Politics
Fargo Voters Decide $X Million Bond for Roads, Transit, Job Training
The November ballot measure would direct city bond proceeds toward road repairs, transit upgrades and job training facilities used by Fargo residents.
How we reported this
Fargo residents will vote in November on a proposed $48 million general obligation bond measure that authorizes new spending on street reconstruction, bus fleet expansion and two workforce development centers. The measure appears on the ballot as Referendum 3 and requires simple majority approval to take effect in the 2027 fiscal year.
City documents released in May list 14 specific street segments scheduled for full-depth reclamation if the bonds pass, including sections of 13th Avenue South and University Drive. The same package includes replacement of 22 aging transit buses and construction of training facilities at the existing downtown library site and near the airport industrial park.
Projected effects on daily services and employment access
Public works staff estimate that resurfacing the listed corridors would reduce average pothole repair calls by roughly one-third within three years. Transit planners project that newer buses would allow headways on the Blue and Red routes to drop from 30 minutes to 20 minutes during weekday peak periods. The two training centers are described in the bond prospectus as providing classroom and shop space for up to 400 participants annually in commercial driver and advanced manufacturing programs.
Local budget figures show the city currently spends $9.2 million a year from its general fund on street maintenance. Debt service on the new bonds would require an estimated $3.1 million annually for 20 years, funded through a combination of existing sales-tax revenue and a temporary property-tax levy increase of 1.8 mills.
Next steps in the election and implementation timeline
Ballots will be mailed beginning October 15, with in-person early voting available at the Fargo Civic Center from October 20 through November 2. If approved, the city commission is scheduled to issue the bonds in the first quarter of 2027 and begin design work on the first round of street projects by April of that year. The workforce centers are listed for occupancy by late 2028 under the current project schedule.