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Nicholas Volk

Nicholas Volk

Incumbent, Fairfax City Council

I’ve been a proud resident of Fairfax since 2008. My wife and I are raising three elementary-aged children who attend schools in the College Community School District. I first ran for City Council in 2015 and have remained actively involved in the community ever since.

By trade, I’m an electrician, with over 22 years of hands-on experience across a wide range of projects—from residential homes and apartment buildings to hospitals, schools, industrial manufacturing facilities, and more. My work has also taken me into highly specialized areas like renewable energy systems, power generation plants, water and wastewater facilities, electrical substations, fiber optics, voice/data systems, and industrial automation.

In addition to field work, I’ve also served as a certified electrical instructor, teaching in an electrical apprenticeship program for four years. I remain active in my local union and have held an elected leadership position there for the past eight years.

I believe my 25+ years in the skilled trades give me a unique and practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities that come with growth in a community like Fairfax. I understand infrastructure from the ground up—how it’s built, maintained, and planned for the future—and I’m committed to applying that knowledge to help guide responsible development that serves our residents well today and in the years ahead.

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

Infrastructure, urban development, and traffic management are among my top priorities for Fairfax.

As our community continues to grow—with major projects like the data center and increased regional development—it’s more important than ever to invest wisely in our infrastructure. That means maintaining and upgrading our water, sewer, and stormwater systems, ensuring we’re prepared for both current needs and future demands.

Smart urban development also plays a critical role. We need to plan intentionally—balancing growth with green space, supporting local businesses, and preserving the character of Fairfax while welcoming new opportunities.

And when it comes to roads and traffic, residents deserve safe, efficient transportation. I support working with partners like the Iowa DOT to accelerate intersection improvements, conduct updated traffic studies, and prioritize projects in our Capital Improvement Plan that reduce congestion and improve road safety.

Together, these priorities form the foundation for a strong, livable, and future-ready Fairfax.

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

One major issue currently facing Fairfax is the significant increase in traffic due to the ongoing data center construction. This has created safety concerns, congestion, and wear on our roads—particularly around the intersection of 80th Street and Highway 151.

As a City Council member, I would support several key steps to address this issue:

Re-engage with the Iowa DOT to request an updated traffic study that reflects current and projected conditions due to the construction and future development.

Adjust our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to move the 80th Street and Highway 151 intersection project to a higher priority and an earlier date.

Collaborate closely with the Iowa DOT on planning and implementing intersection improvements to ensure they align with both current traffic volumes and anticipated long-term growth.


By taking a proactive and coordinated approach, we can improve traffic flow, enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians, and ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of a growing community.

3. Alliant Energy has proposed the construction of a natural gas power plant to be built in Fairfax. What are your thoughts on this proposal, and do you think the City Council should be supportive of the project?

I supported the original proposed location of the Fairfax Power Generating Station in our industrial zone near Travero, as it made the most sense from both a land-use and infrastructure standpoint. It aligned with our zoning, minimized potential impact on residential areas, and allowed the City to remain an active participant in discussions about the facility.

However, with Alliant now stepping back from those original plans, I’m concerned about the direction this project may be heading. The ongoing upgrades to the transmission and substation infrastructure—along with additional planned improvements—suggest that the power plant could still be sited in the Fairfax area, but possibly just outside city limits.

If that happens, Fairfax may be left without a seat at the table in key decisions that still directly affect our community—whether through environmental impact, traffic, noise, or economic implications.

Moving forward, I believe it is crucial that the City Council stay engaged, seek transparency from utilities and regulatory agencies, and advocate for continued local input wherever possible. Our residents deserve to have their voices heard, especially when major infrastructure projects may affect their quality of life.

4. Within the last year, the city of Fairfax has altered its leadership structure to bring on a city administrator. If elected, how would you work to develop and maintain an effective and productive relationship with the administrator and with city staff more broadly?

I currently have a positive working relationship with our City Administrator, and I value the professionalism and expertise they bring to the role. The City Council has clearly established the responsibilities and boundaries of the City Administrator’s position, and I fully intend to operate within those parameters as a Council member.

If elected, I will continue to promote open, honest, and regular communication between the City Administrator and the City Council. Transparent dialogue is essential to ensuring alignment on priorities, addressing challenges early, and maintaining trust on both sides.

I also believe strongly in fostering a collaborative relationship between the City Council, the City Administrator, and City Staff. Each plays a critical role in serving the community, and our success depends on working together with mutual respect, clear goals, and a shared commitment to Fairfax’s future.

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