Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 03.30.2026
In case you missed the March 30, 2026, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
Survey Shows Strong Support for Downtown Food Pushcart Program
The results of a recent public survey revealed strong community support for The City of Fargo’s Downtown Food Pushcart Program. The survey results will help shape targeted improvements to the program while continuing current operations through the remainder of the year. The survey and its findings can be viewed at FargoND.gov/FoodPushcartSurveyResults.
The survey is part of a broader review of the program, which allows food pushcarts to operate on Downtown sidewalks, providing lunchtime, late-night and seasonal food options for residents and visitors. The survey was conducted in February 2026 following a January listening session hosted by Downtown Liaison City Commissioner John Strand and Downtown Community Partnership Executive Director Rocky Schneider. The survey gathered input on public perception amid concerns about enforcement and program operations. Planning Director Nicole Crutchfield presented the survey findings at the City Commission meeting on Monday, March 30.
Based on the positive feedback from the survey, the City will maintain the current program through 2026. At the same time, City staff will work with the City Attorney, the Downtown Community Partnership and stakeholders to develop ordinance amendments focused on spacing, enforcement, cleanliness and overall program improvements. Proposed updates are expected to return to the City Commission this fall for potential implementation in 2027.
Student Winners Share “Mayor for a Day” Essays at City Commission Meeting
The City of Fargo announced the winners of its “Mayor for a Day” essay contest on Monday, March 30. The contest, open to students in Fargo Public Schools, invited participants to answer the question: "What would you do if you were mayor for a day?" The initiative is designed to engage young minds and encourage students to share their vision for the community.
Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney selected students Aubrie Myrmoe and Laila Wangen as the contest winners. Laila is a third grader at Kennedy Elementary School, and Aubrie is a seventh-grade student in Fargo Public Schools’ Self-Directed Academy.
As part of their recognition, Aubrie and Laila, along with their families, met Mayor Mahoney and toured City Hall on Monday afternoon. Following the tour, the students read their essays during the City Commission meeting.
Their essays were chosen based on originality, content, grammar and structure. The winning essays can be viewed at FargoND.gov/MayorforaDay.
City Commission Appoints Interim Chief of Police
The City of Fargo has appointed Assistant Chief Travis Stefonowicz as Interim Chief of Police, effective Monday, March 30, 2026. The City Commission unanimously approved the appointment during its Monday meeting, following the retirement of former Chief Dave Zibolski on Friday, March 27.
“Assistant Chief Stefonowicz brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience, strong leadership and a deep understanding of this department and community,” said Fargo City Administrator Michael Redlinger. “His steady, thoughtful approach and commitment to both public safety and officer wellness make him exceptionally well-suited to lead The Fargo Police Department as we move forward with the process of selecting the next Chief of Police.”
Stefonowicz joined The Fargo Police Department in May 2002 after serving as a police officer in Aurora, Colorado, and working as a dispatcher at the Red River Regional Dispatch Center. Stefonowicz served on the Red River Regional SWAT Team for nine years as an Operator, Basic Training Instructor and Team Leader. His service and leadership have earned him numerous honors, including Fargo Police Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and North Dakota Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on human resources and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session #277. In October 2023, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley appointed Stefonowicz to the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. In 2024, he attended the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) Session #92, becoming the first graduate from North Dakota to complete the program since 1989. Over the course of his career with the FPD, he has held the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and, most recently, Assistant Chief since July 2021.
As Assistant Chief, Stefonowicz has played a key role in providing leadership, strategic direction and operational oversight for the department. He has overseen critical areas, including resource allocation, personnel management, training initiatives and community-oriented policing efforts. His leadership has helped advance several important initiatives, including the development of employee wellness programming and the implementation of the department’s first-ever Fargo Police Academy.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue serving alongside the dedicated men and women of The Fargo Police Department,” said Interim Chief Travis Stefonowicz. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals who are deeply committed to this profession and to our community. During this period of transition, my focus will be on providing consistency, stability and support for our team while we strive to provide the high level of service our community expects and deserves.”
The City of Fargo will now begin the process of searching for a permanent Chief of Police, with details to be announced at a later date.
City Commission Approves Letter of Support for Opportunity Fund Project
The North Dakota Opportunity Fund (NDOF), a statewide program created under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, provides loans and investments to small businesses and nonprofit groups that create and retain jobs. The City of Fargo is one of 38 member communities in the NDOF Consortium, which requires local endorsement for projects seeking funding support.
The Fargo City Commission often provides letters of support to local businesses looking to access NDOF-related financing. During its Monday night meeting, the City Commission unanimously approved a letter of support for Quality Holdings, which plans to consolidate operations into a new facility in Fargo near 100th Avenue South and Interstate 29. There is no City of Fargo financial support included or required with the letter of support.