BIA Advocacy Update

BIA part of Fargo Forward Coalition in support of one-cent infrastructure sales tax extension 

Your Association is part of the coalition encouraging voters to vote YES on the extension of the current one-cent infrastructure sales tax in Fargo. 

Infrastructure is the foundation of a community, and ensures well-kept roads, clean drinking water and other essential services. The current sales tax helps fund these items, with approximately 50% of revenue coming from visitors to Fargo, instead of placing the burden solely on residents through utility bills, special assessments or property taxes. 

The BIA Board of Directors voted in March to support the extension and participate in the coalition.

This is not a new tax or tax increase. It is the extension of a current sales tax and serves as a sound investment in ongoing infrastructure projects and Fargo's future growth. 

For more information, visit https://fargopennytax.com/. 

You can also read the coalition's position in a Forum article published April 23, 2026. 

BIA hosts West Fargo City Commission Forum & Mayoral Candidate meeting

Last week your Association hosted a forum to meet candidates running for West Fargo City Commission. Tyler Erickson and David Withee joined us to share their positions on housing and building in West Fargo, as well as their greater visions for the community. A recording of the forum will soon be available on the BIA's YouTube channel. 

We plan to meet with the other two candidates that were unable to attend at a later date.

Above: Tyler Erickson

Above: David Withee

We also met with Eric Gjerdevig, candidate for West Fargo Mayor. He previously served on the City Commission from 2018-2022 and is now running unopposed for Mayor. 

Above (left to right): Bryce Johnson, BIA CEO and Eric Gjerdevig, West Fargo Mayoral Candidate

We are grateful for Tyler, David and Eric taking the time out of their schedules to meet with us and appreciate their willingness to run for office. 

BIA is also hosting candidate forums for Fargo City Commission & Mayoral and Horace City Council this week and next week. Dates and times can be found on the BIA's event calendar. 

BIA hosts meeting with Fargo Planning Department and consultants on 2026 LDC discussion draft

In response to the city's land development code (LDC) discussion draft unveiled at an open house two weeks ago, BIA members and Fargo Moorhead Area Association of REALTORS® members, met with planning staff and consultants to discuss areas of concern. 

The primary concern raised by members centered on proposed garage and driveway standards, including:

• Front load garages must be located at least 5 feet behind the primary facade and can't exceed 50% of the width of the primary facade. 
• For courtyard and side load garages, garage doors must face the side yard and may not face the street lot line and the garage may not exceed 75% of the width of the primary facade.
• New lots less than 50 feet wide must have vehicular access from an alley. Meaning vehicle access from a street is not permitted.
  • Existing lots less than 50 feet wide are permitted to provide vehicle access from the street with a drive beside garage configuration. Driveway width may not exceed 10 feet within 50 feet of the street lot line.

A full overview can be found here. 

Members expressed concern that these requirements would significantly impact housing affordability in the region. Builders shared they a majority, if not all their plans, would have to be redesigned, adding cost and time. Other expenses include concrete, utilities and increased lot sizes. 

Realtors and builders also noted that many buyers prefer an attached garage to avoid walking outside during harsh winters, would prefer a shorter driveway for easier maintenance, and expressed concern that alley access would increase demand for public works crews when they are already overwhelmed. 

City planning staff and consultants were receptive to the feedback and emphasized that this draft was the first iteration and will undergo many changes. 

BIA encourages members to remain engaged in the LDC adoption process and to attend upcoming city-hosted open house meetings when possible.