Each spring, the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) sponsors a statewide “If I Were Mayor” essay contest to inspire young people to explore public service and community leadership.

The NDLC encourages all third and seventh- grade students to submit essays. Winners are announced in April during City Government Week. Each winner receives a $150 prize from NDLC, and the winning essays are published in NDLC’s magazine, CITYScan.

Eligibility

• Open to all third- and seventh-grade students living in North Dakota.
• Students may be enrolled in public or private school, or homeschooled.
• Each grade is judged separately; one winner per grade.

Essay Rules

• Essays must be the student’s original work.
• One entry per student.
• Typed or handwritten; no longer than one page.
• Essays must answer:

1. 1. Why is your city great?
   2. What makes it special?
   3. What would you do to improve your city if you were mayor?

• Originality and creativity will be considered.

How to Submit

• Teachers: include the author’s name, school, and teacher’s name.
• Individual students: include the author’s name, address, parent/guardian name, and phone number.
• Mail: NDLC, 410 E Front Ave., Bismarck, ND 58504 — postmarked by March 13, 2026.
• Email: Jennifer at jennifer@ndlc.org — by March 13, 2026.
• Use the submission option below.

Awards & Announcement

Winners are announced in April during City Government Week. Each winner receives a $150 prize from NDLC, and the winning essays are published in NDLC’s magazine, CITYScan.

Questions?

Contact Jennifer at 701-223-3518 or jennifer@ndlc.org.