Download a one-page PDF overview of The State of the City of Fargo 2026.
THE STATE OF THE CITY OF FARGO - 2026
A Year of Connection, Collaboration and Commitment to Service
Each year, we’re reminded not only of how far Fargo has come – but also – of what drives us forward – the people we serve and those who believe in the Fargo community.
Fargo has always been defined by our commitment to our residents, by the neighbors in our communities who step up to care for one another – and by a shared sense of pride in our city.
As we look to the future, we see a community that continues to grow with purpose. Projects that improve daily life, investments that strengthen the safety of our neighborhoods – and partnerships that connect us as we move toward a stronger tomorrow.
2025 was a year marked by connection, collaboration and a commitment to service.
As we begin writing Fargo’s next chapter, let’s look back at the latest one, rooted in a tradition of excellence and guided by a dedication to providing world-class City services – 24/7/365.
COMMITMENT
At the heart of Fargo’s success is an unwavering commitment to service.
Each department, each employee, each initiative reflects one goal – to serve Fargo’s residents and visitors with care, integrity – and consistency. Local Gov Works around the clock to keep our city safe, moving and thriving.
From plowing snow to maintaining streets to responding to emergencies, the dedication of Fargo employees continues to shine as a beacon this community can count on.
In 2025, we saw major roadway projects improve traffic flow on Fargo’s streets, enhance safety for pedestrians and bolster existing infrastructure that supports our continued growth. Among these projects was the reconstruction of 32nd Avenue South, which enters its final phase in 2026 with work from 15th Street to Lemke Park. 2026 will also mark the start of reconstruction on Main Avenue from University Drive to 25th Street.
At Hector International Airport, we have a new parking ramp with about one thousand new parking spaces. This means travelers won’t have to shovel out their cars in the winter. Connecting the ramp to the airport will be an enclosed skyway. Progress continues on the renovation of the Hector terminal, expanding Fargo’s capacity to welcome visitors and serve the travel needs of local residents.
The City of Fargo has been working to install digital water meters in every home and business to modernize the community’s water infrastructure. The new meters will give residents better insight into their water usage, help identify leaks and improve service efficiencies across the city.
Fargo continues to appear in national headlines celebrating what residents already know – this city is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Fargo was recognized in 2025 as the second-best city in the nation for veteran healthcare – and as the fifth most affordable community to rent a home. Against stiff competition from more than 300 cities, Fargo’s new water tower was named Tank of the Year in a national contest. Our tower earned the top honor for its visual design and innovation that reflects Fargo’s pride, creativity and culture.
Fargo’s public safety sales tax was fully implemented in 2025 and began funding enhancements in safety and technology for our first responders. These funds are also helping to ensure that staffing levels in our police and fire departments meet the needs of our growing community.
Significant progress on the Fargo Convention Center project was made in 2025, with site and developer selection advancing to the final phase. Funded by a lodging tax approved by voters, the new Convention Center, once completed, will attract even more events and visitors to Fargo, fueling our economic engine and driving growth into the future.
CONNECTION
In 2025, Fargo’s strength shined through the hearts of our people. Through shared experiences, community events and acts of service – residents and City employees continued to build lasting connections that make Fargo far more than just a city, but a warm, welcoming community for all to call home. Local Gov Works to connect people with purpose and pride across every neighborhood.
In partnership with the RedHawks baseball team, the City of Fargo hosted “A Salute to Public Service” – a special game celebrating the strength and spirit of our community. The night honored Fargo’s public service workers in a big way through the unfurling of the American Flag for the National Anthem, along with on-field games led by Fargo Police Officers.
The Fargo Police Department connected with residents throughout the year during events like the annual community picnic – where residents could ask officers questions and learn about City resources. The FPD also commemorated its 150th anniversary – a milestone that marks generations of service, resilience and dedication to Fargo residents.
Officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes made their return to duty after the tragic incident and loss of Officer Jake Wallin in 2023. Their return served as a powerful symbol of healing, courage and commitment to the Fargo community. The Fargo Police Department’s ongoing focus on the mental health and wellness of their officers reaffirmed the department’s resolve to care for those who protect our community in times of need.
The FPD’s Traffic Safety Team continued to improve roadway safety through data-driven enforcement and public education. The department’s Real Time Crime Center has equipped officers with technology to help ensure the safety of our residents – day in and day out.
Fargo’s past came to life during the opening of the 1975 time capsule – an event hosted by the Fargo Public Library. From a yellow rotary phone to handwritten letters and a meat cleaver from a local restaurant, the artifacts told a vivid story of what Fargo life was like half a century ago.
