Keep It Local

What it reported doing in 2025

Keep It Local is a State Ballot Measure Committee formed under North Dakota law and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a section 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. The Committee was organized exclusively to oppose a single statewide ballot measure on the November 2024 general election ballot in North Dakota that sought to eliminate ad valorem property taxes and replace them with alternative state revenue sources. The measure, if passed, would have fundamentally changed the structure of property taxation in the state, removing a major source of funding for cities, counties, school districts, and other local political subdivisions, and significantly altering the ability of local governments to provide essential services. All contributions raised by the Committee were used to further this exempt purpose. Program activities focused on educating the public, voters, and community stakeholders on the implications of the proposed constitutional amendment, the potential impact on local control of revenues, and the consequences for public services. These activities included the preparation and distribution of informational materials in print and digital formats; the maintenance of an informational website and social media presence; direct outreach to voters; and the sponsorship of public forums, presentations, and media communications to explain the measure and its fiscal and community impacts. Funds were also used for media and advertising campaigns to ensure broad public awareness, including radio, television, and online advertising designed to inform citizens of the risks associated with the measure and to encourage informed voting. All messaging and outreach efforts were nonpartisan, focused solely on the ballot measure at issue, and consistent with the organization's purpose as stated in its organizing document. In addition to direct public education and advocacy, the Committee used funds to cover necessary compliance and administrative expenses associated with operating a ballot measure committee and meeting federal, state, and local reporting obligations. This included legal and accounting services, campaign finance reporting to the North Dakota Secretary of State, IRS compliance activities, and other administrative costs required to maintain lawful operations in furtherance of the organization's stated purpose. Through these activities, Keep It Local worked to ensure that voters had accurate, thorough, and timely information before casting their ballots on this significant constitutional question. The Committee's efforts were limited to the 2024 election cycle and focused exclusively on this single ballot measure. Following the election, activities were concluded other than those necessary to complete all required compliance filings and close out the Committee's operations.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: Limited
• Program expense ratio: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 88.9%; rating input score 89; 2nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Limited

Sustainability

• Operating margin: Limited
• Total-asset coverage ratio: Limited
• Liabilities to assets ratio: Limited
• Officer compensation ratio: Limited

Growth

• Program expense growth: Limited
• Revenue growth: -5.6% per year; rating input score 0; 33rd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -150% per year; rating input score 0; 1st percentile among comparable filings