Fargo City Commissioner To Propose a Community Facilitator At Monday’s Commission Meeting

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — On Monday, Commissioner Denise Kolpack will discuss her idea for what’s called a Community Integration Facilitator. The purpose is to connect Fargo newcomers with programs and services across the city.

“The position is really a connector. It’s outreach to organizations that already exist, but it’s developing relationships with all the different American communities and leaders. And then connecting them to the resources that are currently alleviate barriers,” said Denise Kolpack, Commissioner.

Kolpack originally heard of the position several months ago and has been in talks with the state office of refugees and ND Department of Health and Human Services. She has also met with cities who have this in place to discuss how they have handled the position.

“Right now Bismarck and Grand Forks has the position and Fargo yet hadn’t taken up the offer to add the position so I would like to pursue it on behalf of our new residents,” said Kolpack.

In the other locations, the position is based with city government, but is overseen by the state of North Dakota and is paid 100% by the state.

“It’ll be whoever is most qualified. Who’s good at connecting people, who’s good at speaking, who’s good at networking, who’s good at you know being very good at connecting resources and meeting people and not being afraid to get out there and do some real hard work,” said Kolpack.

Kolpack says if her plan is approved, she hopes to have a person and task force by April of 2025.

The Fargo City Commission meets Monday at 5pm.