Economic Development Incentives Committee- March 24, 2026 Minutes
ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE COMMITTEE
Fargo, North Dakota
Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 24, 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 March 24, 2026.
The committee members present or absent are:
Members Present: Dave Piepkorn, Mayor Mahoney, Lucas Paper, John Cosgriff, Robert Wilson
Others Present: Jim Gilmour, Jackie Gapp, Michael Splonskowski
Others Absent: Levi Bachmeier, Erik Barner, Matt Schlenvogt, Jon Eisert
Commissioner Piepkorn called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
Minutes Approved
A motion was made by John Cosgriff to approve the minutes from November 25, 2025. Lucas Paper seconded. Motion carries.
Sign Badgers – Property Tax Exemption
• Jim Gilmour began the discussion by presenting the staff report on a request from Sign Badgers (B2 LLC) for a five‑year property tax exemption related to the acquisition and reuse of the former Fargo Brewing building at 610 University Drive North.
• Project overview and funding:
o The building is currently vacant; the project proposes converting it into an owner‑occupied production facility for Sign Badgers, along with office/co‑working space and a coffee shop tenant in the former taproom/patio area.
o The company plans to expand from its current West Fargo location (approximately 6,000 square feet) into about 22,000 square feet in the Fargo building, including production and office space.
o The project scored 168 points on the City’s incentive scoring matrix, exceeding the 110‑point threshold, with points primarily for job creation and reuse of an existing structure. Staff recommended approval of a five‑year exemption on the new production space.
• Developer presentation (Dawson Chapter, Sign Badgers):
o Described the business as a signage and graphics company with a strong local and national customer base and stated that the current facility is functionally constrained, particularly for fleet graphics and loading.
o Noted the advantages of the Fargo Brewing site, including on‑site parking, overhead doors, and loading facilities, and indicated an expectation to grow jobs beyond the minimums projected in the application.
• Committee discussion:
o Members and the Mayor discussed the benefit of bringing a long‑vacant building back into productive use, as well as the importance of job creation.
o Staff and members noted West Fargo’s offer of a forgivable loan and emphasized the need for Fargo to remain competitive by using non‑cash, tax‑based incentives rather than direct grants.
A motion was made to approve a five‑year property tax exemption for Sign Badgers as presented by staff. John Cosgriff moved. Mayor Mahoney seconded. Motion carries.
Lenin Lofts
• Jim Gilmour introduced the Lenin Lofts item, a previously approved project involving demolition of a fire‑damaged, long‑vacant apartment building and construction of a new 22‑unit apartment building with enclosed first‑floor parking.
• Incentive background:
o The project had been approved for a five‑year Renaissance Zone property tax exemption and an additional five‑year tax increment financing (TIF) exemption, with the intent that the existing base taxes continue while the improved value comes on the rolls after year ten.
o The original development partner withdrew due to feasibility concerns and construction costs, and the project did not move forward under that partnership.
• Developer presentation (Kevin Bartram, NBA Architects):
o Mr. Bartram explained that NBA Architects now wishes to assume the project, acquire the LLC, and proceed with essentially the same 22‑unit design previously approved.
o He stated that demolition is expected to occur within the next month to six weeks, with construction to follow, and noted that some construction costs and market conditions have improved since the original proposal.
• Committee discussion:
o Members discussed the need to address the nuisance and safety concerns posed by the existing burned structure and the benefits of adding new housing in the neighborhood.
o Staff noted that the School Board and other taxing entities had previously approved the incentive structure and that this action would transfer and extend, rather than expand, the existing incentive package.
Motion was made by John Cosgriff to recommend approval of the transfer and time extension, subject to City Commission approval. Lucas Piper seconded. Motion carries.
Duplex Infill Pilot
• Jim Gilmour presented a conceptual request for a possible payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes (PILOT) incentive, up to five years, for an infill duplex project at 1021 10th Street North.
• Project description and context:
o The proposal is to construct a duplex on a vacant lot where a house previously stood, with the building designed to appear as a single‑family home from the street and an efficiency unit at the rear.
o Staff noted that the City typically does not provide incentives for projects of this small size but that infill projects can have unique cost challenges.
• Applicant presentation (Matt Zimmerman):
o Mr. Zimmerman described his experience in real estate, his interest in the lot as an infill opportunity, and the evolution from lower‑cost designs to a more neighborhood‑sensitive duplex design, which increased construction costs.
o He discussed projected rents, financing, and his intention to hold the property long‑term, with one unit potentially used for mid‑term rental and the smaller unit for longer‑term tenancy.
• Committee discussion:
o Members discussed how the project aligns with the City’s goals for “gentle density” and increased infill/brownfield development, as well as the relatively modest scale of the potential incentive.
o Questions were raised about the cost of the financial review (approximately $3,000) relative to the project size and the need to apply the same “but‑for” analysis that is used on larger projects.
A motion was made to support the concept as presented and, if a formal application is submitted, to refer the project to the City’s financial advisor for “but‑for” analysis and bring it back to the committee if it qualifies. Motion by Lucas Paper. Seconded by Matt Schlenvogt. Motion carries.
School Board Engagement and Incentive Policy
• Mayor Mahoney opened a discussion on improving communication with the School Board regarding the City’s use of development incentives.
• Discussion points:
o Committee and staff discussed the possibility of a joint informational meeting with the School Board to explain how incentives work, including timing and long‑term tax base impacts.
o It was also suggested that School Board members be invited to regularly attend EDIC meetings as observers, similar to other partner entities.
o Jim Gilmour reported that the Chamber/EDC is working on a broader committee involving the City, County, and school districts to review and coordinate incentive policies.
o Staff briefly mentioned an upcoming Fargo Housing Authority redevelopment project and related policy items that will be brought to a future meeting.
No formal action was taken on this item; it was for discussion and direction.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.