Fargo commission approves lease to relocate Resource and Recovery Center; nonprofits pledge support

FARGO — The Fargo City Commission voted to proceed with a lease agreement to relocate the Resource and Recovery Center and centralize services for people experiencing homelessness, a move city leaders said would improve service delivery and reduce downtown impacts.

Mayor and staff said the relocation is the culmination of months of planning, outreach to more than 30 businesses and collaboration with nonprofit partners. The mayor said “we have over 35 different non profit organizations that want to participate in the new center,” and singled out Sanford Health as a partner willing to provide medical and psychiatric services.

Public commenters offered differing views. Christopher Cohen said he preferred an alternative site and raised questions about earlier contracts and comparative costs, arguing the previously considered Fargo Brewing site offered lower lease costs. Rocky Schneider of the Downtown Community Partnership urged the commission to act, noting private‑sector commitments and saying the current location is “not designed for what it's handling right now.”

On fundraising and cost, staff said about $500,000 has been raised with pledges and that earlier estimates of nearly $2 million have been reduced to roughly $1.5 million. The mayor said staff will continue business outreach to close the remaining gap and that nonprofits are stepping up with programming and services.

The commission approved the motion to proceed with the lease by roll call. Supporters said the relocation will concentrate services and partner resources in a single location; dissenting commissioners cited downtown investment and fiscal caution.