Big Ideas, Small Voices: Williston North Dakota Students Take a Turn as Mayor

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if kids actually ran the city… well, Williston is about to find out — at least on paper. The City of Williston, in partnership with the North Dakota League of Cities, is once again inviting third and seventh graders to step into the mayor’s office (figuratively, of course) for the 2026 “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest.

This annual contest gives young minds a chance to dream big, think local, and maybe even solve problems adults are still arguing about at City Hall. Students are encouraged to write about what they would do if they were mayor — whether that means fixing potholes at record speed, adding more parks, improving schools, or finally convincing everyone to zipper-merge properly.

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Big Ideas, Small Voices: Why Williston’s Young Writers Are Catching the Mayor’s Attention

Williston Mayor Howard Klug says this is one of his favorite events of the year, and it’s easy to see why. Over the years, essays have shown that kids are paying attention. They know their city. They notice what’s working, what’s not, and what could be better — sometimes with a level of honesty that only kids can deliver. According to Mayor Klug, some of the ideas shared in past essays have even been taken to heart, proving that good ideas don’t need a driver’s license to be valuable.

The contest isn’t just about writing; it’s about encouraging civic pride and showing students that their voices matter. It’s a gentle introduction to public service and leadership, without the long meetings or coffee dependency.

Read More: North Dakota Population Hits Record High Nearing 800,000

Pencils Ready: Prizes, Recognition, and a Parade Ride Await Young Writers

Essays are due by March 13, with winners announced in April during City Government Week. State-level winners will receive a $150 prize from the North Dakota League of Cities and see their essays published in CITYScan magazine, which is a pretty impressive resume booster before high school. Locally, two winners will score prize packs from area businesses, recognition from Mayor Klug at a City Commission meeting, and perhaps the coolest perk of all: a ride with the mayor in the 2026 Band Day Parade. You can click here for all the information about this fun contest.

So, third and seventh graders of Williston, sharpen those pencils. City Hall is listening!