News/Blog

Earth Day Outreach— GTC Elementary Learns More About Waste Reduction and Recycling

May 03, 2024

To celebrate 2024 Earth Day, the CNMI Department of Public Works (DPW) and the CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) last week took Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School (GTC) students on a tour of the Marpi Landfill and Lower Base Transfer Station...

Join Team OPD!— Saipan Project Coordinator

April 10, 2024

Join Team OPD! The CNMI Office of Planning and Development announces a job opportunity...

Join Team OPD!— Vacancies for Junior Solid Waste Engineer, Rota Project Coordinator, and Solid Waste Technical Analyst

April 03, 2024

Join Team OPD! The CNMI Office of Planning and Development announces the following job opportunities...

RFP24-OPD/MOTA-42400072: Assessment, Design, and Permitting of the Tinian (Puntan Diablo) Small Community Exempt Landfill (SCEL)

April 02, 2024

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Office of Planning and Development (OPD) is requesting proposals for the assessment, design, and permitting of the future Small Community Exempt Landfill on Tinian at Puntan Diablo...

OPD reopens critical roadway in the heart of Garapan

March 13, 2024

The Garapan Revitalization Project reached a major milestone, as significant construction development allowed for the opening of the formerly Paseo De Marianas pedestrian mall to vehicular traffic after 20 years of pedestrian-only traffic..

CNMI OPD Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023

February 05, 2024

The FY2023 Annual Report for the CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) is now available. This report highlights accomplishments, key recommendations, and next steps as OPD and its planning partners continue their work toward a more sustainable CNMI for current and future generations...

PRiMO 2024 Conference: Resilience in Action

January 09, 2024

As we face rising tides and other unpredictable challenges, the Pacific Risk Management Ohana (PRiMO) presents the opportunity to learn through stories of adaptation, innovation, and determination. From coastal development practices to community-driven efforts, discover the strategies that transform vulnerabilities into strengths...

OPD Project Updates: July - December 2023

December 29, 2023

In this newsletter, the CNMI Office of Planning and Development shares general news, announcements, and updates from some of its premier projects for the second half of 2023. Here's to building a more sustainable CNMI, together, for many more years to come....

REMINDER— CISWMP public comment period closes on December 4, 2023 at 4:30pm ChST!

November 28, 2023

REMINDER — The Office of Planning and Development and the Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Taskforce encourages you to share thoughts on the future of solid waste, reuse, recycling, and composting in the CNMI before the December 4, 2023 deadline!...

Public hearing on Saipan for the CNMI Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan — November 21, 2023

November 07, 2023

The CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) on behalf of the Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Task Force (ISWMT) invites you to a public hearing on November 21, 2023 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center to share your thoughts, voice your concerns, and...

Public Notice and Comment Request for Broadband Policy and Development's CNMI BEAD Initial Proposal Draft Volume 2

November 06, 2023

The CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office (BPD) was established to develop and implement a broadband strategy that promotes advanced broadband network services, expands the digital economy, increases consumer options, promotes digital literacy, increases broadband equity, and supports access and affordability for residents across the islands of the Commonwealth...

Public hearing on Tinian for the CNMI Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan — November 15, 2023

November 03, 2023

The CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) on behalf of the Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Task Force (ISWMT) invites you to a public hearing on November 15, 2023 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm at the Tinian Public Library to share your thoughts, voice your concerns, and...

Public hearing on Rota for the CNMI Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan—November 9, 2023

October 30, 2023

The CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) on behalf of the Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Task Force (ISWMT) invites you to a public hearing on November 9, 2023 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the Rota Mayor's Office...

CNMI Office of Planning and Development Citizen-Centric Report for FY 2023

October 30, 2023

In accordance with Public Law 20-83, the CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) prepared this Citizen-Centric Report (CCR)...

Call for public input— the draft CNMI Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan is here!

October 19, 2023

The draft of the plan that will chart a sustainable path forward for management of the CNMI's solid waste is here and available for public review. The CNMI Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, or CISWMP, covers...

Zero Waste Update: September 2023

September 26, 2023

In this newsletter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explores the latest developments related to Zero Waste in Region IX and shares details on upcoming conferences, training sessions, funding opportunities offered by the EPA, job openings within the EPA, and more...

