Fargo Launches Advisory Council to Address Rental Housing and Eviction Issues

Fargo Launches Advisory Council to Address Rental Housing and Eviction Issues

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Fargo launches first advisory council to tackle rental market instability

Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee convened the first meeting of his Advisory Council on Rental Housing on Wednesday, Nov. 4, aiming to transform a historically contentious subject into an avenue for cooperation. The council brings together 20 stakeholders, including renters, property managers, and housing industry professionals, to develop specific recommendations for the city. Boschee expressed a desire to move away from the conflict often associated with housing disputes, stating his hope that the group focuses on “rental collaboration.”

While city leaders have previously acknowledged housing shortages, Commissioner John Strand noted during the meeting that the specific complexities of the rental property industry have not been addressed in depth until now. Strand described the council's formation as "long overdue," emphasizing the need for a solution-oriented approach that helps residents use the existing system.

Council members focus on preventing displacement and homelessness

The council’s early discussions have already gravitated toward high-stakes issues such as financial barriers, squatters, and the eviction process. A primary focus for the group is finding ways to intervene earlier in the eviction cycle to prevent residents from falling into homelessness. While the specific number of evictions in Fargo compared to other municipalities remains unclear, the council is treating the prevention of displacement as a central goal.

Mayor's Advisory Council on Rental Housing – 11.04.2026

The conversation includes a diverse range of legal and personal perspectives. Krista Andrews, an attorney on the council who represents landlords in rental disputes, suggested that education could serve as a cost-effective tool for stability. She noted that some tenants hold misconceptions about the law, such as the belief that they cannot be evicted during medical emergencies or specific cold weather months. Andrews pointed out that landlords generally prefer to keep units occupied to avoid vacancy rates, suggesting a shared interest in maintaining steady tenancies.

“They want people in there,” Andrews said of property managers and landlords. “They don’t want to evict people because it is just going to affect their vacancy rates. … They want to keep them filled.”

From the tenant perspective, Jill Johnson, a renter and council member, is advocating for a stronger social safety net. She expressed a desire for the city to take an active stance in preventing homelessness, stating she wants to “put respect back into the process” to ensure people do not fall through the cracks of the current system.

Mediation strategies aim to reduce eviction frequency

The council is not merely discussing problems but is tasked with creating actionable, measurable recommendations for the City Commission. One specific strategy being explored involves formalizing a mediation process. Kylie Oversen, a council member and attorney representing tenants in eviction proceedings, suggested that the city should develop ways to reach property managers and tenants before eviction petitions are even filed.

According to official information from fargond.gov, the council’s work will be structured around three primary objectives:

  • Reducing the frequency of evictions.
  • Supporting healthy relationships between tenants and landlords.
  • Determining if the implementation of a rental registry is appropriate for the city.

The possibility of a rental registry remains a significant point of inquiry. Council Co-chair Josh Hoper noted that the group intends to look at “best practices” from peer cities that face similar demographic and housing challenges.

Timeline for recommendations and public involvement

The Advisory Council on Rental Housing is scheduled to meet on the second Wednesday of each month through April. Once the group completes its six-month term, it will submit a final report to the City Commission. This report is expected to include not just suggestions, but a specific timeline for implementing the proposed changes. Mayor Boschee acknowledged that while the council is the primary driver, some housing issues may eventually require action from entities outside of the city government.

Advisory committee kickoff meeting rental housing study n

As the council moves toward its final report, the city has opened channels for broader community participation. Residents are encouraged to attend public meetings held in the Commission Chambers at 225 4th Street North or to submit their own input regarding housing issues through the official portal at FargoND.gov/RentalHousing.

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