City Administrator of Mahnomen to resign with his last day June 30, 2021

Dr. Berg has announced his resignation as the City Administrator for the City of Mahnomen, after serving as the City Administrator from 2007 to 2009 and again from 2015 to 2021. He has announced his resignation to be effective July 15, 2021, but will be leaving the city on June 30, 2021 to take a full-time job with the University of Minnesota Crookston Veden Center. His position will be as their Associate Director of Rural Engagement/Economic Development. In his role he will provide support to tribes, cities, counties, entrepreneurs, and servant leaders that want to build their engagement/economic development capacity.

Having served the City of Mahnomen for 8+ years has been a true honor, said Berg. Berg explained that he has really enjoyed working for a professional council, and one that values long-term planning and strategic design. Also given the uniqueness of the city being located entirely within the exterior boundary of the White Earth Indian Reservation, Berg said his experience on White Earth has been a life changing experience. In particular, he has been most appreciative of the cross-cultural relationships he was able to forge within the native and non-native community.

When asked about what some of his greatest accomplishments while being the City Administrator, Berg explained that he has initiated or lead over $4 million in grants, and was able to oversee over $50,000,000 million in tribal, school, county, city, state, and private sector economic development investment within and around the city of Mahnomen in the short time that he was here.

Former Mayor Duane Schouveiller reiterated Berg's strength has been in finding the partnerships necessary to expand and strengthen the city's infrastructure and economic development capacity. In fact, before Berg leaves he explained he hopes to finish up on a few more grants, which if awarded would bring in up to an additional $2 to $3 million in grants, to help capitalize on another potential $20 - 40 million in continued tribal, county, city, state, and private sector economic development investment into the community.

Berg emphasized his success did not occur in a vacuum, but was due to the fact of having a very supportive Council, both past and present. In addition, Berg said he could not have done his job without the support of his department heads and the other committed staff members.

Additionally, Berg pointed out the great working relationship between him and the current and past tribal council, and staff at the White Earth Nation and Shooting Star Casino enabled him to accomplish a lot for the residents of Mahnomen and White Earth Nation.

When asked, what traits and characteristics he would like to see in his replacement, Berg said he would like to see someone that can continue to build relationships, and to have someone who can be culturally competent.

Although Berg's last day with the city will be June 30, 2021 the city will be throwing a goodbye party for him on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at the Wild Rice Lounge, located at 207 SW Main Street. The event will be between 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., and a food truck from Erickson's Smokehouse will be on-site to provide food, along with drinks at the bar for purchase. The public is welcome to attend.