$612,441 awarded to the CNMI through EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program for States and Territories to jumpstart recycling initiatives on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota

September 15, 2023

Through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program for States and Territories the CNMI was awarded $612,441 which will be used to purchase and repair recycling equipment...

Milestone CNMI solid waste infrastructure project is completed

September 08, 2023

The Marpi Landfill Cell 2 Rehabilitation Project, a milestone for critical solid waste infrastructure planning in the CNMI, has been completed. This revamped landfill cell gives the CNMI ample space for its solid waste for the next decade...

Free Federal Grants Training Coming to Saipan on August 21 and 22

August 14, 2023

National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries)— NOAA Fisheries is offering FREE grant applicant training workshops that are open to anyone interested in applying for federal grants (not just NOAA grants). During both one-day sessions, you'll learn valuable skills like how to find funding opportunities, write a successful grant application, and apply for a grant...

Hazard Mitigation Plan to Action Workshop and Consultation— August 8-11, 2023

August 11, 2023

From August 8 through August 11, 2023, local stakeholders participated in a “Plan to Action” (P2A) Workshop and Consultation to support improved hazard mitigation planning and project implementation in the CNMI. The August 8-10 Workshop was an inaugural event that focuses on the application and eligibility for Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants...

Public Notice and Comment Request for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Five-Year Strategic Plan

August 01, 2023

OPD Updates - July 2023 Accomplishments

July 31, 2023

This month the Office of Planning and Development conducted meetings with the Planning and Development Advisory Council (PDAC) and All Planners Taskforces in preparation for forthcoming Resources Report and Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan...

Coastal Construction Training— August 17-18 and August 21-22

July 27, 2023

The Office of Planning and Development (OPD)- Infrastructure and Recovery Program (IRP) invites you to take part in the free Coastal Construction Training, taking place on August 17-18 (Session 1) and August 21-22 (Session 2)...

CNMI Walkability Action Institute — July 10 to 12, 2023

July 21, 2023

From July 10 to 12, 2023, the Walkability Institute Working Group held workshops on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to facilitate discussions centered on Complete Streets and how this community design concept furthers public wellbeing...

FEMA Web-based Trainings — National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program

June 23, 2023

From July to October, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program (NETAP) will be holding a series of free, virtual trainings centered on making buildings earthquake resilient and up to code...

Legacy pollution, next steps for CNMI solid waste management discussed at 2023 Territorial Climate and Infrastructure Workshop

May 22, 2023

The CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) brought forward the CNMI's infrastructure needs, challenges, and next steps for waste management systems including cleanup, revitalization, and recycling at the 2023 Territorial Climate and Infrastructure Workshop...

CNMI's broadband needs, challenges, and next steps brought forward at 2023 Territorial Climate and Infrastructure Workshop

May 19, 2023

From May 8 to 12, 2023, representatives from the newly created CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office (BPDO), CNMI Department of Finance- Office of Information Technology (DOF-OIT) and the CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) were at the 2023 Territorial Climate and Infrastructure Workshop in Honolulu, Hawaii to engage with key federal partners...

EDA heads visit CNMI; assess progress on CNMI's EDA-funded projects

May 04, 2023

On April 28, 2023, heads from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Pacific Basin Development Council (PBDC) visited the Garapan Revitalization Project (GRP) site at Paseo De Marianas...

The CNMI's 4-Year Territorial Transportation Improvement Plan

April 24, 2023

The CNMI's 4-Year Territorial Transportation Improvement Plan (TTIP) for the period of FY 2023 to 2026 which includes projects respectively funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)...

EPA Regional Administrator Voices Support during CNMI Visit

April 13, 2023

Senior officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were recently in the CNMI to help launch activities related to CNMI Zero Waste Week, to tour solid waste facilities, and to assess ongoing EPA-funded solid waste projects on Saipan and Tinian...

BECQ Requesting Feedback on Coastal Hazards Inventory

March 31, 2023

The Bureau of Environmental Coastal Quality - Division of Coastal Resources Management is seeking input from local government agencies and shoreline stakeholders...

CNMI Zero Waste Visioning Kick-off Meeting on March 30— RSVP by March 23 to virtually attend!

March 20, 2023

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Inter-island Solid Waste Management Taskforce invites the community to virtually attend the CNMI Zero Waste Visioning Kick-off Meeting, scheduled for March 30 from 9:00am-11:30am...

