Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 03.02.2026
In case you missed the March 2, 2026, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
Fargo City Commission Approves Transition Plan for Native American Commission
The Fargo City Commission voted Monday to unanimously approve a transition plan that will move the Native American Commission to a broader, community-based governance model.
The decision supports a proposal developed by past and present members of the Native American Commission (NAC) and authorizes coordination between the City Attorney’s Office, Planning Department and City Administration to retrofit associated processes and resolutions necessary to implement the new governance structure.
The NAC was originally established in 2006, when the City Commission adopted a resolution creating the body to strengthen partnerships and better serve the Native American community in Fargo. Its stated purpose has been to develop recommendations for City participation in Native American projects and programs; inventory local Native American cultural assets; evaluate existing information on community assets and needs; and provide oversight of City-funded Native American projects, programs and facilities.
Since its inception, the NAC has played a visible and active role in the community. Its accomplishments include:
• Co-operating the Native American Center alongside the Cultural Diversity Resource Center.
• Earning national recognition through the National League of Cities Cultural Diversity Award in 2011.
• Sponsoring annual Tri-Cities powwows honoring Indigenous high school graduates.
• Establishing a public sweat lodge to promote cultural preservation and community healing.
• Helping found the Indigenous Association.
• Advancing Native American education initiatives within Fargo and West Fargo Public Schools.
• Conducting outreach and advocacy on public health initiatives at local, state and national levels.
• Supporting Indigenous Peoples Day, Savanna Greywind Day and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women awareness efforts.
• Maintaining active subcommittees focused on housing, health, education and cultural awareness.
Over the past year, as the City reviewed several of its volunteer advisory boards, leaders identified an opportunity for the NAC to evolve. Current and former NAC members have envisioned a more flexible, community-based structure capable of navigating geographic boundaries and bureaucratic systems while reducing reliance on City staffing and administrative overhead.
The move is intended to preserve the NAC’s mission and momentum while empowering Indigenous leaders with greater autonomy and flexibility to continue advancing cultural preservation, education, public health advocacy and community engagement across Fargo and beyond.
The Fargo Fire Department is Seeking Firefighter Applicants
The Fargo Fire Department is accepting applications to fill firefighter positions from Monday, March 2, through Friday, April 3. After the annual application period closes, the Fire Department will interview and evaluate qualified candidates to fill available positions.
Newly hired firefighters will receive a starting annual salary of $66,947 and a comprehensive benefits package, beginning on the first day of training. No prior firefighting experience is required. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and meet the following minimum qualifications:
• Possess a valid driver's license
• High school diploma or GED required, college credits preferred
• Be of sound mental and physical health
• Demonstrate the ability to understand written and spoken English
New hires will take part in the Metro Fire Academy, which is operated by the Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead Fire Departments. The 18-week academy includes classroom instruction, hands-on skills development, ride-alongs and live burn scenarios. Recruits will gain practical experience in a controlled environment and earn both firefighter and EMT certifications upon completion.
Those interested in joining the Fargo Fire Department can apply online at FargoND.gov/Apply from Monday, March 2, through Friday, April 3. To learn more about being a firefighter, visit JoinFargoFD.com or contact Division Chief Craig Nelson at 701.241.8132.
Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpack, the City Commission’s liaison to the Fire Department, shared this news during the Commissioner Update portion of Monday’s meeting.
City Commission Appoints Civil Service Commission Member
The City Commission voted unanimously on Monday to appoint Nancy Mansouri to the Fargo Civil Service Commission.
A vacancy has existed on the Civil Service Commission since the resignation of Mike Wenaas, whose term ended on June 30, 2025.
Mansouri has more than 30 years of experience in financial and human resource management, according to her application. On Monday, the City Commission appointed her to the Civil Service Commission for a term ending June 30, 2028.
Residents are encouraged to research and apply for appointment to any of The City of Fargo’s boards, commissions and committees for consideration in the event of future vacancies. For more information on the responsibilities of each board, commission and committee, please visit FargoND.gov/GettingInvolved.
The City of Fargo and Gate City Bank Announce $2 Million Investment in Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative
Gate City Bank has once again partnered with The City of Fargo on the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI), contributing $2 million to help keep the community’s mature neighborhoods strong. The program provides homeowners with loans at a below-market-interest rate to address qualifying property repairs and improvement projects.
Gate City Bank originally made the NRI available to Fargo residents in 2003 and has since contributed over $127 million across its footprint. Qualifying homeowners have used the below-market-interest loans to make updates that range from patio additions and new garages to furnace replacements and accessibility improvements.
Loans are available to finance new improvement projects not yet under construction and may be used for items such as structural corrections, energy upgrades and general property improvements. Other important details of the initiative include:
• Homes must be 40 years or older.
• Residences must be occupied by their owners.
• The assessed value of homes must be less than $300,000.
• Participating homes must be located within the NRI boundary.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available. Applications will be accepted March 16 through October 31, 2026. For more information, visit FargoND.gov/NRI.
Terms and conditions may apply. Loans can range from $10,000 to $100,000 and have repayment options of 10 or 15 years with an annual percentage rate (APR) as low as 4.66%.* Gate City Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.
*A $50,000 home equity loan at a 4.49% interest rate for 120 monthly payments of $522.09 will have a 4.66% annual percentage rate (APR).