Civics on Tap: Brewing Pathways to Civic Action

Civics on Tap: Brewing Pathways to Civic Action

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to run for office or what it takes to balance civic responsibility with your career, community involvement and everyday life? For many emerging leaders, public service can feel out of reach or difficult to navigate. Civics on Tap helps bridge that gap.

Join us for a unique, non‑partisan networking and learning experience designed to help you explore what civic engagement looks like and how you can make your own impact right here at home.

Featuring a keynote conversation with Commissioner Paul Marquart (Minnesota Department of Revenue), this event will dive into the human side of public service: why people choose to serve, how leaders manage the responsibilities of elected office and community expectations, and what motivates them to create meaningful change across our state.

After the keynote, you’ll join interactive roundtable discussions with local and state elected officials. Each table offers candid conversations about leadership, decision‑making and community impact, each providing practical insight into how you, too, can play a role in shaping our region's future.

This event is part of the FMWF Chamber’s Center for Civic Engagement, an initiative dedicated to cultivating informed citizens, empowering community leadership, and fostering a culture of service and participation across our region.

Come for the conversation, stay for the connection—and enjoy your complimentary drink while you’re at it.

Agenda

2:55 - 3:15 p.m. | Doors open

3:15 - 3:35 p.m. | Welcome keynote and Q & A with Commissioner Paul Marquart

3:35 - 3:40 p.m. | Transition to roundtable discussions

3:40 - 4:55 p.m. | Roundtable discussions with local and state elected officials 

4:55 - 5 p.m. | Wrap up and call to action

Meet the speakers

Paul Marquart, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Revenue 

Leads the Minnesota Department of Revenue, overseeing an agency of more than 1,400 employees that administers more than 30 taxes. Before joining the Walz administration, he served for more than two decades in the Minnesota House, including 18 years on the House Taxes Committee, and earlier, served as mayor of Dilworth.   

Chad Olson, Mayor, City of Dilworth 

Serves as mayor of Dilworth and is part of the City’s elected leadership team. In this role, he helps guide city priorities, public services and community development, bringing a local perspective to regional civic conversations.   

Lisa Borgen, Council Member, Moorhead City Council Ward 3 

A lifelong Moorhead resident, attorney, former Clay County attorney, former district court judge and former vice president at American Crystal Sugar Company. Her background spans public service, law and business leadership, giving her a broad perspective on local governance.     

Sebastian McDougall, Council Member, Moorhead City Council Ward 4 

A small business owner and consultant, he first joined the council by appointment and has focused on issues including public safety, housing and business development in Moorhead.   

David Ebinger, Commissioner, Clay County Board District 5 

A veteran of public safety and former Moorhead police chief, he brings decades of local government and leadership experience to county-level policymaking.   

Scott Steffes, Chair, Moorhead Area Public School Board 

He helps lead board governance, policy direction and long-range planning for the district while supporting educational opportunities for Moorhead students and families.   

David Marquardt, Board Member, Moorhead Area Public School Board 

His background includes education, labor and real estate, and he brings experience in community leadership and public education to the board’s work on behalf of students, staff and families.