UPDATE: Three volunteer commissions in Fargo are facing an urgent fight for their future as city officials review their roles and resources. Representatives from the Native American Commission, Arts and Culture Commission, and Human Rights Commission are rallying against claims that they are misusing taxpayer funds, emphasizing the critical contributions they make to the community.
The city has given the commissions just 60 days to submit a report justifying their existence. This timeline has left many commissioners in shock, raising concerns about the city’s commitment to inclusivity and diverse perspectives. “It was more so the two-day notice of Wednesday getting notified that there was an agenda item to vote for the motion to conclude the commissions, and that felt very fast,” said Ashley Littlewolf, chair of the Native American Commission.
The commission chairs are now scrambling to articulate their value to city leaders. “Are you treating us as a commission advisory board, or are we transitioning into a service provider organization?” Littlewolf questioned, highlighting a significant shift away from the original mission of the Native American Commission.
In response to the city’s demands, the Arts and Culture Commission recently presented the “Ripples of Impact” document, outlining their mission, resource utilization, and broader benefits to Fargo. “This is all a combination of funding that is not some giant burden that it’s made out to be,” asserted Monika Browne-Ecker, chair of the Arts and Culture Commission. “I can speak very confidently that we are not taking a full-time role to coordinate our meetings when we come together four to five times per year.”
The stakes are high, as financial implications may heavily influence city decision-makers. The commissions are determined to make their case and continue serving the community. “We don’t want to stop being a commission; we want to still help in whatever capacity that looks like,” said Anna Johnson from the Arts and Culture Commission. “That is what we have been working on with city staff and the other commissioners.”
Members of the volunteer commissions emphasize their ongoing commitment to support Fargo residents until they are explicitly told to cease operations. The next steps involve presenting their findings to city officials and awaiting a response.
As this situation develops, the future of these vital community commissions hangs in the balance. Residents and advocates are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as the city navigates these critical decisions. The urgency of the matter calls for immediate attention, and the outcome could significantly impact Fargo’s diverse community landscape.
