Vacant storefronts on Mandan's Main Street could get short-term tenants this holiday season. The Mandan City Commission on Tuesday, Nov. 3, is set to consider a $15,000 Mandan Growth Fund pilot that would cover half the rent for pop-up shops opening in empty downtown spaces during Holiday Lights on Main, according to the commission's preliminary agenda packet.
The Details
- What: A Pop-up Shop Rental Assistance Pilot Program, recommended by the Mandan Growth Fund Committee on a 6-0 vote with three members absent, per the city staff memo.
- Where: City-approved commercial spaces on Main Street between Collins Avenue and 6th Avenue NW.
- When: The program is meant to fill storefronts during Holiday Lights on Main, from Nov. 27, 2026, through Jan. 9, 2027, per the staff memo.
- How it works: Participants negotiate a three-month lease directly with the property owner. The Growth Fund would provide "rental assistance equal to 50% of monthly rent, not to exceed $7.00 per square foot per month," on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are exhausted, according to the draft program agreement.
- Requirements: Shops must be open to the public at least 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays during Holiday Lights on Main. Applicants must submit a signed lease, rent verification, a North Dakota sales and use tax permit, Secretary of State registration verification and any other requested documentation, and must carry tenant liability or commercial general liability insurance; landlords must provide a completed W-9 before funds are paid.
The Backstory
The Growth Fund Committee reviewed the proposal at its Oct. 28 meeting. According to the staff memo, the goals the committee discussed include activating vacant downtown spaces temporarily, giving startups and small businesses an affordable brick-and-mortar trial, drawing more holiday foot traffic, and showcasing available properties in hopes of longer-term tenants.
The Growth Fund had a cash balance after commitments of $99,346.55 as of Sept. 30, the memo says, so the $15,000 request would use about 15% of it. The draft agreement states that approval does not guarantee future funding.
What It Means for Mandan
If approved, the pilot would tie downtown's empty storefronts to Holiday Lights on Main, giving would-be retailers a three-month, rent-shared test on Main Street. How many spaces are available, and whether any landlords or businesses have signed on, is not stated in the packet.
Before You Go
- The commission meets at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Mandan City Hall; the agenda is preliminary and can change.
Sources:
- Mandan City Commission preliminary agenda, Nov. 3, 2026 — agenda item K1
- Mandan City Commission preliminary agenda packet, Nov. 3, 2026 — staff memo and draft program agreement, packet pages 23-28
- Mandan Growth Fund Committee agenda, Oct. 28, 2026
