Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moorhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in general
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MPS Sublease at Renovated City Hall
Moorhead Public Service will sublease about 2,182 square feet of the renovated City Hall's first floor, part of the financing tied to the EDA's 2026 lease revenue bonds.
MU-2 Mixed-Use Setbacks and Hemp Wholesaler Licensing
First reading of Ordinance 2026-01 would rezone industrial parcels and update neighborhood mixed-use and use regulations — early step in a citywide zoning overhaul.