Downtown Fargo Seeks Public Input on Amenity Upgrades
Fargo, ND—The Downtown Community Partnership (DCP), which administers the Business Improvement District (BID), has launched an effort to refresh and expand public amenities throughout Downtown Fargo. The initiative, announced Tuesday, September 24, 2025, includes repairing existing infrastructure, installing new interactive wayfinding signs, and adding public seating in new areas beyond Broadway.
The DCP and BID are collaborating with the City of Fargo and have enlisted the help of Confluence, a creative firm specializing in landscape architecture, urban design, and planning, to assist with the project.
The partnership is now seeking public input via a community survey to guide the design and placement of the new wayfinding signs and identify optimal locations for additional seating.
Amenities Aim to Boost Accessibility and Comfort
According to the DCP, the refresh is designed to enhance the Downtown experience for residents, employees, and visitors.
- Wayfinding Signs: New interactive, ADA-accessible signs are intended to simplify navigation by helping people locate key destinations such as parking, City Hall, the library, public restrooms, and public art. Clear signage is expected to encourage exploration and ensure inclusivity for all users.
- Public Seating: The project focuses on expanding public seating to new areas. The DCP noted that Broadway and Main Avenue currently contain over 50 benches and 150 seats at Broadway Square. Benches are being repaired and relocated from areas like 2nd Avenue to new spots across the district. The goal is to place seating in more than 20 new locations to spread accessibility throughout Downtown.
Rocky Schneider, Executive Director of the DCP, stated, “Thanks to the investments of our local businesses through the BID, Fargo has more benches, public art, and public seating than anywhere else in the region. We are excited now to refresh what’s in place and expand amenities beyond Broadway so the entire district feels welcoming, accessible, and alive. We invite the community to help us shape the future of these amenities by sharing their feedback.”
Funding and Maintenance
The maintenance and expansion work is primarily supported by the Business Improvement District (BID), a special taxing district funded exclusively by Downtown businesses. The BID funds daily operations, including cleaning, litter removal, safety and hospitality services, and the ongoing maintenance of public amenities like benches, lighting, and holiday decorations.
The DCP emphasizes that this consistent maintenance is necessary to protect the investments and keep Downtown safe and welcoming.
Community members can participate in the survey to offer input on the planned steps.
