The Fargo City Commission voted to confirm continuation of engagement‑center operations for 2026 and authorized staff to begin outreach and feasibility work on potential relocation sites for the downtown engagement center, commonly called the deck. The motion — made by Commissioner Strand and seconded — directs staff to gather public feedback, coordinate with property owners and return to the commission with site and finance information on Sept. 29.

Staff presentation by Brenda Darian reviewed the deck's current facility constraints (a 17,000‑square‑foot building spread over three floors), service demand and the benefits a single‑floor facility could offer: improved visibility and security, greater partner co‑location, reduced spillover onto streets and faster pathways to treatment and housing. Darian identified three potential sites for further evaluation: 610 N. University, 720 14th Street and 2001 First Avenue North; she said renovation/facility costs were expected to be covered largely by private funds while the city would continue to fund operations.

About 20 public speakers addressed the commission. Providers and outreach workers (including Chandler Eslinger of the Fargo‑Moorhead Coalition to End Homelessness and mental‑health program staff) urged continuation and relocation to a facility that supports low‑barrier services and better partner coordination; they said the deck helps people move into housing and reduces public‑space impacts when services are available. Veterans and provider testimony recounted successful housing placements that began at the deck. Business owners and some nearby residents raised safety and sanitation concerns tied to the current downtown location; several urged relocation to a non‑downtown site near public safety and services, with one business owner recommending the 20 Fifth and First Avenue North site near the police department.

Commissioners debated urgency and compromise. Some urged immediate action to relocate off Broadway to reduce negative impacts on downtown businesses; others emphasized the need for public process, partner coordination and identified private funding before a move. The commission set a public open house for Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m., and directed staff to return with site feasibility, financing details and a recommended implementation plan on Monday, Sept. 29. The roll call on the motion to continue engagement services and begin outreach recorded a majority in favor (vote recorded in transcript). The motion authorizes staff to pursue leases or purchases, to engage stakeholders and to explore private funding to cover renovation costs, while the city remains the operational funder for services during 2026.

The decision preserves daytime engagement services while starting a public process for relocation and financing; no action was taken at the meeting to close the existing facility or to suspend services. Staff said the current center will continue operating while feasibility and outreach proceed.