Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moorhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
2027-2029 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
The airport must maintain a federal DBE Program to keep receiving FAA money. It guarantees small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair shot at airport contracts. Because no big FAA-funded projects are expected through 2029, no specific participation goals would apply unless one crops up.
Easement Vacations in Prairie Parkway and Mallard Creek Additions
The developer will reconfigure 16.49 acres once slated for multi-family into 79 lots for single-family, twin homes, and townhomes to match market demand. A resident asked about a possible 40th Ave S roundabout and the lost community garden space.
Proposed Wireless Tower at 1817 11th St N
AT&T wants a temporary ballast-mounted 120-foot telecom tower near 11th St N, next to the country club and self-storage uses. The hearing was advertised but staff review wasn't finished, so no decision yet — it comes back February 2.
Council Candidate Ethics Hearing
A Moorhead City Council candidate is facing a formal ethics hearing over using a fire truck in a parade. The outcome could affect the race and who ends up sitting on the council, so it’s not just inside-baseball.
City Council Election
Dalton Swanson dropped out of the Ward 1 Moorhead City Council race, but his name will still appear on the ballot. Voters who don’t know he withdrew could waste a vote on him, so check before you cast your ballot.
PHA Five-Year Plan and policy amendments
The agency's 5-Year Plan amendment and occupancy policy changes shape how public housing residents are admitted, transferred, and served — directly affecting River View Heights households facing relocation.
Maple Court rents for 2027
A resolution was scheduled to set Maple Court rents for 2027, directly affecting what tenants at that property pay next year.
River View Heights repositioning and possible sale
MPHA is weighing a Section 18 disposition that would let it sell River View Heights, use proceeds for relocation and future affordable housing, and retain Faircloth authority for redevelopment. Resident consultation is underway, with a December HUD application planned.
Gooseberry Park Playground and Shelter Replacement
The council was scheduled to approve a deal with Game Time/MWP Recreation and the budget for replacing the Gooseberry Park playground and shelter. This is the equipment and shelter families actually use at one of Moorhead's most popular parks.
Make Moorhead Home Property Tax Rebate Extension
The council approved abating property taxes for the Make Moorhead Home rebate program after a public hearing. This eases costs for residents using the home rebate program.
2026-2027 Tree Trimming Contract
Moorhead Public Service asked the council to award the two-year tree trimming contract to Carr's Tree Service for $298,900. Regular trimming around power lines helps prevent outages and storm damage.
Preserve on Broadway Addition Development
The council was set to consider a first amendment to the developer's agreement for the Preserve on Broadway Addition, a consent item.
Council Dispute Over Fire Truck Parade Use
Moorhead’s City Council is arguing over whether sending a fire truck to parades violated state law. The spat isn’t just about parades—it could reshape how city vehicles are used and who gets to decide.
Utility Rate Increases
Moorhead residents should brace for higher water and electric bills in 2027: the city is weighing a 5.25% water rate hike and a 2.5% electric increase to fund infrastructure upgrades. The proposal isn’t final yet, so there’s still time to weigh in.
Tri-State Regional Adolescent Health & Body Literacy Initiative
The Commission was scheduled to discuss a proposal to join or support a regional adolescent health and body literacy initiative. This could shape how the city supports youth health education across the tri-state region.
HRC Award - December 14, 2026
The Commission was scheduled to discuss plans for its annual Human Rights Award, to be presented December 14. It's a chance to recognize residents or organizations advancing human rights in Moorhead.
Youth Poet Laureate program for 2027
The commission wants to create a Poet Laureate program focused on youth — roughly middle school through high school — with one-year terms, mentorship from area colleges, and public recitations. Staff will bring back an outline at a future meeting.
Interactive public art projects moving forward
With about $12,500 in 2026 arts funding, the city may issue a Request for Art for an interactive piece that engages youth and could be placed between downtown and the river or even rotate through neighborhood parks. Members want colleges involved and equitable siting.
One-way Street Study
Moorhead is studying whether 11th and 14th Streets should stay one-way between Main Avenue and 12th Avenue South. The answer could change how you get through downtown, so it’s worth watching if you drive, bike, walk, or run a business there.
Campaign Law Controversy
A Moorhead City Council candidate in Ward 1 is under scrutiny after her campaign sign appeared on a retired city fire truck, raising a possible campaign-law issue. If you vote in Ward 1, keep an eye on how officials handle it.
Special Assessments for Public Improvements
Property owners in various project areas will pay special assessments for construction improvements. Some owners filed written objections, and one resident raised quality-of-work concerns; the council ordered a review of assessments on four specific properties.
2026B Bond Sale
The council authorized the sale of General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2026B, to fund city projects — with a property tax levy backing repayment. Baker Tilly advisors presented the sale terms before the vote.
2025 Special Assessments for Unpaid Penalties and Abatements
If you owed the city money in 2025 — code enforcement fines, rental registration fees, inspection bills or Public Works charges — and didn't pay, that debt is now on your property taxes as a special assessment.
Border City Enterprise Zone Policy Changes
The board was scheduled to review how Moorhead positions itself as a border city and consider a 2026 workers' compensation rebate program for local employers.
Auto sales near Apple Tree Lane neighborhood
Boston Auto Sales wants to open in a Light Industrial unit, with conditions limiting sales vehicles to four spaces, banning auto repair, and requiring screened outdoor storage.
