Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moorhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.