joel paulson

The experiences that best prepared me for this role come from a combination of leadership in large-scale infrastructure projects, public service, and my technical expertise as a civil engineer. Managing the $3.2 billion Metro Flood Diversion project as Executive Director gave me extensive experience in working with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as navigating complex public-private partnerships (P3s). My time on the Moorhead City Council also allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of local government, policymaking, and community advocacy. I currently server on the as a commissioner on the Moorhead Public Service as well as a representative on the Moorhead Economic Develpoment Authority. Additionally, my engineering background, with a focus on streets, water, and flood control, has honed my ability to assess challenges, find practical solutions, and manage projects efficiently.

• Public Safety and Law Enforcement Recruitment: A critical issue facing both Clay County, and the City of Moorhead is the difficulty in recruiting qualified law enforcement candidates. Our current requirements are more stringent than those in North Dakota, which has made it challenging to attract and retain officers, especially with compensation considerations. While collaboration with Fargo and West Fargo has not been feasible, I will work to partner with the City of Moorhead to develop a local police academy. This academy will help train and prepare a new generation of professional officers dedicated to serving our community. By investing in a homegrown recruitment and training system, we can better meet the needs of our residents and ensure their safety.

• Addressing the Tax Disparity Between Minnesota and North Dakota: For years, Clay County has experienced a significant migration of high-income earners to North Dakota, primarily due to differences in state income taxes. This trend has affected our community’s economic growth and local tax base. I will advocate for an expansion of Moorhead’s border city legislation to help equalize income tax rates within most parts of Clay County. This has been done in many parts of the US and there is no reason we can't propose this for Clay County. This initiative will level the playing field for our region, making it more competitive and encouraging residents and businesses to remain in Minnesota. While this issue has been discussed for decades, I am committed to taking concrete steps toward addressing this disparity.

• Completion of the Diversion Project: Ensuring the successful and timely completion of the Diversion project is crucial for the long-term safety and stability of our region. This project has a significant impact on rural Clay County, particularly on its residents and agricultural land. As such, I will work closely with the Metro Flood Diversion Authority to ensure that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and that Clay County residents are treated fairly throughout the process. The protection of Moorhead and the broader county from future flooding is a top priority, and I will ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability as this critical infrastructure project moves forward.

As Moorhead moves forward with redeveloping its downtown, Clay County can play a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing these efforts through collaboration on several key fronts: ensuring continued flood control, addressing homelessness, and tackling the rise of drug use in the community.

Flood Control and Infrastructure Support: With Moorhead’s downtown revitalization efforts, ensuring that flood control measures are in place and functioning properly remains a top priority. Clay County will continue working closely with the Metro Flood Diversion Authority to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of the Diversion project. This infrastructure is vital for the protection of not only downtown but the entire region, providing the confidence needed for future investment.

Addressing Homelessness: Homelessness has become a growing issue in the metro area, and Clay County can be a key partner in finding sustainable solutions. By working with the City of Moorhead, local nonprofits, and social service providers, the County can help facilitate the development of more affordable housing options and supportive services for those experiencing homelessness. This includes exploring opportunities for transitional housing, mental health services, and job placement programs that provide individuals with the resources they need to regain stability. In addition, creating stronger connections between housing initiatives and social services can help ensure long-term success for individuals and families facing homelessness. Clay County can play a pivotal role in facilitating this.

Combating Drug Use: The increase in drug use is another challenge that requires a coordinated response. Clay County can support efforts to combat this issue by expanding access to addiction treatment programs and collaborating with law enforcement to prevent the flow of drugs into our community. Additionally, increasing public health outreach and education on substance abuse prevention is crucial. The County can also work to strengthen partnerships between local law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social services to create a comprehensive approach to address both the root causes and effects of drug addiction. By providing both prevention and recovery resources, we can reduce the impact of drug use in our community.

By focusing on flood control, homelessness, and drug use, Clay County can contribute meaningfully to Moorhead's downtown redevelopment and broader community well-being, ensuring that the city’s revitalization efforts are supported by a strong, safe, and healthy foundation.

To attract and retain businesses and workforce, I would support expanding border city tax relief to level the playing field with North Dakota, making Clay County more competitive. Additionally, I’d advocate for partnerships between local schools, businesses, and trade programs to develop a skilled workforce tailored to our region’s needs. Enhancing affordable housing options and improving infrastructure, including flood control, will create a stable, attractive environment for businesses. By supporting these initiatives, we can retain talent, foster economic growth, and ensure a prosperous future for our community.

As a local elected official, my role is to work collaboratively with developers, city planners, and regional leaders to facilitate housing growth. My first step would be to streamline zoning and permitting processes, ensuring that projects can move forward efficiently while maintaining quality standards. I’d also advocate for public-private partnerships to incentivize affordable housing developments and explore options for infrastructure support to accommodate new housing. By creating a business-friendly environment and leveraging existing programs, we can address the housing shortage while ensuring the community grows in a balanced and sustainable way.