Fargo City Commission Meeting Wrap-Up - 10.12.2026
In case you missed the October 12, 2026, Fargo City Commission meeting, here are a few highlights we would like you to know about.
Georgianna Warren Receives Gladys Ray Indigenous Peoples Day Award
The Indigenous Association, in partnership with the City of Fargo, hosted its annual Indigenous Peoples Day kickoff breakfast on Monday, October 12. Members of the City Commission attended the community event, which included the presentation of the Gladys Ray Indigenous Peoples Day Award. Georgianna Warren was this year’s recipient for her compassionate service to people experiencing homelessness and addiction.
Warren, who grew up on the White Earth Reservation, has worked for more than three years in Fargo Cass Public Health’s Withdrawal Management Unit, co-located with the Gladys Ray Shelter in Fargo. She currently serves as a harm reduction team lead. Previously, she worked as a behavioral technician at the ShareHouse treatment center. Warren draws on her own experiences with homelessness and addiction to connect with guests and care for them with kindness and dignity. As Warren explained, remembering her own experiences helps her treat guests the way she would want to be treated in the same situation. In nominating Warren for the award, her co-worker described her as a genuine person and active listener who has a deep understanding of what guests may be going through.
The Gladys Ray Indigenous Peoples Day Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Fargo’s Indigenous community. It was created in honor of Gladys Shingobe Ray. A dedicated lifelong human rights advocate and volunteer, Ray served her community through her involvement with many organizations and by helping to develop numerous programs. She advocated for all people, especially Indigenous peoples, children and people experiencing homelessness. She served as a mentor and advisor to many individuals and projects. Ray was devoted to sharing her love, wisdom and strength with her family, friends and everyone she knew.
Voters Reject Change to Ward-Based Council Government
In the Special Election held Tuesday, Oct. 6, Fargo voters defeated a ballot measure to change the City’s form of government from an at-large City Commission to a ward-based City Council, according to preliminary, unofficial election results.
The measure received 6,100 no votes (56.02%) and 4,788 yes votes (43.98%). A simple majority was needed for approval. The Special Election Canvassing Board will meet at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, in the Red River Room in City Hall (225 4th St. N.) to review and certify the results.
Based on the preliminary, unofficial results, the City of Fargo will continue to operate under its current five-member City Commission, with the Mayor and four Commissioners elected citywide.
The proposed ballot measure would have changed Fargo’s form of government to a seven-member City Council, with six Council members elected from six wards and a Mayor elected citywide.
City Commission Approves Traffic-Calming Measures for 64th Avenue South
The Fargo City Commission voted 5-0 on Monday, Oct. 12, to approve a plan to improve traffic safety along 64th Avenue South, east of Interstate 29, between 33rd Street and University Drive.
The improvements are intended to address concerns about vehicle speeds and pedestrian safety along this portion of 64th Avenue South.
The plan includes planting boulevard trees, installing signs that display drivers’ speeds and improving pedestrian crosswalks. A raised median near 27th Street is also planned to enhance pedestrian safety.
City of Fargo Engineering staff evaluated several potential traffic-calming measures, considering feedback from nearby property owners, an online public survey and the Public Works Department. The Public Works Project Evaluation Committee supported the recommended improvements at its Oct. 5 meeting.
The project is estimated to cost approximately $245,000. The City plans to use Infrastructure Sales Tax funds and include the improvements in its 2027 Capital Improvement Plan.
Historic Preservation Commission Members Reappointed
The City Commission unanimously voted to approve the reappointment of Nathan Larson and Nicole Holden to Fargo’s Historic Preservation Commission on Monday, Oct. 12.
Larson and Holden’s current terms expire Oct. 31, 2026, and both have agreed to continue serving. They will each serve new three-year terms ending Oct. 31, 2029.
The Historic Preservation Commission supports the preservation of Fargo’s historic resources and helps guide efforts to protect the community’s historic character.
Residents are encouraged to research and apply for appointment to any 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.