Convention Center Committee - March 13, 2026

Present: Katlyn Balstad, Charley Johnson, Clare Hughes, Kent Kolstad, Emma McIntyre, Taylor Snelling, Denise Kolpack, Tim Mahoney, Dave Piepkorn, Michelle Turnberg.

Absent: Shannon Full, Joe Raso, John Strand.

Others Present: Shirley Hughes, Erik Johnson (via conference call), Susan Thompson, Tom Hazinski (HVS) (via conference call).

Charley Johnson provided a historical overview dating back to 2013, noting multiple feasibility studies by HVS. Early efforts focused on adding convention space to the FARGODOME or a hypothetical Downtown location.
Previous proposals faced challenges due to costs, lack of political will or competing projects such as the new City Hall.
A 2023 ballot measure to combine FARGODOME renovations with a Convention Center failed to reach the required 60% threshold for the sales tax component.
In November 2024, a 3% Lodging Tax measure passed with 52%, providing a dedicated funding source for a Convention Center, though the FARGODOME renovation portion did not pass.
The Committee has narrowed nine initial public-private partnership (PPP) proposals down to four finalists.
Assistant City Attorney Erik Johnson outlined "Phase 3," which involves ranking the proposals and moving into formal negotiations with the top-ranked entity.
Negotiations will address land assembly, design, construction, financing (taxable appropriation bonds) and long-term operations.
A key operational question remains regarding how the facility operator will partner with Visit Fargo Moorhead for marketing and sales.
Finance Director Susan Thompson expressed concern that the 3% lodging tax may not fully cover the Convention Center's needs, stressing that it must not become a financial burden on the City's general budget.
The Committee discussed the potential use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and its impact on other City needs.
Mayor Mahoney emphasized the importance of ensuring the chosen operator can "deliver on promises made" to bring conventions to the community.
The Committee received 66 pages of public comments.
Charley Johnson noted the feedback was mixed, with supporters and detractors often disagreeing on the same specific locations.
The Committee is waiting for final reports and scoring from consultants Baker Tilly and HVS.
Members may submit written follow-up questions to the four proposers through a collaborative document to clarify details such as parking and loading docks.
The Consultant reports are expected by April 17th.
Charley Johnson said he aims to have a final recommendation for the City Commission by the end of April to avoid the project becoming a campaign issue.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:19 p.m.