Darcie Huwe, Wahpeton Finance Director/Auditor, received the 2021 Leadership Excellence Award for an appointed Official from the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) during the League’s 2021 Annual Conference on September 18.

There were a number of words that stood out in the nomination for Darcie. Words like passion, integrity, leader, mentor, innovator and strategy-driven are but a few.

Darcie has been in her position since 2003 and is a go-to person on municipal finance, community development, legislative issues and future city planning. In addition to being the Finance Director/Auditor, Darcie is the election officer and compliance officer.

Some examples of her contributions to Wahpeton include:

• Partnering with the Community Development office to secure millions of dollars in new businesses and homes through residential lot development agreements, downtown revitalization plans, tax increment financing and comprehensive plans.
• Implementing the structure and maintenance of the city’s five-year $40 million capital improvement plan.
• Creating a housing revolving loan fund to stimulate housing rehabilitation and development.
• Seeing the opportunity to turn the old City Hall into the City Brew Hall with a bar, restaurant and event center.
• Providing guidance for building a new police department.
• Leading the effort to update the city’s licensing ordinance.
• Personally updating the local public access channel during elections so those without a computer can stay informed.
• Tracking legislative issues and always responding when asked to provide testimony or contact local legislators. North Dakota League of city staff turned to Darcie many times during a Legislative Session.

Community and state organization involvement is also a part of Darcie’s commitment to public service.

• She is an “always available” mentor to city auditors from around the state as she can explain municipal finance in understandable terms.

• She is the auction clerk for her church’s major fundraiser.
• She is the current Board President of North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund.
• She was a ND Municipal Finance Officer’s Association Director for eight years and was Officer of the Year in 2014.
• She has served a term as President of the Rotary Club.

Mayor Dale calls Darcie his “go-to” when navigating contentious issues because of her solid, common-sense approaches and her ability to work with the citizens. She is a humble and gifted employee.