Fargo Public Schools students inspired City leaders during the annual “Mayor for a Day” event. Two third-graders toured City Hall and shared their essays on what they would do if they were mayor for a day.
Our snowplows came to life this year as Fargo residents had the opportunity to name members of the Fargo fleet. Of the top selections, six were crowned as Betty Whiteout, BoomChickaPlowPlow, Buzz Iceclear, Plowabunga, Teddy Snowsevelt and Wheeler Snow Peeler – named after local meteorologist John Wheeler.
COLLABORATION
Working hand in hand, Fargo continues to find collaborative solutions that strengthen our community. Local Gov Works to build momentum to achieve cooperative projects and initiatives that move the metro forward – together.
Through thoughtful discussion with the public – and in partnership with local organizations and sponsors – the Downtown Engagement Center found a new home at 2001 1st Avenue North. The new facility, known as the Resource & Recovery Center, will continue to connect clients with housing support and referrals, substance-use disorder treatment and mental health resources – filling critical gaps and improving access and efficiency for clients. The new space will provide necessary room for additional on-site partners and providers – and will allow for enhanced collaboration and programming.
With the retirement of Fire Chief Steve Dirksen, the Fargo Fire Department honored his legacy of leadership and welcomed a new chief – Gary Lorenz – a former Fargo firefighter who returned from Grand Forks to lead our department into its next chapter of continued excellence.
During the “Battle of the Badges” and “Battle of the Cities” blood drive, healthy competition between public safety departments and our neighbors in Moorhead helped save lives through a record number of donations – showcasing the power of teamwork and selflessness.
Through our Metro Fire Academy – Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo fire departments prepared their 13th class of fire recruits to serve the region with skill and determination. This unique joint academy allows our local departments to share resources, save money and produce firefighters of the highest quality.
Our Regional Water Treatment Plant delivered more than 5 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water in 2025, serving Fargo and surrounding communities with reliability and care.
At the same time, our Regional Water Reclamation Facility completed a major expansion to meet growing demand from Fargo and neighboring cities. This project increased capacity to more than 50 million gallons per day and strengthened wastewater treatment for the entire region.
In November, we celebrated the opening of the NP Parking Garage as part of an exciting new mixed-use development in Downtown Fargo that will soon be home to the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre, along with new apartments and local businesses. It shows what’s possible when the City, private partners and the community come together to turn an underused site into a vibrant destination that creates lasting economic value.
Collaboration across communities is a way of life in the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area.
In recent decades, we have strengthened that tradition, building a legacy of cooperation with neighboring cities and community partners to deliver meaningful, measurable results for the entire region.
A powerful example of this collaborative spirit is the Red River Regional Dispatch Center, which opened a new facility in 2025. Since its establishment in 2002, the dispatch center has remained a rare operation that serves across state and county lines. This seamless coordination among multiple agencies continues to enhance public safety throughout the Metro.
The Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project reached key flood protection milestones, including completion of the Red River Control Structure – with its massive gates that raise and lower to control flooding. This extraordinary collaboration of communities across two states continues to drive the project forward, ensuring that nearly 260,000 people – their homes, businesses and property – will be protected from flooding for generations to come.
The Red River Valley Water Supply Project also continued to make significant progress in building a pipeline that will deliver Missouri River water to eastern North Dakota during times of drought. On track for completion in 2032, this vital effort reflects the strong cooperation among state, local and federal partners working together to secure the region’s water future.
Because of your support and dedication, we’ve been able to achieve so much. This progress is not just for today – it is a foundation for our region to build upon.
Together, we have invested in what matters most. Modern infrastructure, strong public safety and enduring regional partnerships have positioned Fargo for long-term success.
As I retire from my role as mayor in June of 2026, I do so with confidence in the people who will carry these efforts forward. Local Gov Works for you – the Fargo community. Our City staff, our partners and our neighbors will continue the essential work of keeping Fargo safe, prosperous and welcoming for years to come.
As I deliver my final State of the City address, I am filled with gratitude. Serving as Mayor for more than a decade has been an honor, and I am deeply grateful for the colleagues who have served alongside me and for the residents who have inspired me to give my best – day after day.
The City of Fargo remains grounded in strength, defined by our commitment to residents, the connections we foster and the collaborations we build across the region. Fargo’s story is one of service, growth and progress – written by people who care deeply about this community.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me all these years. It has been a true honor to serve you as the Mayor of Fargo, North Dakota.
