Goals Dashboard
Overall Goals (by January 2029)
Grow the regional labor force by
12,000+
Expansions or relocations facilitated
130+
Local legislators aligned on policies prioritized by regional business community
28/38
Pillars of Work
Our work enhances our regional workforce and positions in the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area as a premier destination for business expansion by boosting economic growth and creating impact. Join us as we work to create a skilled talent pool, attract new businesses, and influence policies that foster long-term success.
Talent and Workforce
We're tackling one of the region’s greatest challenges: workforce growth. Our goal is bold—adding more than 12,000 workers by January 2029. That’s a 30% increase over historical trends. Through strategic partnerships, targeted initiatives and community-wide collaboration, we’re building the workforce our region needs to thrive.
Progress Toward 2029 Goals
To be completed by January 2029
Grow the Regional Labor Force
3,064/12,000
Achieve a top 25% ranking for talent attraction in Lightcast Reports
37%
Rank in the top 25% for all metros job growth in the Milken Institute's Best Performing Cities list
32%
*Color Definitions: GREEN - Ahead of goal/complete; YELLOW - In progress; RED - Behind target
2026 Goals
To be completed by January 2027
Companies Using Recruitment Tools to Support Attraction Efforts
40/70
Companies Engaged in
Company Culture
Program
16/40
Engagements with the Community Concierge program
0/45
Launch region-wide work-based learning goals.
In-Progress
*Color Definitions: GREEN - Ahead of goal/complete; YELLOW - In progress; RED - Behind target
Business Development
We’re driving growth at scale. We aim to facilitate 130 business expansions or relocations—a 33% increase—that will generate over 3,500 high-quality jobs with average annual compensation exceeding $74,000. When these jobs materialize, they’ll unlock more than $1 Billion in annual business sales, fueling long-term economic strength for the region.
Progress Toward 2029 Goals
To be completed by January 2029
Company Projects Supported
18/130
New Direct Jobs Created/Announced
329/3,500
Annual Business Sales Added (Goal $1Billion)
Calculated Year-End
2026 Goals
To be completed by January 2027
Company Expansions or Relocations
20
Strategic Engagements with Existing Companies to Support Their Growth
150
Assist Companies with Various Business Issues
75
Number of Certified Sites Available for Development through the Calendar Year
5/7
Public Policy
We’re building a stronger region through public policy alignment. Our target is to ensure at least 28 of 38 local legislators across North Dakota and Minnesota champion the priorities of our business community. With 24 already fully aligned, we’re closing the gap to secure a pro-growth, pro-business policy environment that drives regional success.
Progress Toward 2029 Goals
To be completed by January 2029
Local Legislators Aligned with Business Policies
24/28
Success Rate on Bills Advocated on in North Dakota and Minnesota
79/85%
2026 Goals
To be completed by January 2027
Develop a robust election resource guide (VoteFMWF2026)
In-Progress
Engage companies with the Center for Civic Engagement
40
Engage with Elected Officials Across North Dakota and Minnesota outside of Region
60
Economic Impact Goals
Cass County’s bold investment in Innovate 28 is both a vote of confidence and a call to action. Their generous funding match enables us to pursue ambitious goals—and we are committed to delivering results that justify that trust. We’re focused on ensuring a clear, measurable return on their investment, with outcomes that demonstrate real value for the county and its residents.
2025 Goals
To be completed by January 2026
2025 RESULTS
2025 or most current:
Non-Residential Permits issued in total value, by property class
- 4,298(2025) Estimated value: $755.15M
Added square footage by property class (Q4 2025)
- Office: 122,651 SF
- Retail: 172,043 SF
- Industrial: 890,135 SF
- Total: 1,182,717
- Multi-Family: 969 Units (Permitted YTD)
Taxable Sales and year-to-date comparison to previous year
- 3rd Quarter 2025: $875,013,833
- 3rd Quarter 2024: $874,266,765
Vacancy rates
-
- Q4 2024 Q4 2025
Office: 10.1% 11.1%
Retail: 3.9% 4.5%
Industrial: 2.8% 4.7%
Labor force growth - total and year-to-date comparison to previous year
- December 2024 - 152,175
- YTD November 2025 - 155,239
MSA Population
- 271,870
Driving Results
You’ve invested in bold progress—now see the results and the latest news.