The success and vitality of a region is often measured by its growth, particularly in the business sector. The ability to attract new businesses is a very accurate sign of a city’s trajectory. In order to remain vibrant, an area needs to reinvent itself, possibly many times over. New businesses and residential structures are a way to do just that. A look around the Red River Valley reveals substantial growth and development in every direction. As residents, we are experiencing a lively and exciting time.
Around the country, North Dakota is considered one of the best states in which to do business. Some of this notoriety comes from the oil boom in the western part of the state. Much of it, however, comes from the way the Red River valley is operated. Low crime and unemployment rates coupled with a high standard of living have made the area one of the premier business and development areas in the nation. Nowhere is this more evident than in West Fargo.
Matthew Marshall is the Director of Economic Development and Community Services for the city of West Fargo. He is a very busy man. “The population of West Fargo has been exploding for quite some time,” he said. “It doesn’t appear that will end any time soon.” A drive down Veteran’s Boulevard can provide instant testimony to the city’s growth. Several hotels and commercial businesses have decided to call West Fargo home. Traveling throughout the entire city reveals new businesses of all sizes. Marshall realizes that consistent and substantial growth doesn’t just come from large businesses. “All businesses large and small add to our overall economy and standard of living here,” he said.
Marshall is excited about the future of West Fargo as a whole. “The city in general wants to continue to build off its success and make sure we focus on the north side and more traditional areas of the city so they have the tools they need to continue to grow,” he said, adding that the city continues to get better. “I’m excited to see what will happen in the coming years.”
Not to be outdone by its western counterpart, Fargo also continues to enjoy substantial growth and development. From month to month, the city’s business make-up seems to transform itself, especially in regards to downtown Fargo. Jim Gartin, President of the Greater Fargo/Moorhead Economic Development Corporation has enjoyed the direction the city is heading. The biggest change Gartin has noticed is in entrepreneurial areas. “The development and growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem has grown and taken on a new life,” he said. As the business climate in the region continues to remain stable and inviting, that ecosystem is likely to continuing expanding.
Like Marshall, Gartin doesn’t see anything but growth in Fargo’s future. “The only thing in the way of achieving continued growth is attracting the workforce necessary to handle the growth over the next five years,” he said. “Priority number one for everyone is to attract new talent to the area.” While many areas of the country have too many workers and not enough jobs, the Red River Valley is enjoying the exact opposite. It is a nice problem to have.
The success seen around the Valley is not exclusive to the North Dakota side of the river. The cities of Moorhead, Dilworth, and Glyndon are also enjoying a substantial period of growth and development. The south side of Moorhead in particular is experiencing a tremendous transformation. Like Marshall and Gartin, Matt Maslowski is a very busy man. As the Economic Development Director for the city of Moorhead, Maslowski experiences the area’s vibrancy first-hand. “Moorhead continues to experience significant growth trends in commercial and industrial business activity,” he said. “Positivity and momentum in the community is creating a synergy and excitement to make Moorhead home to new businesses as well as support our existing businesses.” According to Maslowski, existing businesses are crucial to the economic vitality of Moorhead.
Maslowski knows that the future of Moorhead is bright. “Private industry in development and expansion has increased over the past several years and is expected to continue over the years to come,” he said. Indeed, when many cities across the nation are fighting to survive, Moorhead is fighting to keep up with the city’s growth and development. Much like the employee shortage in Fargo, it is a good problem to have.
Finally, the communities of Dilworth and Glyndon have been enjoying the same residual success as its larger neighbors. The Highway 10 corridor is much more than just a link between Fargo/Moorhead and the lakes. Instead, it is another sign of the area’s growth and development. According to Stan Thurlow, Dilworth City Planner, Dilworth has been the fastest growing city in Clay County for the past twenty-five years. That growth has been especially prevalent in the past few years. “In addition to adding many housing units, we have also added many new commercial establishments,” he said. “Commercial growth has occurred along the Highway 10 corridor and residential growth has been primarily north and east.”
While many towns across the Midwest struggling with declining populations and impossible business climates, Dilworth continues to expand. Although the business climate of the entire area is partially responsible for that growth, Dilworth’s atmosphere is what has made it a popular destination. “Dilworth is a great place to work and live,” Thurlow said. “It has a growing and strong school system, it is close to the FM area, it contains great neighborhoods, and it is a safe, clean environment.”
Just a few more miles down the road, Glyndon is also experiencing a period of expansion. That growth can be found in no better place than the 40-lot subdivision that will be built beginning in the fall of 2014. It is the city’s first new subdivision since 2010, a sure sign that more and more people are choosing to make Glyndon their home. “The population seems to be getting younger in Glyndon every year,” remarked Scott Lofgren, Public Works Supervisor for the city. “Available homes do not stay on the market for long.” Like Thurlow, Lofgren believes in is the atmosphere and standard of living found in the small town that makes it so special. “Glyndon is quiet, friendly, and close to the FM area,” he said. “It’s a great place to live.”
If the success and future of a city is determined by its growth and development, cities all over the Red River Valley are in good shape. As more and more people become aware of the area’s possibilities, that growth will likely continue. Anyone who compares the area in and around Fargo/Moorhead to that of even ten years ago can see how rapidly the Valley is growing. It is indeed an exciting time to be a resident of the Red River Valley.
