BIA Advocacy Update

Election day is Nov. 5!

BIA-RRV has been meeting with candidates the past few months in preparation for the upcoming general election. The BIA's Public Issues Committee votes on candidates to endorse based on their stances on building and housing-related issues. Check out our election landing page sharing our list of endorsements and positions. The list is mostly complete, but decisions are in the works for some local races as of Oct. 15. Check that link for updates, and feel free to share the information with your team. The association will also distribute a mailer in the coming weeks.

Upcoming Building Industry Connect offers chance to learn about Fargo Measures 1 & 2

When? Oct. 16 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where? BIA-RRV Office, 1802 32nd Ave S, Fargo.

Click here to register. 

Measure 1: Fargodome Improvements, 0.25% sales tax

What’s the plan?

• More women’s restrooms (approximately 100 more) for shorter wait times.
• Seating upgrades, including new seats with cup holders and modernized suites.
• More accessible seating for ALL visitors.
• Increasing capacity by 125,000 sq. ft. for better flow for patrons and vendors, ensuring an even better event experience.

How is it funded? 

• The project would be funded through a 0.25% sales tax increase for 20 years, bringing the rate from the current 7.5% to 7.75%. For reference, West Fargo's rate is 8%.
• The $110 million project will be partially covered by the Fargodome’s escrow account, contributing approximately $30 million.
• Think about this: the sales tax equates to 25 cents on a $100 purchase!

Measure 2: Convention Center creation, 3% lodging tax

The goal of a future convention center is to attract more visitors and allow the ability to host larger events in the Fargo-Moorhead region.

What’s the plan? 

• Create a public-private partnership for the development of a convention center.
• The location is to be determined, based off a request-for-proposal process. While it could be attached to the Fargodome, it does not have to be, providing flexibility to find the best space. The lodging tax would not begin until a plan is established.

The BIA board of directors voted to SUPPORT these two measures. Come to Building Industry Connect to learn more and find out why the BIA supports these projects.

Vote NO on North Dakota Measure 4: Property Tax Elimination

What does Measure 4 do? 

Measure 4 aims to eliminate property taxes based on assessed values and freezes funding at 2024 levy levels. While property tax reform must happen, this measure is flawed. There is no well-vetted plan to replace the gap in funding that would be created. The state legislature would then be tasked with determining funding across North Dakota.

What is the funding gap amount? $1.575 billion per year.

Property taxes make up over 40% of funds for public schools. They also fund essential services like police and fire (public safety), road maintenance (public works) and community services such as parks and libraries.

Why is the BIA opposed? 

There is no solid plan to make up the lost revenue. The power to allocate these funds would shift from local governments to the state legislature, reducing local control. There may also be cuts to funding for essential community service, impacting communities and businesses.

BIA-RRV is part of Keep it Local, a coalition made up of more than 110 organizations across North Dakota from a variety of sectors including energy, agriculture, education, public safety, real estate and more.

The risks of this measure outweigh the benefits. We encourage you to vote NO on Measure 4.

Head to keepitlocalnd.org for more information.

Voting information 

Cass County

All qualified voters in Cass County are allowed to use any of the voting centers within Cass County during the Early Voting period or on Election Day. Voters may also vote during the “Early Voting” period or by absentee ballot. Ballots are only sent to citizens that have completed an application that has been verified by the Cass County Finance Office. If you are unsure if you asked for a ballot for November to be mailed to you, call (701) 241-5600 to verify.

EARLY VOTING

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Oct. 29 – Nov. 1 

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nov. 2

Metro voting locations:

• Cass County Courthouse, 211 9th St. S., Fargo
• FargoDome (Tuesday - Friday only), 1800 University Dr. N., Fargo
• Fargo North High School (Saturday only), 801 17th Ave. N., Fargo
• Northview Church, 3401 25th St. S., Fargo
• Ramada, 3333 13th Ave. S., Fargo
• Hartl Ag Building RRVF, 1805 Main Ave W, West Fargo

ELECTION DAY
7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Nov. 5

Metro voting locations:

• Atonement Lutheran Church, 4601  University Dr. S., Fargo
• Calvary United Methodist, 4575 45th St. S., Fargo
• Cass County Courthouse, 211 9th St. S., Fargo
• Double Tree, 825 E Beaton Dr., West Fargo
• El Zagal Shrine, 1429 3rd St. N., Fargo
• Fargo Civic Center, 207 4th St. N. #4817, Fargo
• Fargodome, 1800 N University Dr. N., Fargo
• Hartl Ag Building RRVF, 1805 Main Ave. W., West Fargo
• Hulbert Aquatic Center, 620 7th Ave. E., West Fargo
• Northview Church, 3401 25th St. S., Fargo
• Olivet Church, 1330 S University Dr., Fargo
• Ramada, 3333 13th Ave. S., Fargo
• Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo
• Triumph West Church, 3745 Sheyenne St. S., West Fargo

Clay County

In-person Nov. 5 and absentee voting at Clay County Auditors Office: 3510 12th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN 56560 Questions? Please call (218) 299-5006.

ABSENTEE VOTING

Sept. 20 - Nov. 4

Regular hours 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday

Saturday Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Saturday Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Monday Nov. 4 open until 5 p.m.

ELECTION DAY

Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Above: BIA-RRV and NDAB leaders.