Partridge Creek East Addition replat
Vacating old 10-foot utility easements lets Partridge Creek lots gain depth in a replat — but replacement easements must be dedicated and the new plat recorded by December 31, 2026, or the vacation is void.
Unfinished Rough Diamond self-storage project
The half-built self-storage facility next to the Apple Tree Lane homes has dragged on for roughly five years. Staff will check whether the developer has met screening and fencing conditions and whether building code maintenance rules apply to the unfinished buildings.
Pedestrian crossing at 12th Avenue South and railroad
A resident said she has no safe way to cross 12th Avenue to reach the walking path, with no crosswalk near the railroad tracks and blocked sight lines. Staff will ask the traffic engineer whether a crossing or ramp is feasible, though the railroad and stoplight make it tricky.
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan 2026-2030
The council teed up next year's petitioned sewer, water, and concrete repair work, a 50th Ave S street light project, and 1st Ave North improvements via engineering agreements and infrastructure grant applications.
2027 Street, Sewer, Water and Concrete Projects
A batch of 2026 street projects advanced: 17th St/4th Ave N, the 20th–23rd Ave S and 6th–7th St S area, Moorhead Center Mall Phase 3, and planning for 34th St N. Residents in those areas should expect construction and possible special assessments.
Toward Zero Deaths Traffic Safety Grant
Moorhead police will participate in the state's Toward Zero Deaths enforcement grant program for 2026-2027 — extra funded traffic-safety enforcement.
Youthworks transitional housing for young adults
YouthWorks reported it doubled its transitional housing capacity for 2026 — 48 youth projected housed in Moorhead, 120 served region-wide.
Agricultural Leases on City Land
The city will lease out tracts it owns for farming in 2027-2028, cutting maintenance costs and bringing in a little revenue.
Preliminary 2027 City Tax Levy
The EDA was scheduled to set the maximum 2027 property tax levy it can request — $822,286, up about 4% from 2026. The final levy comes later this year and could be lower.
Recording City Council Workshops
Workshops — where a lot of real deliberation happens — will now be recorded and available to the public. Two residents spoke up in favor during public comment.
City Council Candidate Forum
Moorhead City Council candidates took part in a forum to lay out their plans for the city’s future development. If you’re voting this fall, it’s a quick way to compare their priorities before casting a ballot.
City Council Election Candidates
Moorhead voters have city council candidates on the ballot by ward, and it’s worth checking who’s running before you vote. These are the people who’ll shape local budgets, taxes, and city laws.
Candidate Forum
Moorhead’s mayoral and Ward 1 candidates met at a public forum to lay out their positions on city issues before this fall’s vote. It’s a chance for voters to compare candidates side by side before casting a ballot.
Streetlight Banner Project
Commissioner Shastri said the new America's 250th anniversary streetlight banners are too small and dark to read from the street. Staff explained the pole dimensions fix the banner size, but the commission agreed to show full-size examples and tighten design criteria in any future round.
Indigenous Sculpture Completion
Dewey Goodwin's 'Nii Woo Gaw Bow' sculpture at 4th Street and Center Avenue is now finished with native bluestem grass plantings and has been added to the Moorhead Sculpture Walk online with signage.
Ann Bancroft Foundation youth grant opportunities
The commission was scheduled to hear from Lauren Skar of the Ann Bancroft Foundation, which provides grants to help young people pursue their dreams. The presentation could connect local families and youth with funding and mentorship resources.
Independent living advocacy for people with disabilities
Sarah Weisser of the Freedom Resource Center was scheduled to speak about independent living advocacy. The presentation highlights services and support available to residents with disabilities in the region.
CDBG 2025 plan amendment: $40K shifted from CCRI acquisition to blight removal
The city is redirecting $40,000 in federal grant money from helping CCRI buy land for a group home to tearing down blighted structures. CCRI agreed because it hasn't found a site, and HUD spending deadlines forced the move. Final council vote September 14.
CDBG 2025 Plan Amendment
The council finalized CDBG changes: an $8,000 youth program run by the Afro American Development Association was cancelled because it was never implemented, and the money now goes to Parks and Rec scholarships for low- to moderate-income kids.
New Moorhead Police Officers
Three new officers — RJ Hakanson, Tanner Anderson and Logan Schauer — joined the Moorhead Police Department, boosting community policing capacity.
Clay County HRA 2027 Special Benefit Tax
The council signed off on the county housing authority's 2027 special benefit tax, which helps fund affordable housing efforts in Clay County. HRA leaders walked the council through the program before the vote.
MB Johnson Small Shelter key/damage deposit
Staff want a refundable deposit on every MB Johnson Small Shelter rental because renters keep skipping key pick-ups, forcing staff into overtime to unlock the shelter. The change aims to improve accountability without requiring a large event or alcohol to trigger a deposit.
2027 Proposed Fee Schedule
The board was scheduled to act on the proposed 2027 fee schedule, which sets what residents pay for park facility rentals and recreation programs next year.
2027 Parks Capital Improvement Plan
The board was set to review and prioritize next year's parks capital projects before passing them on to the City Manager and City Council. These are the projects that could bring new facilities, park land and maintenance work to Moorhead in 2027.
Five-year airport engineering services selection
The council approved a set of contracts to replace the airport's PAPI landing guidance system and its fuel tanks and pumps, with MnDOT and FAA agreements and local bid awards. Council Member Nesemeier later invited residents to join the Airport Committee.