john strand Archives - KVRR Local News

Fargo City Commission Grants More Time To 3 Volunteer Committees On Chopping Block

Fargo City Commission Opts to Keep Three Volunteer Commissions

By a three-to-two vote, the commissioners decided to give the Arts & Culture, Native American, and Human Rights commissions two months to come up with reconfiguration proposals.

January 5, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Native American, Arts & Culture, and Human Rights commissions made it through the evening, but they’re not out of the woods just yet. Even just the decision to keep those commissions alive for a little while longer was certainly a contentious one. Commissioner Michelle Turnberg was one person not pleased by her colleagues’ conclusion, as…

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…

Commissioners Disagree On Extending Night Shelter for the Homeless in Fargo

April 28, 2025

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A debate over the efforts to end homelessness gets a little heated at Fargo City Hall. Commissioners disagreed about a sudden motion to extend the winter warming shelter by one month to continue to house around 50 people each night. It is covered by a grant. Two commissioners said the measure is just enabling those people…

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…

Fargo City Commission directs staff to prepare Winter Warming Plan

October 29, 2024

KVRR Staff,

File imageFARGO (KVRR-KFGO) – After some heated debate, the Fargo City Commission voted 3-2 to direct city staff to prepare a winter warming plan. The approved motion, brought forward by Commissioner John Strand, gives city staff approval to run a program to keep the homeless population warm during the winter months. Last winter, the program warmed 40-50 people a night….

Commissioner Strand calling for more budget cuts to Mayor Mahoney’s budget proposal

September 26, 2024

KVRR Staff,

FARGO (KFGO) – Fargo City Commissioner John Strand is proposing nearly $639,000 in budget reductions and cutting multiple positions as the commission works to approve the budget for next year. Mayor Tim Mahoney’s original budget proposal totaled $133 million. Earlier this month, the commission voted to eliminate the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department and 4.2 positions at Fargo Cass Public Health. Now, Strand…

Fargo City Commission Votes 4-1 To Eliminate DEI Department

September 16, 2024

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The possible elimination of DEI had many come out and speak against this vote. “The last time I checked my money is green and it spends the same way as your money. You bleed the same way I bleed. You breathe the same air I breathe. So please … if you need to find another DEI…

Fargo City Commission Votes 3-2 To Allow Sales Tax Measure for Fire and Police in November

August 19, 2024

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo voters are getting yet another tax measure to vote on in November and it comes after a lively discussion at city hall. Fargo Fire and Fargo Police would benefit from a change to the Home Rule Charter to allow a quarter cent sales tax to be used exclusively for their operations. The sales tax would…

Growing Frustration Over Fargo’s Inability To Crack Down on Nuisance Vehicles and Drivers

July 22, 2024

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — There is a growing frustration among some city leaders about the inability to crack down on nuisance vehicles and their drivers. They say the city continues to be limited by current state laws. The goal now is to work with state lawmakers to make changes including increased fines for racing and exhibition driving and increased fines…

Turnberg, Strand sworn-in to Fargo City Commission; Kolpack selected Deputy Mayor

July 8, 2024

Alison Voorhees,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Two Fargo City Commissioners take the Oath of Office as they begin their new four-year-terms. Newly elected Michelle Turnberg and re-relected John Strand take the Oath of Office, administered by Municipal Judge Steve Dawson. Fargo voters elected the two on June 11 to the open seats on the city commission. Turnberg and Strand each began their…