Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Moorhead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
28 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.