Borgen targets industrial investment and housing costs in first year as Moorhead mayor

More housing starts than in 2026 are the specific target Lisa Borgen has set for the end of her first year in office. The newly elected mayor of Moorhead, Minnesota, outlined those goals in an interview following her victory in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, mayoral race.

Borgen, who currently serves on the Ward 3 City Council, said attracting businesses and controlling spending will be her primary duties when she takes office in January. She intends to work with state lawmakers to secure new tools that allow Moorhead to compete with Fargo in business development. A key part of that strategy involves getting industry to use the shovel-ready sites currently available in the Makara Industrial Park.

"I would love to have some legislation that gives us those tools for economic development. I would love to have industry come to one of our shovel-ready sites out in Makara (Industrial Park) because we have shovel-ready sites," Borgen said.

The mayor-elect also plans to review housing regulations with state officials. The goal is to identify changes that reduce costs for both builders and homeowners. Before the city commits to additional amenities, Borgen wants specific funding options identified. On public safety, she is weighing two options for fire protection: adding a third station or moving the existing south station farther south.

Borgen acknowledged that passing these plans will require debate within the city council. She believes a divided government often leads to better solutions because it prevents groupthink. "I think an actually divided government is always better because I think people come to better solutions when you don't always agree on everything," she said.