OPD Awards A&E Contracts for Oleai Sports Complex and Cultural Events Center Facilities Development Projects

March 17, 2023

On March 2 and 7, 2023 respectively, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Office of Planning and Development (OPD) issued Notices to Proceed on...

Announcement: CNMI Tsunami Evacuation Planning Town Hall Series

March 06, 2023

Join CNMI HSEM and Pacific Coastal Research & Planning in the community-based development of Tsunami evacuation plans...

Informational webinars on the U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program announced — March 2 and March 7, 2023

March 01, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will soon announce non-competitive planning grants as part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program, and EPA will be hosting identical webinars on March 2 and 7 at 2pm EST on both days...

To the Tinian Community: participate in the solid waste collection study from March 6-10, 2023!

February 22, 2023

From March 6 to 10, 2023, a solid waste management consulting firm will be on Tinian to conduct a solid waste collection study to examine the average trash produced by Tinian’s businesses and households over a one-week period. Please review the flyer, the collection schedule, and maps attached below to learn more. ...

Public comments sought for Precinct 4 Community Resumé

February 16, 2023

The Precinct 4 Community Resumé— which highlights the CNMI’s largest geographic precinct and the diverse businesses, abundant natural resources, and driven community leaders within it— is now open for public feedback and suggestions. In 2022, former...

Press Release: Dept. of Energy, PNNL representatives visit CNMI; assess CNMI's alternative energy options for the Marpi Landfill

February 15, 2023

From February 6 to 9, representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) were in the CNMI for preliminary discussionsand site visits as part of...

Public Notice: Construction activities for Garapan Revitalization Project commencing January 2023

January 11, 2023

Construction activities for the Garapan Revitalization Project will commence this month, January 2023, and are scheduled to continue until November 2024. Construction will occur in four (4) phases. Following are related dates and affected streets: ...

FCC releases national broadband map; CNMI Broadband moves to verify data for Marianas residents

December 22, 2022

On November 19, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission released its new FCC National Broadband Map, at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home. On the heels of that release, CNMI Broadband is announcing that...

Tinian Yutu debris site cleanup demobilized; final round of soil testing to be conducted

December 19, 2022

The cleanup of the fire-impacted Super Typhoon Yutu debris site is now in its final stages. The site has been successfully cleared of metal and other debris, and a sampling analysis plan has been finalized, and the contractor will...

Strategic Energy Plan Public Involvement

December 12, 2022

The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) Office of the Governor, Department of Public Works (DPW) - Energy Division, Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) and Office of Planning and Development (OPD), in coordination with the Office of Grants Management (OGM) comprise the Energy Task Force (ETF) as established by Executive Order 2021-16. One of its missions is to...

CNMI celebrates CNMI Recycles Week; America Recycles Day

November 21, 2022

Last week, sustainability advocates across the CNMI celebrated America Recycles Day and CNMI Recycles Week. The week's activities emphasized the CNMI's continued commitment to achieving more sustainable consumption and production, and included a proclamation signing on Saipan...

Press Release - Water Quality Assessment and FAQ Posted for Public Comments by 10/19/2022

September 19, 2022

The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ) is seeking written comments on the proposed 2020 CNMI Water Quality Assessment Integrated Report. The deadline for submission of comments is October 19, 2022 by 4:30 PM.

DPW Requests Comments on Draft 20-Year Highway Plan

September 13, 2022

The Department of Public Works is requesting public review and comments on the Draft 20-Year Highway Plan. This plan aims to offer a unifying framework for classifying and prioritizing transportation improvements on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with a focus on opportunities for federally supported built infrastructure projects.

Public Comments Requested on FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance and Policy Guide

September 06, 2022

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs provide funding for eligible mitigation activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages. This includes the...

Substantial progress made in cleanup of Super Typhoon Yutu debris site on Tinian

August 26, 2022

Substantial progress has been made in the cleanup of the Super Typhoon Yutu debris site on Tinian that caught fire. The firm leading the cleanup and soil testing of the site is expected to complete the processing and shipping of metal recyclables by October and notified CNMI partners that...

