As leaders of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Community Partnership, we work closely with community partners to develop meaningful, lasting solutions to the challenges surrounding homelessness, including public safety, business impacts and the overall experience in Downtown Fargo.

That’s why we are deeply saddened that the North Dakota Senate removed all funding for the relocation of the Downtown Engagement Center in Senate Bill 2015. The proposal, led by Rep. Swiontek, Rep. Wagner and Rep. Stemen, represented a thoughtful and forward-looking investment. It included matching dollars from the City of Fargo and private-sector support. It was a strong step toward long-term progress.

The current Engagement Center was never intended to be permanent. It was created in response to the pandemic, not as a lasting solution. Now, it’s time for a more intentional, coordinated approach. While we understand the skepticism that can accompany change, we urge our community to focus on progress over perfection.

Homelessness is a complex issue that intersects with housing, mental health, addiction, poverty and trauma. No single plan will solve everything. But continued inaction solves nothing. We cannot head into another season without a clear plan.

And we heard it loud and clear at the May 6 Chamber event, The Pulse of Crime. Our community needs more facilities, more resources, and a more coordinated approach to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness, for the health and safety of everyone.

We believe there is a path forward. Our community is rich with expertise, from the United Way of Cass Clay to the FM Coalition to End Homelessness, and many others doing the important work to find solutions. We must act quickly on focused strategies that meet urgent needs and deliver measurable results.

Let’s lead together.

This is a defining moment to take bold, decisive action. The business community is ready to raise the private dollars needed to support a new solution. Now we ask The City of Fargo and the broader community to match that urgency.

We’ll be there, alongside business and community leaders, committed to progress and ready to help.

Shannon Full
President and CEO, The Chamber

Rocky Schneider
Executive Director, Downtown Community Partnership