2026 Public Policy Guide

2026 PUBLIC POLICY GUIDE

A guide to the region’s legislative landscape and an overview of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber’s public policy stances and efforts.

Public policy shapes the environment in which our businesses operate, communities grow and our region thrives. Decisions made at the local, state and federal levels influence workforce availability, infrastructure investment, innovation, housing and quality of life. That is why The Chamber is deeply committed to ensuring the business community has a strong, unified and influential voice in the public policy process.

This guide is designed to bring clarity to a complex landscape and outline where The Chamber stands on the issues most critical to our region’s vitality. You’ll find policy positions spanning workforce development, development and vitality, agriculture and energy, health care, technology and innovation, public safety and more, along with information about the elected officials who represent our bi-state region.

The Chamber will continue to convene leaders, build relationships with policymakers and empower employers to engage confidently and constructively in public policy. Whether advocating for pro-business policies, providing timely updates or creating meaningful dialogue with decision-makers, this work ensures business perspectives are heard and advanced.

At the heart of this effort is the need for business-minded, community-focused and growth-aligned leadership.

As participation in public life declines, The Chamber’s Center for Civic Engagement exists to inspire, educate and equip leaders to step forward. The Center is not political—it is practical, grounded in good governance and community-rooted leadership.

This guide is both a roadmap and a call to engage. When businesses participate, our collective voice is stronger and our region is better positioned for long-term growth and prosperity.

SHANNON FULL

President and CEO The Chamber Fargo Moorhead West Fargo

fmwfchamber.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This publication highlights The Chamber’s public policy stances and priorities, as well as key information regarding elected officials. Public policy is a core pillar of the Innovate28 initiative, and The Chamber is taking bold steps to ensure policies align with the needs of our businesses, industries and communities.

Chamber Stances and Priorities 1. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 1.1 Child Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.2 Early Education Careers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.3 K-12 and Higher Education . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.4 Workforce Development, Recruitment and Retention . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.5 Immigration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. DEVELOPMENT AND VITALITY 2.1 Tax Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.2 Border City Competitiveness . . . . . . . . . 4 2.3 Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.4 Comprehensive Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.5 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.6 Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.7 Commercial Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.8 Residential Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3. AGRICULTURE, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES 3.1 Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3.2 Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.3 Energy Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 3.4 Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . 7

4. HEALTH CARE 4.1 Community Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4.2 Long-Term Care, Elder Care and Aging-in-Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.3 Behavioral Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5. TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 5.1 Innovative and Autonomous Systems . . 9 5.2 Artificial Intelligence, Data Centers, and Advanced Computin . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5.3 Digital Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6. SAFETY AND SECURITY 6.1 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6.2 Veterans and Military Affairs . . . . . . . . 10

7. GENERAL PROVISIONS 7.1 Local Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 7.2 Inclusion and Belonging . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 7.3 Regional Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

7.4 Homelessness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 7.5 Public Policy and Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . 11

Elected Officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Taking a Stance - How It Works . . 20

Powered by Innovate28. . . . . . . . . . . 21

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1. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 1.1 Child Care

Child care, from birth to age 12, has a profound impact on our region’s workforce. Policies, initiatives and investments must increase affordability, access and operational sustainability; support a stable child care workforce; and maintain safe, high-quality care for all children.

1.2 Early Education Careers

Education and career advancement opportunities for early childhood and school-aged professionals must remain affordable and high-quality to meet the growing demand and support the critical roles these educators play in children’s development and long-term success.

1.3 K-12 and Higher Education

A strong regional economy depends on an education system that prepares every learner, from early childhood through postsecondary, to thrive in a dynamic, skills-driven world. To meet the needs of students, families and employers, our region must support education and training providers with flexibility, resources, facilities and funding necessary to respond to emerging workforce demands.

This includes integrating innovative instructional models, new technologies and future-focused curricula, such as competency-based learning, career academy pathways and STEAM education. Equally, educational programs should expand access to high-quality work-based learning experiences, including career exploration, mentorships, internships and on-the-job training that connect classroom learning to real-world application and strengthen communication between educators, students and employers.

By fostering strong partnerships across education, industry and community, we can ensure that all learners develop the knowledge, skills and experiences needed for meaningful career pathways, while supporting a talent pipeline that aligns with regional economic and workforce priorities.

