Bismarck, N.D. — Hilary Balzum, a dedicated member of the City of Bismarck team since 2013, is being recognized for her substantial contributions to local housing and community development. Balzum currently serves as both a Planner and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Administrator. In her role as CDBG Program Administrator, Balzum is responsible for overseeing the critical process of planning and distributing federal funds. These funds are specifically allocated to support essential housing and community development services throughout the community. Her work ensures that federal resources are effectively channeled to address local needs.
A key area where Balzum has made a significant impact is in the timeliness of CDBG expenditures. According to city sources, she has greatly improved this process, which allows community needs to be met as efficiently as possible. This efficiency is crucial for ensuring that federal assistance reaches its intended recipients and projects without undue delay, directly benefiting residents reliant on these services for housing and community improvement initiatives within the Bismarck community.
Further demonstrating her expertise and dedication, Balzum successfully created the Consolidated Plan in-house last year. This is a notable achievement, as many communities typically hire outside consultants to perform this complex task. By undertaking this work internally, Balzum enabled the City to focus its resources more directly on identified community needs, rather than expending funds on external consulting services. This strategic approach helps maximize the impact of available funds on local housing and development projects.
Balzum's journey with the City began in 2013, when she joined as an Office Assistant within the Planning Department. Her career progression within the city has been steady and varied, showcasing her adaptability and growing experience. She advanced to the position of Senior Administrative Assistant, still within City Planning, before moving to Public Works. At Public Works, she served as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Utility Operations, gaining broad insight into different facets of city infrastructure and services. Today, she brings this extensive and diverse experience and a consistent dedication to her current dual position as a Planner and the CDBG Program Administrator, where her background enhances her ability to manage complex federal programs and city planning initiatives.
Planning Director Daniel Nairn lauded Balzum's contributions to the city. Nairn stated that Balzum "has been an asset to the city since she started." He added that she has been instrumental in the program's development, noting her role in spearheading it and shaping it into its current form. Nairn concluded by expressing high praise, saying, "We couldn’t ask for a better person to take on this program." Her efforts directly translate into more effective and efficient allocation of federal resources for housing and community development services across the community, impacting a wide range of local residents and projects designed to strengthen the fabric of the Bismarck area.
