Mayor Dwaine Heinrich

Get to Know the Mayor!

Why do you believe in the Jamestown/Stutsman County Development Corporation?

Perhaps the foremost reason for believing in the JSDC is its track record of success. The JSDC was formed in the 1990s to attract new businesses and industries, support existing businesses and industries and encourage new business starts. This was a time when the area economy had been adversely affected by extended drought, poor farm commodity prices, the railroad and other businesses having left Jamestown. It was wisely recognized that the economic situation was not going to improve on its own. The Chamber of Commerce spearheaded a group that brought together the city and county to form the JSDC.

The transformation of the economic vitality of Jamestown and Stutsman County since that time has been truly remarkable. A good portion of this success is attributed to the efforts of the city and county through the JSDC. The total employment in the city now is at or near an all-time high and Jamestown beat the US Census population projections by 900 individuals in the 2020 Census.

The recognition in the early 1990s that the future success of the city and county’s businesses and industry was not going to occur on its own was critical to us finding ourselves in the enviable position our city and county enjoys today.

Why did you want to serve on the JSDC Board of Directors?

As someone who started a business here in Jamestown 42 years ago which is still in operation, I have knowledge and experience that might be helpful. However, I believe the overriding desire was to see the continuation of the success that the JSDC has brought to the city and county over the past several decades. I also believe that my experience and earlier service on the JSDC do bring some important institutional memory with it as well.

What are the benefits of living and/or working in Stutsman County?

Jamestown and Stutsman County offer a wide variety of jobs in diverse disciplines. As someone who moved here knowing no one in town, I can attest to the fact that Jamestown is a welcoming and inviting community. One where if you wish to get involved all you have to do is step up. We are a safe community. We have access to many forms of recreation and outdoor sports. Jamestown is a city of faith with many churches to meet the needs of the residents of the community. We have excellent public and private elementary and secondary education system. We are blessed to have an excellent university and several world-class businesses in our community. In addition, we have excellent medical care, an excellent park system and also perhaps the best air service of any community our size in the country.