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1.4 Workforce Development, Recruitment and Retention

The most significant challenge facing our regional economy is employers’ ability to attract, acclimate, retain and develop talent. Addressing this requires a coordinated, systems-based workforce strategy that brings together employers, educators, students, adult learners and community partners.

We must advance integrated approaches that strengthen the future talent pipeline, including early career awareness and exposure through high-quality work-based learning experiences, training, upskilling and long-term career advancement. This includes leveraging our industry sector partnerships to identify workforce gaps, aligning education and training solutions with employer needs and expanding meaningful employer engagement across the region.

A strong and vibrant regional workforce system must support all populations of talent, including untapped, hidden, remote and traditionally underserved groups. By expanding equitable access to work-based learning, career pathways and supportive services, we can cultivate a highly skilled workforce prepared to meet employer demand and fuel long-term economic growth.

To further enhance regional competitiveness, we must continue to modernize occupational licensing and reciprocity processes, recognize the economic opportunities of interstate compacts, support the evolving needs of a remote and hybrid workforce, and identify policy and programmatic solutions that strengthen pathways for legal immigration, attainable housing and access to affordable child care to help meet critical workforce shortages.

1.5 Immigration

Access to workforce beyond the Nation’s borders is critical to addressing the region’s workforce challenges. The region must support federal employment and student-based immigration policy reforms to current federal programs, like temporary work visas, student visas, humanitarian parole programs, temporary protected statuses and employer-sponsored immigrant visas, to provide regional employers with access to international talent pools.

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2. DEVELOPMENT AND VITALITY 2.1 Tax Sustainability

Tax structures should be continually evaluated to ensure a fair and balanced system that provides necessary funding for critical public services and incentives.

2.2 Border City Competitiveness

Programs and policies that enable border city competitiveness, such as local government aid, disparity reduction credits and border city exemptions, are pivotal to our bi-state region’s competitiveness and vitality.

2.3 Economic Development

Policies, incentives and programs that systematically and financially support the recruitment, retention, development and expansion of business in our region are vital to continued economic growth and prosperity. Support includes the advancement of programs that encourage public-private partnerships, promote access to capital, spur capital investments and provide resources to start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Additionally, economic development strategies should prioritize the growth of the emerging industry sectors, such as biosciences, by supporting, research and development capacity, commercialization pathways, and industry–university partnerships that drive innovation.

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2.4 Comprehensive Planning

Comprehensive planning must be a regional strategy that accounts for community needs, existing infrastructure, demographic forecasts, zoning regulations, land use inventory and development, and multimodal transportation systems. These regional strategies should capitalize on the land protected by the FM Area Diversion Project.

2.5 Transportation

A quality, multi-modal transportation system allows people and goods to move efficiently, conveniently and safely. Our region must continue to develop, integrate and maintain quality transportation services.

2.6 Infrastructure

As business in our region evolves, broadband, flood protection, water recovery, water supply, energy and other regional infrastructure assets are necessary for regional growth and prosperity. Continual investments into water infrastructure projects, like the FM Area Diversion Project, West Central Regional Water District and Red River Valley Water Supply, are imperative to the livability of our region – promoting economic vibrancy; addressing water protection, supply, scarcity and treatment; and maintaining regional safety.

2.7 Commercial Development

The region must continue to support sustainable incentives, assessments, taxes, and pragmatic regulations and building codes that foster a robust commercial development environment. Regional policies and practices should encourage efficient and orderly development while allowing flexible and innovative development strategies to enhance the regional business climate. Development strategies must be innovative and adaptable to maximize land use while capitalizing on the land protected by the FM Area Diversion Project.

2.8 Residential Development

Regional incentives, assessments, taxes, zoning, regulations, permitting and building codes must bolster the development of market-rate and attainable workforce housing and the creation of vibrant neighborhoods to support the attraction and retention of critical workforce and reduce barriers to homeownership. Development strategies must be innovative and adaptable to maximize land use while capitalizing on the land protected by the FM Area Diversion Project.

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3. AGRICULTURE, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES 3.1 Agriculture

Our region is an epicenter for national and international agribusiness, including agriculture technology innovation, agriculture production, equipment manufacturing, food processing, commodity marketing, education, research, land improvement, water management and conservation efforts. Strong advocacy and support for pro-agricultural initiatives and policies, including fair access to global markets, are critical to the enhancement of our region’s agricultural vitality and strong economy, which enhances food and energy security and sustainability locally, nationally and internationally. Initiatives and policies may include support of value-added and sustainable agricultural practices, reduction of burdensome environmental policies, maintenance of reliable and affordable financing and insurance programs, initiatives to address workforce gaps through expanded K-16 agricultural career pathways and the creation of start-up capital that is focused on advancements in innovation and technology.

