Iowa League of Cities’ Hall of Fame honors Coralville Mayor John Lundell

CORALVILLE — Coralville Mayor John Lundell has been inducted into the Iowa League of Cities’ Hall of Fame for his career in local government that spans decades.

Lundell’s public service spans more than 40 years, the city said in a news release Monday. He was the manager of Iowa City Transit, volunteered with the Coralville Fire Department and served on a number of city boards and commissions in Coralville.

Lundell has served as an elected official for 18 years. He was a member of the Coralville City Council for 10 years before being elected as mayor in 2013.

Lundell, who is in his fourth two-year term as mayor, announced earlier this year that he is not seeking re-election.

In the announcement, Lundell said that construction of the Xtream Arena, the rest of the development of the Iowa River Landing and more than $60 million in flood protection efforts are among his proudest accomplishments.

Other initiatives during Lundell’s tenure include formation of the citizen’s community policing advisory board, development of the west land use area master plan and reconstruction of two major arterial streets, the city said.

City Administrator Kelly Hayworth introduced Lundell for the award during the conference last week. Hayworth noted a phrase Lundell has used: “Being the mayor is a lot like being the coach of a team. You're the leader, but you can't play the game. You've got to keep the team together and keep them on track.”

Lundell also was recognized for his work with the Iowa League of Cities as a member of the board of directors and executive board, in addition to his leadership as president-elect and president.

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