BEMIDJI — After a 17-year hiatus, the city of Bemidji is reestablishing a planning commission ahead of the planned dissolution of the Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Board at the end of the year.
Bemidji residents are encouraged to apply to become members of the commission.
The reestablishment comes after years of planning and zoning being handled under a joint powers agreement designed for the Bemidji area’s growth as a regional center.
The Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Board was formed in 2007 and included two nearby townships: Bemidji and Northern.
Bemidji Township exited the joint powers agreement with these local government units in 2013, with a series of lawsuits between the parties preceding and following the separation.
In 2022, Northern Township gave its notice to the city that it also intends to withdraw from the agreement. The same year, the Northern Township Board announced it would explore options for incorporating into a new, small city.
The joint powers agreement also lent authority to the city for orderly annexation, with the last segment of annexation into Northern Township completed in 2020.
With the joint powers board is dissolving, the assets of the organization, according to city officials, will be split equally between the city and the township.
Residents interested in serving on the Bemidji planning and zoning commission can submit their applications through Friday, Dec. 8.