City Commission Archives - KVRR Local News

Proposed Flavored Vape Ban Receives Continued Opposition, Support

Flavored Vape Ban Continues to Spark Discussion in Fargo

On May 13, the FMWF Chamber facilitated a roundtable discussion, featuring many business owners sharing their viewpoints and discussing how the ban would harm the local economy.

May 13, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The proposed ban of flavored nicotine products in the city of Fargo continues to have supporters and detractors. Business owners and city officials met on May 13 in a roundtable to discuss that possible ordinance – with strong expressions of opinions all around. Zach Johnson of Sports Vape in Fargo has spoken out on this issue…

First Mayoral Debate Of 2026 In Fargo Introduces Candidates To Public

First Mayoral Debate in 2026 Gives Audience Look at Candidates

The city of Fargo is certain to have a new mayor for the first time in over a decade as Dr. Tim Mahoney has reached his term limit.

April 21, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Swaths of prospective voters packed the Fargo Theatre on the evening of April 21st to see the mayoral contenders in action. Four come with connections to Fargo city government – three current commissioners and the Chair of the Human Rights Commission – and one has served in the North Dakota State Legislature since 2012. All sought…

City Departments Present Case To Extend Infrastructure Sales Tax

City Department Leaders Urge Renewal of Infrastructure Sales Tax

Those in charge of Fargo's roads, sewage, and water say the cost of utilities will skyrocket if the tax revenue is lost.

March 5, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – On February 5, city officials gathered in the commission chambers for a special informational meeting, watching presentations from various departments regarding how they use the funding from this soon-to-expire sales tax. They urged the commission to approve an extension to the tax, saying the consequences to infrastructure such as city roads and wastewater treatment could be…

Vape Store Owners Speak Out About Potential Ban Of Flavored Products In Fargo

Vape Store Owners Speak Out Regarding Potential Flavored Tobacco, Nicotine Ban

Zach Johnson, the owner of Sports Vape, argues that the ban would not prevent minors from obtaining such products and would cost the city a significant amount of tax revenue.

February 25, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – “We shouldn’t be taking away our rights and our freedoms under the guise of protecting the youth,” says Zach Johnson, owner of Sports Vape in Fargo. Johnson says that he understands the basic motivation behind the proposed ban of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, but that it simply won’t have the desired effect. Last Friday, the…

City Commission Considers Excluding Public Comment Portion from Broadcasts

Three city commissioners who spoke with KVRR News said they were not warned about Mahoney's decision in advance, and indicated they oppose the decision.

November 12, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Fargo City Commission appears willing to discuss a change-of-course to a policy announced by Mayor Tim Mahoney to discontinue livestreaming public comments during city commission meetings. Mahoney made the announcement that the city would stop including that portion in its live broadcasts of meetings. The public comment section would still exist, it just wouldn’t be…

Local Unions Support Changing Fargo's Government

Fargo firefighters union, others endorse switch to city council form of government

October 21, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Fargo Firefighters Union and a group that represents several local labor unions is endorsing a petition that would change Fargo’s form of government. The petition created by two former city commissioners is gaining traction, with over halfway to their goal of 6,000 signatures. Fargo Firefighters Union President Ron Guggisberg explained why the union is supporting…

Folkways Making Progress in Getting Approval to Close City Street

They want added safety for the participants when they attempt to break the world record for most s'mores eaten at one time.

July 16, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – We have an update on Folkways’ request to close downtown streets for a world record attempt. The organization plans to break the world record for most s’mores eaten at the same time at their Night Bazaar on July 24. They hope to have over 1,200 people in the Broadway square area, so they submitted three separate…

Fargo Details Plan to Improve Public Safety Through Public Safety Sales Tax Approved by Voters

The funding for this proposal comes from the quarter-cent sales tax increase passed back in November.

May 14, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – In November, voters added a quarter cent sales tax increase, to help funding for public services in the city of Fargo. Inside the City Commission chambers on Wednesday, May 14, officials detailed exactly how they plan to spend that money. Fargo Fire Department Chief Steve Dirksen was grateful to see the influx of funds to his…

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

December 6, 2024

Juliana Pelaez,

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…

Fargo City Commissioner Gains New Federal Role

John Strand will be the vice chair of a committee at the federal level.

November 29, 2024

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. – Fargo City Commissioner John Strand has picked up an additional title. Strand has been appointed as Vice Chair of the National League of Cities 2025 Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee. He was a committee member the past two years and has now received this bump in stature. The NLC works on many issues, including workforce development, children…