Blog Navigation: Business Insights and Spotlights | Chamber Blog
01.15.26
State of the Cities 2026: Progress Powered by Regional Partnership
By Chamber Staff
(L to R); Chamber President and CEO Shannon Full, West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis, Horace Mayor Jeff Trudeau, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, Dilworth Mayor Chad Olson and Tony Grindberg of Xcel Energy take the stage at State of the Cities 2026.
State of the Cities 2026 reflects on progress, partnership, and shared priorities shaping the region’s future.
State of the Cities opened the year with a focus on leadership, alignment and the work ahead for the cities of West Fargo, Horace, Fargo, Moorhead and Dilworth. A sold-out gathering of over 700 business leaders, community partners and elected officials, the morning was centered on what our region is building together and how strong leadership and collaboration will impact the long-term strength of the metro.
With support from our Premier Sponsor, Xcel Energy, the event highlighted the progress moving our communities forward, from infrastructure investments to the partnerships that strengthen long-term stability. Co-moderated by Tony Grindberg of Xcel Energy and Chamber President and CEO Shannon Full, the program emphasized a consistent message: progress in this region is driven by partnership, and leadership is strongest when cities move forward together.
Collaboration over competition
A defining theme of the morning was the value of regionalism. The mayors repeatedly emphasized that challenges facing one city often affect the entire metro and are best addressed together. Mayor Tim Mahoney of Fargo captured it well when he shared, “The story of our region is not written by one person or one city.”
That approach is already visible in how cities are working across jurisdictional lines. Shared services such as regional public safety dispatch and the Red River Valley Water Supply Project demonstrate how collaboration can improve outcomes while making better use of public dollars. Mahoney described the water supply project as a lifeline for the region, underscoring its importance for both growth and resilience.
For businesses, this kind of regional approach provides predictability and stability in an environment that supports investment, growth and long-term planning. Whether it is the flood diversion protecting assets or the Metro Fire Academy strengthening safety and preparedness, the work happening across jurisdictions reinforces a shared foundation for our regional economy.
A stronger region starts at home
The Community Insights segment highlighted major infrastructure investments supporting business connectivity and growth. Paula Ekman, chair of the Hector International Airport Municipal Airport Authority, shared data showing 14 consecutive months of passenger growth and an estimated $400 million in direct economic output. With 44 percent of North Dakota’s commercial air traffic moving through Hector International Airport, recent and upcoming investments carry regional significance. The new parking ramp is now open and the terminal expansion is scheduled to open in February 2026, strengthening connectivity for businesses and travelers alike.
Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson also provided an exciting update on the city’s Blue Ribbon Future, including a downtown redevelopment project valued at more than $500 million upon completion. This vision transforms the riverfront into the heart of the community, anchored by the new library and community center known as The Loop. Investments of this scale support quality of life, strengthen recruitment efforts and position the region competitively for future talent.
Community insights on infrastructure
Economic growth depends on the workforce and workforce depends on housing. Leaders described a regional approach to stability and livability that acknowledges housing as not a single-city issue, but a shared priority that requires a coordinated response.
The mayors highlighted partnerships across nonprofits, the United Way of Cass-Clay and CAPLP navigators designed to help move individuals from homelessness to stable housing. These efforts demonstrate the kind of cross-sector collaboration needed to create healthier communities.
A bittersweet farewell and lasting legacy
This year also carried a note of significance. The 2026 State of the Cities event marked the final appearance on stage for Mayor Mahoney and Mayor Carlson. Mayor Mahoney is not seeking reelection due to being term limited and Mayor Carlson is running for the Minnesota Legislature. Their contributions, leadership and commitment to regional partnership have helped shape the trajectory of this community.
Throughout the morning, the rapport among the mayors was evident, including conversation around friendly rivalry with the mayors’ and playful moments about who had the “best shoes”. While informal, those exchanges reflected something deeper: trust built over time. That trust is often what allows complex projects and difficult decisions to move forward.
Looking ahead
The year ahead is already defined by execution. Infrastructure investments are advancing, downtown initiatives are taking shape and regional partnerships are strengthening housing stability. State of the Cities 2026 reinforced what many in the room already know: this region is moving forward with momentum and shared purpose.
SHARE
More Stories
Upcoming Events
Subscribe to email newsletters