Your Vote Matters

Understanding Measures 1, 2 and 4

A Comprehensive Guide to Key Local Measures: What’s at Stake for Fargo’s Future

October 29, 2024

There are three key measures on the ballot that have the potential to significantly impact the business environment across the region. As we approach the Nov. 5 Election, we understand the critical nature and civic responsibility each of us has to get out and vote.

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Understanding Measure 4: Why “Keep It Local” Matters for Our Community

October 24, 2024

This measure addresses property taxes and how funding for essential services is managed. The outcome will directly impact our ability to maintain control over local resources and invest in the services that help our community thrive.

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The Importance of the Convention Center Measure: A Catalyst for Community Events

October 29, 2024

As Fargo continues to grow, the need for a versatile space that can host a diverse array of large community events has never been more critical. This measure is our opportunity to secure funding for a state-of-the-art Convention Center, envisioned as a central hub that not only fosters local engagement but also attracts visitors from across the world!

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FARGODOME Fit-Up: How it Benefits Local Businesses and Economic Growth

October 29, 2024

Renovating the FARGODOME is more than just an investment in a building—it’s an investment in our local economy, businesses and future. To keep up with the demands of a growing community and continue attracting major events, the FARGODOME needs essential upgrades.

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Vote No - Measure 4

Keep It Local
The Chamber encourages N.D. residents to VOTE NO on Measure 4.
Constitutional Measure 4 | N.D. Property Tax Elimination

Measure 4 proposes changes to North Dakota’s Constitution to eliminate property taxes and shift funding responsibility to the state legislature. This measure would cause a $3.15 billion budget deficit in The State's 2025-27 biennial budget.

Why VOTE NO on this measure?

Protect Local Services
Voting no on Measure 4 helps protect important local services that need property tax money.

Property taxes pay for important things in your community, such as schools (40% of funding), police, fire departments, road repairs, snow removal, parks and libraries.

Ensure Local Control
Say no to Measure 4 to keep control over your community’s budget.

Local leaders know what your community needs better than state leaders. Measure 4 takes away the ability to raise money for important services.

Unfunded Mandate Concerns
Measure 4 doesn't have a good plan to pay for local services.

Without a clear plan to replace the $3.15 Billion in property taxes, essential services could be at risk.

Financial Impact on Communities
Voting no on Measure 4 helps protect your community’s money.

The measure could increase state spending by $3.15 billion starting in 2025-2027, which would be a big burden on taxpayers.

Future of Local Development
Help your community grow by voting no on Measure 4.

Local governments need flexibility to manage budgets and pay for projects like water and sewer improvements, which Measure 4 could make harder to do.

Vote Yes - Measure 1

FARGODOME Fit-Up
The Chamber encourages Fargo residents to VOTE YES on Measure 1.
City of Fargo Measure 1 | Fargo sales tax

Measure 1 proposes to increase the City of Fargo’s sales tax by one-quarter of a cent for 20 years. Revenues raised from this additional tax will be utilized for renovations to the FARGODOME, and for ongoing capital improvements, maintenance and operations. This includes greater accessibility, increasing patron amenities and creating operational efficiencies.

Why VOTE YES on this measure?

Stay competitive and accessible

Keep the FARGODOME modern, functional and easy for everyone to enjoy.

Over 3,000 events and nearly 15 million people have come to the FARGODOME in 30 years.

More seating will be available for people with disabilities.

Companion seating will be added.

A proven, responsible funding solution for FARGODOME renovations

The FARGODOME renovation plan builds on a proven funding model that was successful for the original construction, with no impact on the city budget or local property taxes.

The original FARGODOME was built with a voter-approved sales tax in 1988, demonstrating this model works for large projects.

Even with the small quarter-cent increase, Fargo’s tax rate remains competitive.

Careful financial planning ensures the project won’t affect Fargo’s budget, with the FARGODOME operating independently of the city’s general fund.

The FARGODOME’s Permanent Fund will provide $30 million towards the renovations.

The quarter-cent sales tax will cover the costs over 20 years, ensuring no impact on property taxes. This amounts to just 25 cents on a $100 purchase, with visitors sharing the burden.

Improve visitor experience and attract more events

Upgrades will make the FARGODOME better and bring in more events.

95% more women’s restrooms and 43% more men’s restrooms.

67% more food and drink stands to shorten lines.

New seating options, including club seats and suites.

Stay open for future generations

These upgrades will make sure the FARGODOME lasts for years.

It’s in good shape but needs modern updates for safety and accessibility.

Renovations will be scheduled around events so there are no disruptions.

These upgrades will keep the FARGODOME competitive with other venues.

Support Fargo’s Economy

The FARGODOME’s improvements will boost Fargo’s economy and create jobs.

The FARGODOME creates between $24 million and $42 million in economic impact each year.

It supports 27 full-time and 500 part-time jobs.

It contributes over $450,000 each year to local nonprofits.

Vote Yes - Measure 2

Convention Center
The Chamber encourages Fargo residents to VOTE YES on Measure 2.
City of Fargo Measure 2 | Fargo lodging tax

Measure 2 proposes to increase the City of Fargo’s lodging tax by 3% for 25 years. Revenues generated from this additional tax will be utilized for the construction, maintenance and operations of a Convention Center in the City of Fargo. The City aims to create a public-private partnership for the development of the convention center.

Why VOTE YES on this measure?

A boost to the economy

Fargo is missing out on major events because it lacks a facility big enough to host large conventions.

A new convention center will bring in more visitors, helping the local economy.

A lodging tax will be used to pay for the convention center. This means it will mostly be paid by visitors, not by people who live in Fargo. This makes it a smart way to pay for a center that will bring more business and tourism to Fargo.

Visitor-funded: A smart way to pay

The new convention center will be funded primarily by a lodging tax, ensuring that visitors, not Fargo residents, cover most of the costs.

The lodging tax targets hotel stays, meaning out-of-town visitors will pay the majority of the costs.

Fargo residents will not bear the primary financial burden for the convention center.

The new center will attract more business events and tourists, stimulating the local economy.

Help local businesses

Local businesses will benefit from people attending conventions, who spend money on food, hotels, and fun activities.

Cities like Madison, Wisconsin, saw over $4 million in visitor spending after their convention center opened.

Fargo is losing events to places like Bismarck and Grand Forks because we don’t have enough space. A new convention center would help us keep and attract bigger events, which helps the local economy grow.

More visitors and business will raise property values and grow the tax base, which helps everyone in the community.

Make Fargo a Top Destination

A convention center will make Fargo a top spot for big events, increasing the city’s visibility.

Fargo can attract more events and investments with better infrastructure, like Rochester, Minnesota, where their convention center led to big growth in hotel profits.

Your Vote Matters

A Comprehensive Guide to Key Local Measures: What’s at Stake for Fargo’s Future

Understanding Measure 4: Why “Keep It Local” Matters for Our Community

The Importance of the Convention Center Measure: A Catalyst for Community Events

FARGODOME Fit-Up: How it Benefits Local Businesses and Economic Growth

Vote No - Measure 4

Vote Yes - Measure 1

Vote Yes - Measure 2

A Comprehensive Guide to Key Local Measures: What’s at Stake for Fargo’s Future

Understanding Measure 4: Why “Keep It Local” Matters for Our Community

The Importance of the Convention Center Measure: A Catalyst for Community Events

FARGODOME Fit-Up: How it Benefits Local Businesses and Economic Growth

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