The City of Fargo is reviewing its food pushcart program in Downtown Fargo and is inviting community members to participate in a public survey. The survey is available now and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 22. Community members are encouraged to share their perspectives by visiting FargoND.gov/FoodPushcartSurvey.
In Downtown Fargo, food pushcarts operate in publicly owned sidewalk spaces and provide lunchtime, late-night and seasonal food options for residents and visitors. These carts are located on public property and utilize public sidewalks and trash receptacles that are maintained through a combination of City services and the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). The BID is funded by downtown property owners and businesses and is responsible for enhanced sidewalk cleaning, trash removal and public space maintenance. Food pushcarts currently pay a $50 annual permit fee to operate downtown and do not contribute to BID funding. The City’s requirements for food pushcarts are outlined in Chapter 18 of the Fargo Municipal Code.
The survey is intended to gather public input on how the food pushcart program is working today and what changes, if any, could improve fairness, cleanliness and the overall downtown experience. Feedback from residents, downtown property owners, businesses, pushcart operators and visitors will help guide any potential updates to the program.
“We value the role food pushcarts play in activating our downtown and providing convenient food options,” Planning Director Nicole Crutchfield stated. “Community input is essential as we evaluate how the program is functioning and consider whether adjustments are needed to support fairness and maintain a positive downtown environment.”