A guide to the region’s legislative landscape and an overview of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber’s public policy stances and efforts.
The Chamber drives progress in our region by amplifying the business community’s voice and advocating at the local, state and federal levels of government. We challenge restrictive regulations, champion pro-business policies and lead efforts that protect and strengthen our region’s economy and future. By convening and engaging public officials and business leaders, providing key resources and inspiring civic engagement, we ensure the interests of our community are heard, understood, advanced and defended.
SHANNON FULL President and CEO
The Chamber
1. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
1.1 Child Care
Childcare, from birth to age 12, has a profound impact on our region’s workforce. Policies and initiatives must increase affordability, access and operational sustainability while maintaining safe and high-quality care for all ages.
1.2 Early Education
Learning and career advancement opportunities for professionals in the early childhood and school-aged education industry must remain affordable and provide quality opportunities in order to meet the growing demand and critical importance of early childhood and school-aged education.
1.3 Education
The modernization of education must incorporate adequate funding opportunities, new technologies, cutting-edge teaching methods (i.e. competency-based learning and career academy models) and curricula that emphasize science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Programs should encourage internships, mentorships, on-the-job training opportunities and applications that enhance career exploration to strategically develop a skilled workforce that aligns with regional employment opportunities and encourages consistent communication between employers, students and educators.
1.4 Workforce Development, Recruitment and Retention
The number one hindrance to our regional economy is our businesses’ inability to attract, acclimate, retain and develop workforce. Our region must develop, support and implement a systems-based strategy to address these challenges. We must deploy integrated approaches that consider all inputs and services of the talented individuals who populate our workforce – employers, employees, educators, students, adult learners, the community. A vibrant and impactful system will encompass all populations of talent (such as untapped, hidden, remote and traditionally underserved populations). Through these strategies, we will develop a highly skilled group of individuals ready to replenish our regional workforce.
To further our region’s workforce competitiveness, occupational licensing and reciprocity regulations, we must recognize economic opportunities of interstate compacts, licensing reform and remote workforce.
1.5 Diversity
Diversity of our workforce and region is essential to propel economic and innovative growth. It will encourage community cohesiveness, new ideas and growth. The workforce crisis requires immigration and immigration support to address the severe workforce shortage in the region and state. Our region must have the capacity to integrate acclimation services across the region to attract and retain a diverse population.
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.
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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.
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 multi-modal transportation systems.
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 supply and other community assets are necessary for growth. Continual private and public investments improve the livability of our region, promote economic vibrancy and maintain regional safety.
2.7 Residential and Commercial Development
The region must continue to evaluate and support sustainable incentives, assessments, taxes, regulations and building codes that bolster and sustain a robust business climate, reinforce affordable housing, facilitate homeownership and create vibrant neighborhoods. Subdivision and zoning regulations must encourage efficient and orderly development, while allowing flexible and innovative development strategies.
3. AGRICULTURE, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
3.1 Agriculture
Our region is an epicenter for national and international agribusiness, including agriculture innovation/ technology, 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 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, creation of start-up capital and fostering 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 and reliable energy production is a top priority. Encouraging the commercialization of new technologies that promote the development of our natural resources and protect the environment will move our region forward.
To compete on a national and global scale, stakeholders must advance sound energy policies that promote comprehensive research, enhance “All-of-the-Above” energy solutions, provide access to local resources, reduce regulatory burdens and advance energy independence.
The development of and investment in essential energy infrastructure is vital to producing and transporting energy. This includes transmission lines, production/generation facilities, pipelines, sequestration capabilities and sustainable supply chain assets.
3.3 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.
4. HEALTH CARE
4.1 Community Health
Access to affordable, reliable and innovative health care is necessary to fostering and promoting regional vibrancy. Policies, programs and resources should address health care disparities and promote affordable and quality innovative solutions.
4.2 Long-Term Care and Elder Care
Businesses and communities must continue to support policies and programs that incentivize private financial planning and enhance public financial support for long-term care, in-home care and elderly care services.
4.3 Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health includes mental health and substance use disorders. Funded services must include support and access, including prevention and intervention, which will reduce expenditures for treatment and recovery.
5. SAFETY AND SECURITY
5.1 Public Safety
It is important to recognize law enforcement and first responders and the significant role they play in achieving safe communities. Advancing public safety is essential to building a welcoming and safe community reputation.
5.2 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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5.3 Innovative Systems
The continued research, development and integration of modernized or autonomous systems are key to our region’s technological advancement. These systems should enhance security, safety, privacy and efficiency.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
6.1 Local Control
Local control should be strongly considered when evaluating policies, programs and initiatives at all levels of government.
6.2 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.
MINNESOTA Constitutional Officers
Governor
Tim Walz
651-201-3400 | mn.gov/governor
Lieutenant Governor
Peggy Flanagan
Attorney General
Keith Ellison
Secretary of State
Steve Simon
State Auditor
Julie Blaha
MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL BUILDING
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Saint Paul, Minn. 55155 leg.mn.gov | 651-296-8338
NORTH DAKOTA
Constitutional Officers
Governor
Kelly Armstrong
701-328-2200 | governor.nd.gov
Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden
Agriculture Commissioner
Doug Goehring
Secretary of State
Michael Howe
Attorney General
Drew Wrigley
Tax Commissioner
Brian Kroshus
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONERS
State Auditor
Josh Gallion
State Treasurer
Thomas Beadle
Insurance Commissioner
Jon Godfread
Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler
Randy Christmann (chair) Sheri Haugen-Hoffart Jill Kringstad
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.
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.
RECOMMENDATION
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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.
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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.
Given the fast-paced nature of policy, the Board may address urgent issues directly without formal recommendation from the Public Policy Committee.
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.