3.2 Energy

Access to reliable, predictable, sustainable and affordable energy is imperative to regional and national prosperity. Ensuring environmental responsibility while maintaining dependable energy production is essential to supporting industry, communities and long-term economic growth. Advancing the commercialization of emerging technologies, including biofuels, renewable fuels, nuclear and next-generation energy solutions, will strengthen our region’s ability to responsibly develop natural resources while protecting the environment. To remain competitive on a national and global scale, stakeholders must support sound energy policies that promote comprehensive research, encourage “All-of-the-Above” energy solutions, expand access to local resources, reduce regulatory burdens and enhance energy independence. Reliable access to natural gas remains foundational for power generation, industrial activity and economic development, underscoring the need for continued investment in safe, modernized pipeline and distribution systems, including projects such as the Bakken-East Pipeline in North Dakota. In addition, the growth of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) requires policies that enable safe and efficient CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure to further regional competitiveness and advance technologies such as enhanced oil recovery.

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3.3 Energy Infrastructure

The development, modernization and long-term investment in essential energy infrastructure is critical to producing, transporting and delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable energy across our region. As the energy sector rapidly evolves—driven by growing consumer demands, market transitions, technological advancements, infrastructure needs and cost pressures—our region must continually upgrade and expand critical components such as transmission lines, generation facilities, pipelines and resilient supply-chain assets. To ensure timely delivery of projects, federal, state and local entities must provide predictable, practical and streamlined permitting, siting and land-use processes that reduce redundant barriers, respect private-property rights, uphold local control and balance the needs and considerations of all stakeholders.

3.4 Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship

Policies and programs should encourage responsible stewardship of the land, air, water, minerals, wildlife and natural resources to promote both economic and environmental sustainability.

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4. HEALTH CARE 4.1 Community Health

Access to affordable, reliable and quality health care is necessary to foster regional vibrancy and promote regional quality of life. Policies, programs and resources should address health care disparities such as rural emergency medical services and critical staffing and promote affordable, quality and innovative solutions.

4.2 Long-Term Care, Elder Care and Continuum of Care

Businesses and communities must support policies, programs, and financing that strengthens access to health care across the full continuum of care—including long-term care, elder care, hospice, and palliative care—with an emphasis on aging in place. These efforts should expand community-based and home-based services, including home-based cares; encourage coordination among health care providers; support appropriately adjusted payment models; improve quality measurement and oversight; reduce avoidable hospitalizations and unnecessary institutional placements; and recognize geographic variation, workforce constraints, travel time, and patient complexity. Policies should also promote care coordination, caregiver support, and value-based outcomes, while incentivizing private financial planning and strengthening public financial support for essential care services.

4.3 Behavioral Health

Ensuring access to behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment, is essential to a thriving region. Investments in early access, prevention and intervention reduce the need for costly treatment and recovery services, strengthen families, and support long-term community and economic vitality.

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5. TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 5.1 Innovative and Autonomous Systems

The continued research, development and integration of modernized, automated and digital systems are essential to the region’s long-term competitiveness. Advancements in areas such as robotics, agricultural technology, unmanned systems and autonomous technologies can enhance safety, efficiency, productivity and quality of life. Policies should encourage responsible deployment, public–private collaboration, and regulatory clarity and consistency, while fostering investments necessary to attract emerging industries and support technology-driven economic development.

5.2 Artificial Intelligence, Data Centers, and Advanced Computing

Artificial Intelligence (AI), high-capacity computing and advanced data systems are rapidly reshaping business operations, workforce needs, public services and regional competitiveness.

As AI adoption accelerates across industries, demand for data centers, cloud-based platforms and advanced computing infrastructure continues to grow. Policies and practices should support responsible, ethical and transparent AI implementation while ensuring privacy, security and safety. Regional strategies must strengthen digital readiness, expand workforce development and enhance technology-focused career pathways to sustain long-term economic growth and technological capability. The region must promote public–private partnerships, targeted incentives and coordinated planning among utility providers, local governments and private industry to ensure scalable, resilient and competitive development across the region.

