ND Development Fund pauses new financing to address audit; Commerce head takes back board seat

BISMARCK — The North Dakota Development Fund has temporarily paused new financing transactions as the embattled fund focuses on addressing the findings of a recent performance audit. State Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken made the motion during the NDDF s regular board meeting Thursday, saying the pause would allow Commerce and the board to evaluate the future role of the Development Fund in light of the audit's findings. He added that changes to how the state approaches economic development could be coming during the 2027 legislative session, which begins in January. I just think that it makes sense (that) if we know there are going to be changes during session that we just pause ... until we get through session and we see where all that ends up, Schilken said Thursday. Schilken told the board at the start of Thursday s meeting that he had completed the paperwork necessary to take back the Commerce commissioner s seat on the NDDF board, which former board m