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Laurie Goodrich

Laurie Goodrich

I arrived in Coralville with our young family in 1984 to work with athletes and coaches at the University of Iowa. I recently retired as an emeritus, while my husband Jim continues to lead the optional enrichment programs for the Iowa Hawkeyes. We are parents to three married adults who grew up attending local schools K-12.
* RaeAnn – teacher – husband Adam – AR – 5 children
*Aaron – medical doctor/Air Force Colonel – wife Jessica - AZ – 2 children
*Paul – non-governmental organization finance specialist – wife
Andrea - Middle East – 6 children
We cherish the times spent with them, and the kids and grandkids love returning ‘home’ to enjoy all the wonderful amenities Coralville has to offer.
I was recently reelected to the *Iowa League of Cities Executive Board for a second term. I’m a graduate of the Municipal Leadership Academy and a certified elected municipal official.
Various Boards, Committees, and Commissions Past & Present
*Coralville Hospitality Committee
*ArenaCo Board
*2024 Coralville Sesquicentennial Co-chair
*Coralville Parks & Recreation Commission
*Coralville Center for Performing Arts
*Community Planning & Design Committees
*Friends of the Library Member
*Johnson County EMA Commission
*Metropolitan Planning Organization
*IC Chamber Leadership Class of 2019-2020
*East Central Iowa Council of Governments
*Access Steering Committee – GuideLink Center
*Citizens Police Academy Grad
Community Experience: Volunteerism, Church leadership, Neighborhood Association Officer, Past schools PSTO President, 4-H

1. If elected, what would be your top three priorities while serving on the Coralville City Council?

Public Safety - Police, Fire, Ambulance
Economic Growth/Community Development
Affordable living in Coralville

2. What do you see as the top issue facing Coralville today, and how do you believe the City Council could help address it?

It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Coralville for over 11 years on the City Council. During that time, I’ve been part of many meaningful initiatives that have helped our community grow and thrive.
Looking ahead, I believe some of our greatest challenges will come from decisions made at the federal and state levels. Because every city is unique, one-size-fits-all laws can create difficulties for us at the local level. Issues like property taxes, implementation of tax increment financing, workforce housing, tax credits, and even regulations on sidewalks and fireworks all have a direct impact on Coralville’s future.
To address these challenges, I communicate regularly with our city administrators and lobbyists, serve on the Legislative Policy Committee, and work as one of the executive directors of the Iowa League of Cities. As mayor, I will apply that knowledge and experience to lead our City Council in making thoughtful, effective decisions that matter most to Coralville residents.
I am deeply passionate about keeping Coralville a place where everyone can feel safe, supported, and proud to call home.


3. If the city were faced with budget cuts, how would you handle doing so as a City Council member and are there specific areas of the city’s budget you would look to first for potential reductions?

Budget cuts are never easy, and I would not want to see any services, staff, or funding reduced. As mayor, I will work to protect the essential services our residents depend on and value every day. At the same time, I will champion new business development and support the growth of existing businesses, creating good-paying jobs that keep Coralville's tax base strong and thriving.

4. Affordable housing has been identified as a community need. What do you see as the City Council’s role in addressing that issue, and what steps if any would you take as a council member to do so?

Coralville is growing, and with that growth comes the opportunity to provide housing options that meet the needs of everyone in our community. From young families to seniors, and from first-time buyers to long-time residents, we need a healthy mix of housing styles that work for all stages of life.
It’s just as important to care for our established neighborhoods by maintaining infrastructure and supporting programs that help families update and improve their homes. Affordable and accessible housing benefits everyone—when seniors find the right place to downsize, it opens homes for younger families, and when new developments include a range of options, more people can put down roots here in Coralville.
While funding can be uncertain, I will continue to work hard to make sure Coralville secures the right resources and partnerships to keep housing affordable and our neighborhoods strong. Coral North apartments and Habitat homes are some examples.