5.3 Digital Infrastructure

The region’s increasing demand for digital infrastructure, including dependable broadband connectivity and reliable energy systems, requires coordinated planning and investment.

Policies should ensure that digital infrastructure growth is supported by modernized permitting and siting processes, resilient utility infrastructure and robust fiber connectivity.

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6. SAFETY AND SECURITY 6.1 Public Safety

Law enforcement and first responders are foundational in achieving a safe and vibrant region. Advancing public safety policies, initiatives and funding is essential to building a welcoming and safe community reputation.

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6.2 Veterans and Military Affairs

Local military forces are crucial to our regional and national security. It is important to advocate for our local units, their personnel and the important missions they carry out to promote base vitality.

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7. G ENERAL PROVISIONS 7.1 Local Control

Local control should be strongly considered when evaluating policies, programs and initiatives at all levels of government.

7.2 Inclusion and Belonging

To ensure our businesses, neighborhoods and institutions remain competitive and resilient, we must align and strengthen community systems that help individuals and families connect, thrive and contribute fully, regardless of where they come from or the stage of life they are in. Communities that foster belonging welcome a wide range of experiences and perspectives and remove barriers to opportunity are better positioned to drive innovation, strengthen civic life and sustain long-term economic growth.

As our region navigates workforce and demographic challenges, it is essential to advance strategies that attract, retain and support people of all ages and backgrounds, including those relocating from other states, rural communities and countries.

Strengthening pathways for legal immigration, paired with robust acclimation and integration services, will play a critical role in meeting talent needs and enhancing regional vitality.

By intentionally cultivating welcoming environments and coordinating support across sectors, our region can continue to grow as a dynamic, inclusive place to live and work.

7.3 Regional Collaboration

Strong regional collaboration is essential to address shared challenges and advance longterm economic prosperity. The FMWF region’s success depends on coordination, alignment and communication among government, business and industry partners, educational institutions and community organizations.

By leveraging collective resources, the region can more effectively respond to emerging opportunities, strengthen economic resilience and enhance our overall quality of life.

7.4 Homelessness

A safe, thriving region depends on ensuring residents have access to stable housing, essential services and pathways to longterm economic stability. Effective solutions to support unhoused individuals require coordinated action among public, private and nonprofit partners to expand resources and funding for critical housing, mental and behavioral health, and employment support. Policies should prioritize prevention, supportive housing models and a transition into permanent housing. These collaborative approaches reduce the demand for emergency services, enhance public safety and strengthen overall community well-being.

7.5 Public Policy and Advocacy

The FMWF Chamber President/CEO is authorized to take a position on behalf of The Chamber’s best interests on issue(s) not covered in the Policy Guide, provided he or she has secured approval from the Board of Directors.

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MINNESOTA

Constitutional Officers

Governor Tim Walz

651-201-3400 | mn.gov/governor

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan

651-201-3400 | mn.gov/governor

Attorney General Keith Ellison

800-657-3787 | ag.state.mn.us

Secretary of State Steve Simon

651-201-1324 | sos.mn.gov

State Auditor Julie Blaha

651-296-2551 | auditor.state.mn.us

MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL BUILDING 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Saint Paul, Minn. 55155 651-296-8338 | leg.mn.gov

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NORTH DAKOTA Constitutional Officers

Governor

State Auditor

701-328-2200 | governor.nd.gov

701-328-2241 | nd.gov/auditor

Kelly Armstrong

Josh Gallion

Lieutenant Governor

State Treasurer

701-328-2200 | governor.nd.gov

701-328-2643 | treasurer.nd.gov

Michelle Strinden

Thomas Beadle

Agriculture Commissioner

Insurance Commissioner

701-328-4754 | ndda.nd.gov

701-328-2440 | insurance.nd.gov

Doug Goehring

Jon Godfread

Secretary of State

Superintendent of Public Instruction

701-328-2900 | sos.nd.gov

701-328-2260 | nd.gov/dpi

Michael Howe

Levi Bachmeier

Attorney General

Public Service Commissioners

Drew Wrigley

Tax Commissioner

Randy Christmann Sheri Haugen-Hoffart Jill Kringstad

701-328-7088 | tax.nd.gov

701-328-2400 | psc.nd.gov

701-328-2210 | attorneygeneral.nd.gov

Brian Kroshus

NORTH DAKOTA STATE CAPITOL BUILDING 600 E. Boulevard Ave. Bismarck, N.D. 58505 701.328.2916 | ndlegis.gov

