Economic Development Incentives Committee- April 28, 2026 Minutes
ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE COMMITTEE
Fargo, North Dakota
Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2026
The March meeting of the Economic and Development Incentive Committee of the City of Fargo, North Dakota was held in the City Commission Room at City Hall at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday April 28, 2026.
The committee members present or absent are:
Members Present: Mayor Mahoney, Lucas Paper, John Cosgriff, Robert Wilson, Jon Eisert
Others Present: Jim Gilmour, Jackie Gapp, Michael Splonskowski
Others Absent: Levi Bachmeier, Erik Barner, Matt Schlenvogt, Dave Piepkorn,
Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m.
Minutes Approved
A motion was made by John Cosgriff to approve the minutes from March 24, 2026. Jon Eisert seconded. Motion carries.
Fargo Housing Authority Property Tax Incentive Application (“144” Project)
• Jim Gilmour introduced the Fargo Housing Authority request for a property tax incentive related to redevelopment of a former public housing site near 17th Street and 25th Avenue South.
• Project overview and funding:
o The project site is approximately three acres and formerly contained 14 duplex townhomes that were part of the Fargo Housing Authority public housing portfolio.
o HUD approved demolition of the existing units following a cost-benefit analysis determining that replacement would better serve long-term housing needs.
• The proposed redevelopment includes construction of a 65-unit affordable housing project consisting of:
o 32 one-bedroom units
o 20 two-bedroom units
o 13 three-bedroom units
• The development will be financed through 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits along with supplemental state funding.
• All units will utilize project-based vouchers, ensuring affordability for extremely low-income residents.
• Eligibility will be limited to households earning at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), approximately $40,500 annually for a one-person household.
• The Housing Authority requested a 15-year PILOT/property tax incentive corresponding with the tax credit compliance period.
• After the compliance period, ownership would transfer fully to Fargo Housing Authority following the investor’s exit from the project.
• Project design and neighborhood considerations:
o The project will orient toward 17th Street and 25th Avenue South.
o Vehicle access will be routed through the cul-de-sac rather than collector roadways.
o The site will include pedestrian and bike trail connectivity.
o All parking will be surface parking; no garages are proposed.
o Members noted the project’s proximity to the Boys and Girls Club and described the location as beneficial for families.
• Committee discussion:
o Fargo Housing Authority representatives stated that all current housing projects have waiting lists, with some exceeding 400 applicants.
o Discussion included the significant community need for deeply affordable housing and the benefit of expanding available units.
o Staff noted the request appears consistent with updated County incentive policy.
o Representatives confirmed they would also present the project to the School Board.
A motion was made to approve the Fargo Housing Authority property tax incentive request as presented. John Cosgriff moved. Lucas Paper seconded. Motion carries.
Njaxa Software Property Tax Incentive Application
• Jim Gilmour introduced a property tax incentive request from Njaxa Software related to expansion into the RDO Building downtown.
• Project overview:
o Njaxa Software is currently operating from downtown Fargo and plans to expand into approximately 7,500 square feet on the 14th floor of the RDO Building.
o The company currently occupies approximately 2,800 square feet.
o The business currently employs 11 individuals, including seven full-time and four part-time employees.
o The company anticipates adding approximately two full-time equivalent positions annually over the next five years.
o Average salaries associated with the project exceed $81,000 annually
• Developer and company presentation:
o Ryan Ashine of the Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC discussed the company’s growth trajectory and recruitment efforts.
o Jamie Evenson, founder of Njaxa Software, explained the company develops staffing and workforce management software solutions for clients located primarily outside North Dakota, including major metropolitan markets and Canada.
o The company originated in Nevada in 2018 before relocating operations to Fargo
o Njaxa Software initially focused on staffing advisory services and ERP support before transitioning primarily into software development.
o The company’s software platform manages staffing industry “middle office” operations, including time capture, payroll calculations, billing, and related processes.
o The company plans to require all developers to work from Fargo, resulting in relocation of several remote employees into the community.
o Representatives noted Fargo’s access to emerging software development talent through North Dakota State University and Concordia College.
• Committee discussion:
o Members discussed the continued growth of Fargo’s software industry and the importance of attracting high-paying technology jobs.
o The Mayor noted Fargo’s history of software industry development stemming from Great Plains Software and related spin-off companies.
o The project received a score of 178 on the City’s incentive evaluation matrix, which staff described as exceptionally strong.
o Committee members expressed support for the project’s downtown investment and workforce relocation efforts.
A motion was made to approve the Njaxa Software property tax incentive request as presented. John Cosgriff moved. Jon Eisert seconded. Motion carries.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m.