5. Do you support the local option sales tax ballot measure that appears on the Nov. 4 ballot? Why or why not?

Yes! Almost every city in Iowa has a local option sales tax, and in Coralville, it makes sense. With Coral Ridge Mall and Iowa River Landing attracting shoppers, much of this 1-cent tax will be paid by non-residents. The revenue will help fund a much-needed new Recreation Center for all ages, support affordable housing, and provide a steady stream for future capital projects. It’s a smart investment in Coralville’s future.

6. How important is regional collaboration with government and non-government entities? What opportunities, if any, would you approach as a region and what will you do to support that?

I will continue to promote opportunities for collaboration with Johnson County and our neighboring cities, because many of our greatest successes come from working together. Emergency management, public safety, and public works are strong examples of how collaboration benefits residents every day. Projects like the GuidLink Center, which provides mental health services, vigorous food pantry support, the Forevergreen Road extension, shared gym spaces with local schools, and initiatives led by Greater IC are all ways we can achieve through partnership.
We are also seeing exciting results in economic and educational collaboration. The Oakdale Research Park is thriving with new businesses, while Kirkwood, the University of Iowa, local school districts, and industry partners are bringing STEM education to the area—helping prepare students for careers that strengthen the entire region.
I am proud to support the many nonprofits that play such vital roles in our community, and to work alongside state partners like the Department of Transportation, which is improving safety and access with projects like the new diverging diamond interchange on 1st Avenue. Together, these partnerships make Coralville resilient.

7. What will you do to be responsive to residents? What types of communication should the public expect from you?

I am active and visible in our diverse and welcoming community, and I strive to lead by example through volunteerism and caring for others. Coralville is fortunate to have expert city department directors, dedicated city administrators, and strong legal staff who work every day to serve our residents. You can count on open, clear communication from both the city and from me, because keeping people informed and connected is at the heart of good leadership.

8. What will you do to build relationships with council members who may have differing opinions from your own?

I have been honored to serve as an active member of the Coralville City Council, working closely with council and city staff on many important initiatives over the years. If elected mayor, I will bring the experience of three council terms and the lessons I’ve learned from working with Mayors Fausett, Lundell, and Foster to help lead our community forward. I listen with respect, approach every task thoughtfully, and understand that while we may not always agree, we can always work together for the good of Coralville.

9. What do you think the city does well today? What do you think can be improved on and how will you go about making it happen?

Coralville is proud to be a diverse community with the warmth of a small town. We place a high value on public safety, responsible financial management, and creating opportunities for growth and development. During my time on council, we established and upheld a debt management policy that has kept our city strong, and I believe our business sector will continue to grow and prosper.
Our infrastructure is built to last—our water and sewer systems have a high capacity and lower rates compared to neighboring towns. The pride of our residents shows in the care of homes, businesses, and public spaces throughout Coralville. We also enjoy a vibrant bus system, the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, and a library with innovative features, English classes, book clubs, and an information and food resource area with chai visiting. The community enjoys Brown Deer Golf Club and recreation areas that include acres of beautiful parks, trails, sports fields, an outdoor aquatic center, and tennis and pickleball courts.
The Iowa River Landing is a perfect example of Coralville’s vision—transforming a former brownfield into a thriving destination with the Hyatt Regency Convention Center, Xtreme Arena, GreenState Family Fieldhouse, restaurants, retail, and medical facilities. Coral Ridge Mall continues to be a regional attraction. New projects such as the recreation center with the Iowa City School District competition pools and the Gather Iowa development on 1st Ave/2nd St will add even more value to our community.
As mayor, I will continue to support upgrades to outdated spaces and reinvest in areas of Coralville that are ready for a new chapter, ensuring our city remains dynamic, welcoming, and full of opportunity for all ages.

10. What, if any, role should the city play in business and economic development? What are the most important criteria in determining whether to offer tax incentives and how those criteria should be measured against the use of public funds?

Coralville is a community that continues to elevate our quality of life. Businesses in fields like biotech, education services, information technology, and natural products are thriving here, alongside the small businesses that give our city its unique character. By providing the right framework of support—through strong infrastructure, smart incentives, arts and culture, recreation and entertainment, education, housing options, and an affordable cost of living—we can keep Coralville growing and moving forward.

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