Smart, Safe Growth Training builds capacity and creates advocates for sustainable development

August 18, 2022

From July 19 to 28, over 90 individuals from various government agencies and organizations participated in a training centered around “Smart, Safe Growth” (SSG). SSG is a set of complementary development strategies and practices focused on improving the resiliency and recoverability of the built environment.

'A critical milestone'— CNMI's ASADRA-funded solid waste infrastructure project for Marpi Landfill Cell 2 is moving forward

July 18, 2022

On July 18, 2022, the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) completed interagency review and approved land clearing, excavation, trenching, use of heavy equipment, backfilling, and construction as part of the Marpi Landfill Cell 2 rehabilitation project.

Community Survey for Achugao & Laolao Watershed Planning - Your feedback requested by 5/6/2022

April 19, 2022

In January of 2020 a variety of public and private partners, including BECQ, NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, Horsley-Witten Group, The Nature Conservancy, and Koa Consulting, teamed up to develop...

Job Announcement: DPW Roads Mapping and Mitigation Project Analyst

January 13, 2022

The Department of Public Works - Division of Flood Hazard Mitigation is seeking a Roads Mapping and Mitigation Project Analyst.

DPW Requesting Community Feedback for 20-year CNMI Highway Plan

December 02, 2021

The CNMI Department of Public Works is updating the Long-Range Twenty-Year Highway Master Plan, which was last revised in 2009. Community feedback is being requested NOW!

OPD Highlights SSG at World IUCN Conference

September 09, 2021

OPD sends a big MAHALO to Pacific RISA for the opportunity to highlight how the Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan (CSDP) is supporting Smart, Safe Growth (SSG) including climate-smart adaptation and mitigation planning efforts in the CNMI!

(RFP) DPW - Planning, Road Conditions, and Flood Hazard Mapping Project

September 08, 2021

Governor Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Governor Arnold I. Palacios, through DPW are soliciting proposals to collect and develop geospatial information including attributes for road flooding and other hazards and identifying address coordinates for the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

(RFP) Tinian Dump Closure and Facility Feasibility Assessment and Recommendations Report

August 26, 2021

The Office of Planning and Development (OPD) in partnership with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Office of the Mayor of Tinian is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to update the 2005 Tinian Dump Closure Comprehensive Study Report and revise recommendations to achieve environmentally compliant waste management on the island of Tinian.

(RFP) Marpi Backup Power Feasibility Assessment

August 26, 2021

The Office of Planning and Development (OPD) in partnership with the Department of Public Works (DPW) is soliciting proposals for the development of a backup power feasibility assessment and cost benefit analysis for the Marpi Landfill on Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Collection and Removal of Remaining 2018 Super Typhoon Yutu Debris on the Municipality of Tinian and Aguiguan

August 16, 2021

The Office of Planning and Development (OPD) in partnership with the Office of the Mayor of Tinian is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to develop a work plan and a budget proposal for the collection and removal of remaining Yutu Debris on the Municipality of Tinian and Aguiguan.

CSDP Final Review by PDAC

August 11, 2021

On July 22, 2021, the third round of public notice and comments closed on the draft Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan (CSDP). The Office of Planning and Development is currently processing feedback to present the revised plan to the Planning and Development Advisory Council for finalization.

Building Back Better - MAT Reports Support Smart, Safe Growth in CNMI

August 09, 2021

FEMA's Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) was assigned to the Super Typhoon Yutu event. The MAT identified structural performance as the most important factor in recovery costs and community disruption.

Highlights from the Natural Resources Taskforce - SER Presentation

July 27, 2021

In June 2021, representatives from the CNMI's Natural Resources Taskforce provided a 'virtual tour' of ongoing conservation efforts. You can view the presentation here!

Final Draft Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan Published - Public Comments Requested by July 22, 2021

June 09, 2021

Review and comment on the Revised Draft CSDP - community review and comments are requested by July 22, 2021. Public Meetings will be held virtually and in-person on Tinian, Rota, and Saipan. Please check the OPD calendar for time, location, and registration details or RSVP to planning@opd.gov.mp with the subject line 'Public Meetings' to learn more

Reminder: Next PDAC Meeting 6/7 at 1pm

June 03, 2021

The next Planning and Development Advisory Council (PDAC) meeting will be held on June 7 at 1pm. The agenda is below for your reference. For more information or to RSVP to virtually attend, please email planning@opd.gov.mp.

