Fargo City Administrator Bruce Grubb retiring

Photo by: City of Fargo
Photo by: City of Fargo

(Fargo, ND) -- Fargo City Administrator Bruce Grubb has announced his intent to retire from The City of Fargo, effective Friday, June 24th.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the City Commission, The City of Fargo and the residents of this community for the past 32 years of employment," said Grubb in a statement released to WDAY Radio. "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Fargo. Team Fargo is assuredly not perfect, but we hard work every day—around the clock—to provide this community with world-class services in an efficient, economical and customer-centric approach. Fantastic people permeate our entire organization and I hope you take pride in your city and the employees serving you. It’s not just a slogan for us; in Fargo, we truly Work For You.”

Grubb began his public service career in September 1989 as a Civil Engineer. He served many roles during his tenure, reaching the pinnacle of his career in February 2016 when he was selected by the City Commission to be Fargo’s City Administrator. Grubb is only the second individual to hold the position of City Administrator; he immediately proceeded Pat Zavoral in this role.

“Bruce Grubb executed a transformational future-focused agenda during his tenure," said Mayor Tim Mahoney. "He was exemplary in his ability to navigate and drive complex conceptual projects to completion. Bruce is a tremendous visionary who diversified our revenue streams, amplified our trajectory and advanced major sustainability efforts. Bruce’s impacts will continue to be felt by Fargo residents for generations to come.”

During his tenure, Grubb was instrumental in selecting 12 new and diverse City department heads (there are 22 department heads Citywide).

“Bruce’s contributions to our community will benefit all of us for generations, especially becoming a regional leader for drinking water and wastewater services," said Deputy Mayor and City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn. "The Red River Valley Water Supply is another shining example. Bruce’s personality made serving with him a pleasure and an honor.”

Grubb says he now is looking forward to spending more time with his family, friends and retired siblings who have recently relocated to the Fargo metro area. He has expressed his willingness to assist in facilitating a smooth transition to the next City Administrator.

“Bruce has been a steady hand in the management of City Hall. He has provided a quiet, but effective leadership, especially on the topic of environmental issues," said City Commissioner and Mayoral Candidate Arlette Preston. "With his vision, the ongoing efforts toward carbon reduction will continue on long after his leaving this position.”

Grubb and his wife, Dondi, will continue to reside in Fargo following his retirement. They have two adult children, Marisha and Greyson, who also live in the Fargo metro.

“Bruce was truly an innovative leader for Fargo who, at his core, consistently remained humble," said Fargo City Commissioner Tony Gehrig. "He built consensus by seeking advice from all parties in making decisions for our community. Bruce elevated everyone around him through his actions and demeanor. He was able to successfully undertake green efforts which made sense and proved to be economically-advantageous for the taxpayer.”

During its upcoming April 18th meeting, the Fargo City Commission will discuss naming an Interim Administrator in consideration of Grubb’s resignation and the potential steps ahead to select Fargo’s next City Administrator.