Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 03.17.2025
In case you missed the March 17, 2025, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
City Staff to Explore Possibility of Full-time Mayor Position
Mayor of The City of Fargo is currently considered a part-time position. With the upcoming vacancy in the Mayor's Office in 2026, City Commissioner John Strand has proposed that The City closely examine whether the Mayor position should change to a full-time role.
“To vet this question and develop a transition plan to a full-time Mayor, I am requesting that the City Commission authorize the City Administrator, City Attorney's Office and the Human Resources Department to develop a transition plan for a full-time Mayor with the election of Fargo's next Mayor in June 2026. Staff will also incorporate and reflect this change in the City's 2026 Budget,” Commissioner Strand wrote in a memorandum to the City Commission.
On Monday evening, the City Commission voted 4-1 to direct City staff to research the possibility of a full-time Mayor and propose a plan to shift the position to full-time on July 1, 2026. The City Commission, which currently consists of five members, also voted 4-1 to have City staff explore the possibility of expanding the Commission to seven members.
Red River Path Proposed Near Veterans Affairs Hospital
The City of Fargo, in cooperation with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and Fargo Park District, is planning a shared-used path in north Fargo.
The proposed path for pedestrians and bicyclists would run along the Red River east of the Veterans Affairs Hospital. The path would connect 15th Avenue North to Woodcrest Drive.
The estimated cost of construction is $1.4 million, paid for with Federal Carbon Reduction funds, Fargo Park District funds and Prairie Dog funds.
The Fargo City Commission voted 5-0 to approve the project on Monday evening.
Fargo’s Board of Equalization to Hear Assessment Appeals on Tuesday, April 8
The City of Fargo appraises the value of every property within city limits each year for tax purposes. When a property’s value increases more than 10% and $3,000, the Assessor’s Office notifies the owner. This year’s notifications have been mailed to property owners.
Any property owner who feels their assessment is inaccurate can appeal it one of these ways:
- Request an appraisal review: The easiest way to appeal an assessment is to fill out a form at FargoND.gov/Appeal or call the Assessor’s Office at 701.241.1340. In many cases, the Assessor’s Office will send an appraiser to review the property. If a change is justified, the Assessor’s Office will make the correction.
- Attend a Board of Equalization meeting: The City Commission has scheduled Fargo’s Board of Equalization to meet at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to hear assessment appeals in Commission Chambers in City Hall (225 4th St. N.).
It’s recommended to contact the Assessor’s Office at 701.241.1340 or visit FargoND.gov/Appeal before attending the meeting, where property owners can present evidence to support what they believe is the correct value.
After April 8, property owners will be unable to seek an appeal of their 2024 valuation through The City of Fargo. However, they can file an appeal with the Cass County Board of Equalization, which meets in June.
Fargo property owners can look up their valuations at FargoParcels.com.
City Commission Approves Three Renaissance Zone Projects
The City Commission unanimously approved three Renaissance Zone projects in Fargo on Monday evening. The projects include:
- Rehabilitation of a commercial property at 508, 510 and 512 Broadway N.
- Rehabilitation of the historic Milton Beebe house at 717 3rd Ave. N. for office space, along with construction of a 700-square-foot addition.
- New construction of a multi-dwelling residence at 220 6th Ave. N.
The Renaissance Zone Program is intended to encourage economic development and investment opportunities in Fargo’s downtown business district. The program’s incentives include the possibility of a five-year property tax and State income tax exemption for qualified projects.
Learn more about the Renaissance Zone Program here.