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Ross and Hope Nusser

Hello!

My name is Ross Nusser and ​I’m running for Iowa City Council because I care deeply about our community and want to help it thrive. As a lifelong resident of Iowa City and someone who has dedicated much of my career to serving others, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that face District C and the City of Iowa City. From affordable housing to mental and behavioral health care, and from supporting the unhoused to managing city resources responsibly, there is critical work to be done—and I’m ready to do it.

 

Growing up in Manville and raising my family here in the Northside neighborhood, I know how special Iowa City is. It’s a place where people come together to support one another, where we value diversity, and where we believe in creating opportunities for everyone. However, there are real issues that demand leadership rooted in compassion, experience, and collaboration.

 

I believe in Responsible Leadership that takes action on the issues that matter most to our residents. My experience in real estate, nonprofit leadership, and public service has prepared me to address these challenges head-on. Whether it’s expanding affordable housing options, increasing access to mental health care, or fostering partnerships between nonprofits and local government, I’m committed to working for real, impactful change.

 

We need a leader who will work together with the community to build a stronger, more inclusive Iowa City. I’m running for City Council because I want to ensure that every resident in District C has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s create a future where Iowa City continues to be a beacon of hope, innovation, and opportunity for all. Together, we can make it happen.

My Story

About Me

 

I am a lifelong resident of Iowa City and fifth generation Iowa Citian, I grew up on River Street and attended Lincoln Elementary before graduating from the Iowa City Community School District in 2004. I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Arizona and returned to Iowa City in 2008. After starting my career in retail, I helped to co-found Urban Acres Real Estate, where I now partner with my wife, Hope. Together, we reside in the Northside neighborhood with my two children, proud Shimek Sharks and Southeast Little Hawks. Our family enjoys the vibrant Northside community and its proximity to Downtown, where Hands Jewelers—my family's business since 1853—is located.

 

I am a dedicated advocate for community well-being, I focus on critical issues such as mental and behavioral health, substance use treatment, affordable housing, and locally sourced food. I currently serve as President of the Board of Directors for Community and Family Resources, one of Iowa’s largest behavioral health providers, and I have been a board member for Successful Living for over 13 years, an organization serving those 18 and older who experience chronic mental illness.

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In my free time, I help on Friendly Farm, a local supplier of high-quality organic food for restaurants and grocery stores. My past civic engagement includes serving two terms on the Board of Directors for the Housing Fellowship, Committee Member on the Johnson County Comprehensive Plan Committee (2016), and previously serving as a Commissioner for the Johnson County Compensation Commission.

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