Moorhead adopts 2026 legislative priorities with flood mitigation and enterprise zone top of list

The Moorhead City Council on Jan. 26 approved its 2026 legislative priorities, emphasizing flood mitigation funding and changes to the Border Cities Enterprise Zone.

Lisa Bode, the city’s government affairs director, told the council the top capital priority remains in‑town flood mitigation, for which the city submitted an $18.5 million request to Minnesota Management and Budget. She said the total remaining work tied to the diversion in and around Clay County is just over $64 million. Bode also listed a second capital priority: participation funding for major wastewater-treatment-plant improvements (a $10 million request intended to help offset rates for Moorhead and Dilworth) and a sales-tax exemption for construction materials on the City Hall renovation.

Bode reported the city recently received notice that a $2,000,000 congressionally directed spending grant was signed into law to support flood mitigation work. She asked council members to remember two central priorities during the session: flood mitigation and enterprise zone modernization to give border-city businesses more flexibility.

Council member Deb White requested amended wording for one partnership item, asking that the council change the phrasing from "residential psychiatric treatment" to "nonsecure juvenile expansion" to reflect that phase one has been funded and the county is now seeking funds to replace the facility used for juvenile services. White moved the amendment; Heather Niesmeyer seconded and the amendment and the legislative priorities passed by roll call.

Why it matters: The adopted priorities set Moorhead’s advocacy direction for the 2026 Minnesota legislative session and identify funding requests the city will pursue with state and federal partners.

What’s next: Staff and the city’s legislative work group will pursue the listed funding requests, coordinate letters of support when requested by partner projects, and seek council approval for any advocacy beyond letters of support.