Fargo City Commission Regular Meeting - October 26, 2026

The Fargo City Commission convened for its regular meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM following an executive session to discuss litigation. The meeting included the adoption of a new Commercial Redevelopment PILOT incentive policy, approval of a major tax incentive for a mixed-use development, the appointment of a new Assistant City Administrator, and approval of the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission approved the consent calendar (Items 1-23) as amended. Item 16D, a request from the Fire Department to overfill the upcoming recruit academy by one firefighter position, was pulled for discussion by Commissioner Peterson. Commissioner Strand expressed concern about items being pulled at the last minute without notice to commissioners, while Commissioner Peterson explained he communicates his questions directly to administrative staff to comply with open meeting laws. The item was subsequently moved to the next commission meeting by agreement. Other routine items approved included property tax exemptions for remodeling, ordinance readings, rezonings, contract awards and terminations, grants, plats, a lease for a service body crane, and a contract amendment for custodial services.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the designated Public Comments period or during the public hearings for the liquor license transfers (Items 24 & 25) and the Cove Living LLC PILOT application (Item 27).

Discussion Items

• Adoption of Commercial Redevelopment PILOT Incentive Policy (Items 26 & 26a): The Commission adopted the base PILOT policy as forwarded by the Economic Development Incentive Committee (EDIC) to encourage redevelopment of vacant and underutilized commercial buildings. Following this, the Commission approved a series of amendments introduced by Mayor Boche. Key amendments included establishing strict geographic boundaries (between 32nd Avenue North and I-94, and from the Western city limit to the Red River), requiring that at least 5% of residential units be affordable for households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and requiring a doubling of housing density compared to the existing use. Commissioner Peterson offered a friendly amendment clarifying that tenants who meet the income criteria at the time of application may remain in their units even if their income later exceeds the threshold, which was accepted. The tracking and monitoring process for these units is to be developed.
• Cove Living LLC PILOT Application (Item 27): The Commission held a public hearing on a 10-year, 100% Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) exemption for a $61 million, six-and-a-half story, 229-unit mixed-use building with 15,000 square feet of commercial space at 300 45th Street South. Staff and the developer, Shannon Roars, emphasized that the PILOT applies only to the new apartment building and not to a separate ongoing commercial renovation. The developer expressed support for the newly adopted 5% inclusionary housing requirement, stating the project's financial model could accommodate it. The City's portion of taxes over the 10-year term is approximately $1.6 million, while the total annual tax value post-PILOT is expected to be $1.1 million. The Commission approved the application on a 4-1 roll call vote, with Commissioner Turnberg dissenting.
• 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (Item 28): The Commission approved the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), 2028 Core Neighborhood Reconstruction Projects (involving Longfellow, Horace Mann, and Hawthorne neighborhoods), and 2028 Federal Aid Reconstruction Projects as recommended by the Finance Committee and the PUPEC committee. A discussion took place on the implications of eliminating special assessments for infrastructure funding.
• Appointment of Assistant City Administrator (Item 29): The Commission unanimously approved the appointment of Erica Anderson as the new Assistant City Administrator. Anderson, currently Chief of Staff at Boise State University, holds an MPA and a JD. City Administrator Redlinger highlighted the organization development background she will bring to the City. Her start date is November 30, 2026.
• Liaison Commissioner Reports (Item 30): Commissioner Strand announced the formation of a Renters Task Force, co-chaired with Josh Hopper, with its first meeting scheduled for November 4, 2026. He also reported on a recent inspection of The Arbors apartment complex, describing the living conditions as unacceptable and pledging action under the new ownership. Mayor Boche reported on Moody's removing the City's negative financial outlook, attributing this to stronger-than-expected sales tax revenues and the Commission's fiscal stewardship. He also recognized the retirements of Dave Rowe (Public Works, 44 years) and Officer Tina Halaida (Police Department, 20 years).

Key Outcomes

• PILOT Policy Approved: The Commercial Redevelopment PILOT policy was adopted with geographic, affordable housing (5% at 80% AMI), and density guardrails. Tenants qualifying at application are not subject to future income recertification.
• Cove Living PILOT Approved: The 10-year property tax exemption passed on a 4-1 vote. The developer will be required to meet the inclusionary housing policy. The agreement remains contingent on approval from the County and School District.
• Assistant City Administrator Appointed: Erica Anderson was confirmed to the position effective November 30, 2026.
• Capital Improvement Plan Approved: The 2027 CIP and 2028 reconstruction projects were officially adopted.
• Item Deferred: The Fire Department recruit academy overfill request (Item 16D) was moved to the next commission meeting for further consideration.
• New Task Force Formed: The Renters Task Force will hold its first meeting on November 4, 2026.