Dale Bergman, the Director of Cities Area Transit (CAT), is set to retire after nearly 40 years of service to the city of Grand Forks. Bergman has been a pivotal figure in public transit since he joined the city in November 1985 as a mechanic at Grand Forks International Airport. Over the years, he transitioned into various roles, ultimately leading the metro’s public transit service since 2007.
Bergman has consistently emphasized the importance of providing effective transit services. “I wanted to make sure it was a business that was viable and kept moving forward,” he stated. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that CAT effectively utilizes federal, state, and local funding to serve the communities of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.
Leadership and Challenges in Public Transit
Cities Area Transit operates as a collaboration between Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and the University of North Dakota (UND). Each entity contributes to the funding, with Grand Forks primarily managing infrastructure and operational needs. Bergman has also been responsible for overseeing compliance with the various federal and state funding requirements that support CAT’s capital and infrastructure projects.
The complexity of managing transit across two states and multiple federal regions presents unique challenges. “It is a challenging one because you’re dealing with Minnesota’s Federal Transit Funds,” Bergman explained. He elaborated on how funding flows between different regions, complicating financial operations. Moreover, local fiscal cycles differ significantly from federal timelines, with the federal fiscal year running from October to September and state budgets operating on a two-year cycle.
Bergman has advocated for increased funding for public transit, presenting at the North Dakota Legislature to address the rising costs associated with service provision. He highlighted that state funding has not kept pace with the actual costs, indicating that support from North Dakota has been insufficient to cover even the replacement of a bus.
In 2024, CAT recorded over 300,000 trips through its fixed-route and dial-a-ride services, showcasing the vital role that public transit plays in the region.
Legacy and Future Leadership
As Bergman prepares to step down in August, Kristi Slominski, currently serving as CAT Paratransit Supervisor, will take over as director. Slominski acknowledged the significant impact Bergman has had on the transit system, stating, “Anyone who comes after Dale will have some big footsteps to follow.”
Bergman’s contributions extend beyond administrative duties; he has been noted for his hands-on approach, capable of driving and repairing buses as needed. Nancy Ellis, Community Development Director in East Grand Forks, praised Bergman for his unwavering advocacy for public transit. “He has always gone to bat for transit in our community,” Ellis remarked, emphasizing the critical role he has played as a champion for transit services.
As Cities Area Transit looks to the future, the legacy of Dale Bergman will undoubtedly influence its direction, ensuring that public transit continues to meet the needs of the communities it serves.