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MINNESOTA

Congressional Delegation Senator Amy Klobuchar 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 | 202-224-3244 121 4th St. S, Moorhead, Minn. 56560 klobuchar.senate.gov | 218-287-2219

Senator Tina Smith 720 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 | 202-224-5641 819 Center Ave., Ste. 2A, Moorhead, Minn. 56560 smith.senate.gov | 218-284-8721

Representative Michelle Fischbach 2229 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 | 202-225-2165 2513 8th St. S, Moorhead, Minn. 56560 fischbach.house.gov | 218-422-2090

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NORTH DAKOTA Congressional Delegation Senator John Hoeven 338 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 | 202-224-2551 123 Broadway N, Ste. 201, Fargo, N.D. 58102 hoeven.senate.gov | 701-239-5389

Senator Kevin Cramer 313 Hart Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 | 202-224-2043 306 Federal Office Building 657 2nd Ave. N, Fargo, N.D. 58102 cramer.senate.gov | 701-232-5094

Representative Julie Fedorchak 1607 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 | 202-225-2611 3217 Fiechtner Dr., Ste. B, Fargo, N.D. 58103 fedorchak.house.gov | 701-353-6665

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MINNESOTA

View a map of the districts

State Legislature (Clay County)

NORTH DAKOTA

View a map of the districts

State Legislature (Cass County)

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DISTRICT 10

DISTRICT 13

DISTRICT 21

Sen. Ryan Braunberger rbraunberger@ndlegis.gov

Sen. Judy Lee jlee@ndlegis.gov

Sen. Kathy Hogan khogan@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Jared Hendrix jhendrix@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Jim Jonas jjonas@ndlegis.gov

Rep. LaurieBeth Hager lbhager@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Steve Swiontek sswiontek@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Austen Schauer aschauer@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Mary Schneider mschneider@ndlegis.gov

DISTRICT 11

DISTRICT 16

DISTRICT 22

Sen. Tim Mathern tmathern@ndlegis.gov

Sen. David Clemens dclemens@ndlegis.gov

Sen. Mark F. Weber markweber@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Liz Conmy lconmy@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Ben Koppelman bkoppelman@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Brandy Pyle bpyle@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Gretchen Dobervich gdobervich@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Andrew Marschall amarschall@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Jonathan Warrey jwarrey@ndlegis.gov

fmwfchamber.com

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 1B

DISTRICT 4A

Sen. Mark T. Johnson sen.mark.johnson@senate.mn

Sen. Robert Kupec sen.robert.kupec@senate.mn

Rep. Steve Gander rep.steve.gander@house.mn.gov

Rep. Heather Keeler rep.heather.keeler@house.mn.gov DISTRICT 4B

Rep. Jim Joy rep.jim.joy@house.mn.gov

DISTRICT 27

DISTRICT 44

DISTRICT 46

Sen. Kristin Roers kroers@ndlegis.gov

Sen. Josh Boschee jboschee@ndlegis.gov

Sen. Michelle Powers mpowers@ndlegis.gov

Rep. TJ Brown tbrown@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Austin Foss afoss@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Jim Kasper jkasper@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Greg Stemen gstemen@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Karla Rose Hanson krhanson@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Desiree Morton dmorton@ndlegis.gov

DISTRICT 41

DISTRICT 45

Sen. Kyle Davison kdavison@ndlegis.gov

Sen. Ronald Sorvaag rsorvaag@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Karen Grindberg kgrindberg@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Carrie McLeod cmcleod@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Jorin Johnson jjohnson@ndlegis.gov

Rep. Scott Wagner swagner@ndlegis.gov

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MINNESOTA Local Leaders

MAYOR

Shelly Carlson | shelly.carlson@moorheadmn.gov COUNCIL MEMBERS WARD 1

Nicole Mattson | nicole.mattson@moorheadmn.gov Ryan Nelson | ryan.w.nelson@moorheadmn.gov WARD 2 MOORHEAD CITY COUNCIL

218-299-5166 cityofmoorhead.com

Emily Moore | emily.moore@moorheadmn.gov Heather Nesemeier | heather.nesemeier@moorheadmn.gov WARD 3

Lisa Borgen | lisa.borgen@moorheadmn.gov Deb White | deb.white@moorheadmn.gov WARD 4

