The state of the city of Bismarck: "Excellent."

The state of the city of Mandan:"Confident."

The mayors of the two cities presented their "State of the Cities" speeches Tuesday morning in front of a crowd of about 145 at the Radisson in downtown Bismarck. Both mayors had encouraging reports about the cities, while addressing concerns and elaborating on progress.

Bismarck Mayor John Warford began his presentation with his continued support of the North Plains Commerce Centre, which he says will eventually position Bismarck in the global economy.

The center is in phase two of its construction plan, which includes laying more rail and constructing a maintenance-warehouse building.

Warford also commented on securing small-town appeal while the community grows, as well as citing national media attention the community has received for its business growth, safe streets and job growth.

"We still have that robust economy here,"he said.

And while growth was a major component in Warford's speech, he also emphasized that infrastructure improvements are key.

Flights to Chicago, for example, are being pursued by airport officials, and a new corporate area is being developed at the airport, Warford said.

He also described the Civic Center as an integral part in the revitalization of downtown.

Warford also explained that the city commission allocates only about 20 percent of the property taxes, and that most money from property taxes goes to maintaining a strong and well-trained police and fire force, adding that there soon may be a vote on the ballot to build a fire station on the north side of town.

"It's very expensive to build fire stations,"Warford said.

Generally, he said, Bismarck is experiencing self-sustaining growth while city leaders work to preserve a quality of life.

Mandan Mayor Ken LaMont said that he's been giving the "State of the Cities"speech for eight years, and "each year just gets a little more fun, a little more exciting."

"It's amazing what has happened in the last six to seven years,"LaMont said.

Despite the obvious challenges, such as the remediation and construction taking place in downtown Mandan, LaMont said residents have remained confident in Mandan:So far this year, there have been $24.6 million in investments in the city, such as the $13 million living center built by Medcenter One.

In 2006, he said, the city saw a record year for sales tax collections, adding that 2007 is on track to meet or exceed that record.

"It shows that the people of Mandan are adjusting very well,"LaMont said.

The key areas of growth and production in Mandan have been downtown, Memorial Highway and North Mandan; for the latter, he said the city has seen extensive retail growth along Interstate 94, near the new junior high school.

"It's been fun watching things change,"LaMont said. "It's been fun watching things get better."

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune.com.)