Leadership transition begins as North Texas cities push for changes to transit funding
DART is preparing for a leadership transition at a moment when the agency’s role in North Texas mobility is under renewed scrutiny and evolving partnerships with member cities are reshaping its future. DART President and CEO Nadine Lee announced she will not seek an extension of her current contract, concluding a tenure defined by operational change and regional challenges.
A Tenure Marked By Transformation
In announcing her decision, Lee reflected on the challenges facing public transit systems nationwide during her leadership and the progress made across the agency. She said she intends to remain focused on agency priorities through the remainder of her time in office. Lee has led the agency since July 2021.
“It has been the honor of my career to lead this extraordinary organization and to work alongside more than 3,800 dedicated employees who move North Texas forward every day,” Lee said in an official statement. “Together, we navigated one of the most challenging periods in transit history and emerged stronger, more focused, and better positioned to serve our growing region.”
Her tenure coincided with a turbulent period for transit agencies across the country as systems worked to recover ridership, stabilize operations and redefine service expectations following the pandemic.
DART Board Chair Randall Bryant credited Lee with guiding the agency through that recovery while setting long-term priorities.
“Nadine stepped into this role at a very challenging moment for the transit industry and helped guide DART through recovery while setting a clear strategic direction for the future,” Bryant said. “Her leadership strengthened operations, improved safety and reliability, and positioned DART to remain a critical mobility partner for the region.”
DART officials said a national recruitment process for the agency’s next CEO will begin immediately, with details about interim leadership expected in the coming weeks.
Leadership Change Amid Regional Tensions
The announcement arrives just weeks after one of the most consequential policy disputes between DART and its member city, Plano.
A months-long standoff between the city and DART ended Feb. 23 when the Plano City Council approved a new interlocal agreement, avoiding a potential May election that could have allowed the city to withdraw from the transit agency entirely. Plano leaders framed the agreement as a turning point after years of debate over how local tax contributions are distributed across the regional system.
An independent analysis conducted by EY Associates highlighted the scale of the disagreement. In 2023, Plano taxpayers contributed $109 million to DART while approximately $44 million was spent within the city, according to the study.
City officials said the imbalance intensified concerns about the value residents receive from the regional transit system. Plano’s director of policy and government relations, Andrew Fortune, told council members that annual payments to DART now exceed $120 million — more than the city spends on both its police department and economic development combined.
The newly approved agreement introduces a phased financial adjustment intended to address those concerns while keeping Plano within the regional transit network. Under the terms of the deal, DART will return 10% of Plano’s sales tax contributions to the city. The funding will be distributed gradually over six years rather than in a single payment. The returned revenue is restricted and must be used exclusively for transportation-related projects within Plano city limits, ensuring the funds directly support local mobility improvements.
City officials say the arrangement allows Plano to pursue targeted transportation investments while maintaining access to the broader regional transit system.
Looking Ahead For DART
Lee’s upcoming departure places DART at a pivotal moment as North Texas continues rapid population growth and cities reassess how regional transit investments align with local priorities.
With leadership transition planning underway and new financial agreements reshaping relationships with member cities, the agency now faces the challenge of balancing regional mobility goals with increasing demands for local accountability.
For Lee, the focus remains on continuity during the transition period.
“Our team has laid the foundation for the next era of transit in North Texas,” she said, emphasizing collaboration with cities and community partners as the agency prepares for its next chapter.
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