Chuck Hendrickson | chuck.hendrickson@moorheadmn.gov Sebastian McDougall | sebastian.mcdougall@moorheadmn.gov MAYOR

Chad Olson | chad.olson@ci.dilworth.mn.us COUNCIL MEMBERS

Amber Borah | amber.borah@ci.dilworth.mn.us Julie Nash (Vice Mayor) | julie.nash@ci.dilworth.mn.us Kevin Peterson | kevin.peterson@ci.dilworth.mn.us David Steichen | dave.steichen@ci.dilworth.mn.us DILWORTH CITY COUNCIL

218-287-2313 cityofdilworth.com

CLAY COUNTY COMMISSION

DISTRICT 2

Ezra Baer ezra.baer@claycountymn.gov

DISTRICT 4

218-299-5002 claycountymn.gov DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 5

Paul Krabbenhoft paul.krabbenhoft@claycountymn.gov 18

Jenny Mongeau jenny.mongeau@claycountymn.gov fmwfchamber.com

Kevin Campbell kevin.campbell@claycountymn.gov David Ebinger david.ebinger@claycountymn.gov

NORTH DAKOTA Local Leaders

MAYOR

Dr. Tim Mahoney | tmahoney@fargond.gov COMMISSIONERS Denise Kolpack (Deputy Mayor) | dkolpack@fargond.gov

FARGO CITY COMMISSION

701-241-1310 | fargond.gov

Dave Piepkorn | dpiepkorn@fargond.gov John Strand | jstrand@fargond.gov Michelle Turnberg | mturnberg@fargond.gov

MAYOR

Bernie Dardis | bernie.dardis@westfargond.gov COMMISSIONERS

WEST FARGO CITY COMMISSION

701-515-5000 | westfargond.gov

Roben Anderson | roben.anderson@westfargond.gov Rory Jorgensen | rory.jorgensen@westfargond.gov Brad Olson (Commission Vice President) | brad.olson@westfargond.gov Amy Zundel | amy.zundel@westfargond.gov

MAYOR

Jeff Trudeau | jtrudeau@cityofhorace.com COUNCIL MEMBERS

HORACE CITY COUNCIL

Naomi Burkland | nburkland@cityofhorace.com Rachel Dwyer | rdwyer@cityofhorace.com Stephanie Landstrom | slandstrom@cityofhorace.com Sarah Veit | sveit@cityofhorace.com

CASS COUNTY COMMISSION

701-492-2972 | cityofhorace.com

DISTRICT 2

Tony Grindberg grindbergt@casscountynd.gov

DISTRICT 4

701-241-5609 casscountynd.gov DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 5

Tim Flakoll flakollt@casscountynd.gov

Jim Kapitan kapitanj@casscountynd.gov 2026 Public Policy Guide

Duane Breitling breitlingd@casscountynd.gov Joel Vettel vettelj@casscountynd.gov 19

TAKING A STANCE How it works 1

RECOMME

PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE

ON TI

Made up of business and community leaders from across the region, the Public Policy Committee is The Chamber’s advocacy arm. The Committee is dedicated to advancing sound polices that foster a stable environment for businesses and the community to thrive.

ND A

2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The group drafts stances and legislative priorities, acting on individual policies as they become relevant. These recommendations are submitted to the board for approval, where they become official Chamber positions.

The Board of Directors, comprised of diverse leaders in our local business community, is the policymaking body for The Chamber.

They shape and execute the organization’s vision. Once the Public Policy Committee makes a recommendation for a policy stance, the Board reviews and considers whether to adopt it as an official Chamber position.

Given the fast-paced nature of policy, the Board may address urgent issues directly without formal recommendation from the Public Policy Committee.

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VO

TE

THE CHAMBER’S STANCE Once the Board of Directors has voted on an official stance, The Chamber takes action. We engage with public officials to represent business interests, raise awareness and build impactful coalitions. We also empower local businesses by providing essential resources like policy briefs, talking points, legislative contacts and bill updates.

RD BOA

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PUBLIC POLICY AT THE CHAMBER

Innovate28 is a bold call to action and strategic initiative designed to secure our region’s place as a leader in economic growth, workforce development and public policy impact.

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Cale Dunwoody

Vice President of Public Policy cdunwoody@fmwfchamber.com

3312 42nd St. S, Ste. 101 Fargo, N.D. 58104 701-365-3440 • fmwfchamber.com @fmwfchamber

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