By: Devin Fry
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Three Fargo volunteer commissions focused on human rights, arts and culture, and Native American issues are on the chopping block Monday.
The Fargo City Commission will vote Monday on a recommendation to dissolve the Human Rights Commission, Arts and Culture Commission, and Native American Commission.
If approved, the city attorney will draft ordinances and resolutions to formally conclude the three boards.
Mayor Tim Mahoney said the move is part of a broader effort to streamline city operations that began in February 2025. Since then, five other volunteer bodies have been eliminated, including the Police Advisory and Oversight Board and the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee.
According to a memo from the mayor’s office, the goal is to “reduce the amount of staff time required to administer volunteer committees.”
The city said it remains committed to the goals of all three commissions and that staff and city commissioners will manage these priorities moving forward.
The memo also suggests that community members who want to continue this work could form independent organizations “without reliance on City staff or resources, but with continued City partnerships.”
One of the commissions on the chopping block, the Fargo Human Rights Commission, recently made headlines after calling out city leaders.
During a press conference on December 30, Commission Chair Sekou Sirleaf called local leaders “cowards” for not attending, saying that they were refusing to stand with their Somali residents.
Mayor Mahoney issued a response, saying he has been “unwavering in my support in this community, and you’ve seen me at every major event that’s gone on.”
The Mayor said city guidelines prevent them from issuing proclamations for political reasons. He also defended his record on supporting immigrant and refugee residents.
There’s no indication that this move to dissolve the committee has anything to do with those recent comments.
The Fargo City Commission meets at 5 p.m. Monday at City Hall.