Reminder: Next PDAC Meeting 5/18 at 2pm

May 14, 2021

The next Planning and Development Advisory Council (PDAC) meeting will be held on May 18 at 2pm. The agenda is below for your reference. For more information or to RSVP to virtually attend, please email planning@opd.gov.mp.

Open Positions Re-posted!

April 30, 2021

OPD is encouraging interested candidates to apply for open solid waste management and restoration positions!

Job Announcement: Wetland Biologist

April 30, 2021

The Department of Lands and Natural Resources' Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is seeking a full-time Wetland Biologist.

Your Feedback Requested - Please View Updated DRAFT Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan and Submit Comments by 5/12!

April 28, 2021

OPD is requesting public comments on the Revised Draft Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan by 5/12 for inclusion in the final revision.

Taskforces Meeting – Join us at 9am ChST 4/28

April 26, 2021

Please join us on April 28, 2021 at 9am for a live-streamed Taskforces meeting. Partners will share updates from our three Taskforce Planning groups – Built Environment, Socio-Economic/Disaster Risk Reduction, and Natural Resources.

Press Release: Interior Provides $9 Million to the Northern Mariana Islands in FY 2021 Capital Improvement Funds

March 26, 2021

Capital Improvement Project fiscal year 2021 grants from OIA will support important renovation upgrades and maintenance needs at several important public facilities, including the hospital, health clinics, and schools in the CNMI.

Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan and Tinian Zero Waste Pilot Project Requests for Proposals – Submissions due by 4/19!

March 23, 2021

The Office of Planning and Development (OPD) in partnership with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Mayor’s Offices of Tinian and Rota is soliciting proposals for the drafting and finalization of a comprehensive solid waste management plan for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Your Feedback Requested – Please View Updated Draft Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan and Submit Comments by 4/19!

March 19, 2021

The revised Draft Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan (CSDP) is uploaded now! We are requesting your comments on the draft by April 19, 2021, so we can make final revisions and submit the plan for endorsement

Press Release: U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $11.2 Million to Rehabilitate Roadway Infrastructure

February 10, 2021

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $11.2 million grant to the Office of the Governor, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, to rehabilitate roadway infrastructure within Garapan, a commercial district of Saipan. OPD thanks EDA for funding the Garapan Revitalization Project as well as Governor Torres and Lt. Governor Palacios, the Garapan Revitalization Taskforce, our partners in the Built Environment Taskforce, and all stakeholders who helped to identify and work to fill this unmet infrastructure investment need.

Press Release: Climate Change Brings Challenges for the CNMI

January 28, 2021

Hotter weather, stronger typhoons, coral reef death, and human health risks are among the major challenges detailed in a new report on climate change in the CNMI.

Thank you 1/20 Presenters! Please Save the Date for 4/28!

January 21, 2021

Thank you to our planning partners that presented at yesterday’s Taskforces meeting! Please save the date for our next quarterly meeting on 4/28 and contact us at planning@opd.gov.mp if you have something you’d like to add to the agenda. Meeting materials will be posted at opd.gov.mp soon!

Job Announcement: GIS Specialist

January 13, 2021

The CNMI Division of Coastal Resources Management (DCRM) is seeking to hire a full-time (40hrs/week) GIS Specialist. Under the supervision of the DCRM Director, the employee will lead DCRM’s GIS program, providing data management, coordination, and analytical support, as well as web application development and data access via DCRM’s web-based portal.

January 21, 2021 PDAC Meeting

January 08, 2021

This announcement is to provide public notice of the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning and Development Advisory Council (PDAC) to be held at 2pm on January 21th, 2021. The agenda is below for your reference. For details regarding how to attend this e-meeting please contact planning@opd.gov.mp.

Next Taskforces Planning Meeting January 20, 2021 at 2pm

January 07, 2021

The Office of Planning and Development (OPD), under the CNMI Office of the Governor, would like to invite all interested community members to join OPD’s Built Environment, Natural Resources, and Socio-Economic/Disaster Risk Reduction Taskforces at their upcoming planning meetings on January 20, 2021.

Planning for a Sustainable CNMI in 2021 and Beyond!

January 01, 2021

The Office of Planning and Development is supporting sustainable growth for CNMI in the decade ahead. Wishing our partners and CNMI family a good New Year and here’s to our sustainable future!