lisbon is a great city to raise a family and has a base of strong values,
including an atmosphere of caring, friendly and giving residents.
Lisbon and the region around Lisbon have an opportunity to attract residents and businesses that understand
“small” town advantages. One that offers a neighborhood feeling, quality of life features with a strong
economic base, low crime, a good school system, health care and a great work ethic. In addition, Ransom
County ranks seventh lowest in cost of living, and Lisbon’s cost of living index is 81.5 compared to 99.6 for
the state of North Dakota (based on U.S. index of 100). Housing costs are also below the state and national
average, with the median house at $120,600 and average rent at $581 per month.
But there are concerns. The population has been declining, losing over 4% in the last five years and projected
to lose another 3% over the next five years. Regional employment has decreased but has a positive outlook
for the next five years. Regional unemployment is a little over 2%, translating into a shortage of workforce.
The region also has a high percentage of its population retiring soon, adding to the workforce concerns. In
recent years, Lisbon has completed much-needed infrastructure and flood protection projects. This has made
budgeting tight and has left some residents wondering what reserves are available for future projects.
The Lisbon Committee was formed to create a vision for Lisbon’s future. The following report documents identify
key assets to build on and areas of change that can help define a better Lisbon and create opportunity.
We are busy creating our future.