Recently, Brandon Nurmi, Director of Arrowhead Transit and President of the Minnesota Public Transit Association (MPTA), traveled to St. Paul alongside Assistant Director of Administration and Volunteer Driver Director Colette Hanson to advocate for rural and small urban transit systems across Minnesota.
Standing Up for Greater Minnesota Transit
During a series of meetings with lawmakers and transportation leaders, Brandon focused on protecting the scheduled reinstatement of the $22 million General Fund appropriation that supports Greater Minnesota transit systems.
While discussions in the House Transportation Committee have raised concerns about balancing state budget pressures—particularly related to potential federal Medicaid funding reductions—Brandon emphasized the importance of sustained investment in rural transit. He reinforced that reliable public transportation is critical for connecting residents to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services across Greater Minnesota.
Encouragingly, members of the Senate Transportation Committee expressed strong support for reinstating the funding and opposing any attempt to extend previous reductions. These conversations underscore the importance of continued, proactive advocacy from rural transit leaders.
Protecting Local Control
Brandon also engaged in discussions surrounding broader transit governance issues, including efforts that could centralize transit decision-making. His message was clear: local control leads to better outcomes. Communities are best served when transit systems can respond directly to local needs, rather than operating under centralized mandates.
This perspective was well received in meetings with legislators, reinforcing the value of community-based transportation solutions.
Bonding Request: Continuing the Conversation
The proposed $5 million General Obligation bonding request for Greater Minnesota transit remains under consideration amid significant statewide bonding competition. While the request faces challenges, discussions with key committee members were constructive, and there may be an opportunity for testimony in upcoming hearings. As MPTA President, Brandon continues to advocate for practical investments that modernize rural transit infrastructure and strengthen long-term service delivery.
A Strong Rural Presence
This year marked one of the largest rural transit advocacy turnouts in recent memory. Brandon’s leadership as MPTA President helped coordinate a unified voice from systems across the state, ensuring that rural communities were represented clearly and effectively at the Capitol.
Arrowhead Transit will continue working closely with regional legislators and statewide partners to ensure stable funding, responsible policy, and a strong future for public transportation in Greater Minnesota.
Public transit in rural Minnesota is more than a ride — it is access, opportunity, and connection.