Area mayors address construction, public safety, and homelessness at State of the Cities
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Over the last year, area mayors have had their hands full with construction projects, housing, and public safety. At the 2026 State of the Cities conference, they address all of their accomplishments.
“So this allows us to take a minute to take a breath and be grateful for all of the efforts that make our cities and our communities just a fantastic place to live,” said Mayor Chad Olson, Dilworth.
The mayors focused on projects that are near or halfway to completion. In Fargo and West Fargo, the ongoing FM Diversion Project is estimated for completion in the spring of 2027.
“We talk about it now in its construction phase, but it’s going to be magnified in regard to how development is going to take place because of the number of folks that will not be paying flood insurance. It’s truly significant,” said Mayor Bernie Dardis, West Fargo.
Portions of the diversion were wrapped up for the season back in late 2025. Other parts of the project are being continued throughout the winter months.
While in Moorhead, several projects, including the Loop, City Hall, and the underpass, are all estimated to be completed by the end of 2026.
“It is really a blue ribbon year, and we’re just going to be championing for Moorhead throughout 2026,” said Mayor Shelly Carlson, Moorhead.
The mayors also addressed public safety, homelessness, and housing. Many of them said housing is an issue, and hope that they will be able to have the state will help aid in things such as homelessness.
“I think the discussion here is oftentimes a lot of people have mental health issues, not on medication, not doing things they normally should do, a lot of people have medical issues, and those things have to be addressed,” said Mayor Tim Mahoney, Fargo.
Mahoney said local nonprofits and law enforcement agencies have been helping address these issues. And he hopes to continue this relationship in the future.
The meeting concluded with both the city of Fargo mayor and Moorhead mayor congratulated for their time of serving their cities.
