Strong Towns Fargo urges walkable infill and safer streets in presentation to commission

Zachary Taylor, a core planning board member with Strong Towns Fargo, told the City Commission on May 27 that the group supports development that “pays for itself,” favors walkability and small-scale infill, and recommends policies to reduce car dependency and improve safety.

Taylor described Strong Towns Fargo as a citizen organization made up of planners, architects and other volunteers and said the group uses National Strong Towns resources to support local studies and engagement. He cited a Main Street North Dakota study of property tax revenue per acre to argue that downtown and compact development generate higher tax yields than edge development.

Taylor summarized the chapter’s work over the past year: public engagement sessions, bike tours with MetroCOG, speed studies on University Tenth that found average speeds 5–10 mph above posted limits and top speeds 20–25 mph over limits, presentations on drag racing and quick-build traffic calming, and social-media outreach illustrating bike-lane improvements. He said the chapter will continue to advocate for zoning updates, safe-street design and reinvestment in Fargo’s historic core.

When Commissioner Strand and others asked about advocacy at the state legislative level, Taylor said Strong Towns Fargo has been active for about a year and welcomed coordination with city departments and planning staff on outreach. Taylor closed by quoting Strong Towns founder Chuck Marohn: “A strong town isn't one that looks good today, it's one that will be here tomorrow.”

No formal action was taken; the presentation served as a briefing and an invitation to collaborate.