Former City Commissioners Move Towards Petitioning For Change of City Government After Results of 2024 City Survey

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The city of Fargo established a form of government in 1909. While the city has grown over the years, former city commissioner Arlette Preston believes that the work that is done now is not enough.

“There are neighborhoods with very different needs and concerns. And the city survey even showed that people just don’t feel like they’re engaged very well with the city. Have trouble providing input into the decision-making,” said Arlette Preston.

In the survey, 43 percent of people felt they are not able to provide input, and 33 percent answered they would like to see a seven-member council instead. Preston states with these results it gave her and her team the reason to push forward with making a petition to switch from a city commission to a city council.

“People would get to know their council member and know who they could contact if they have a concern, and then expect a response from them. And that accountability between the elected official and the neighborhood becomes stronger,” said Preston.

While several city commissioners’ terms are set to end by the next year, if passed the other commissioners would have to be reelected to a seat within their ward.

“I would hope that people would see this as a step towards being able to engage at a more meaningful level. It’s tough when the decisions are being made in the city to determine when and how the public gets involved and oftentimes it’s so late in the process,“ said Preston.

The petition is currently at the auditor’s office, and Preston hopes by next week the petition can be shared with the public.

City of Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney responded to the petition, stating that separating into wards may hinder unified growth and limit voter choice. But he also sees an opportunity to possibly add two more seats to the commission.