Envision a more united community

I love this community, and I believe I have the experience and ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to make it even stronger as a member of the council.

I came to this country in 1997 with a civil engineering degree. However, like many immigrants, I had to start over. I learn quickly and I'm not afraid of a challenge. I became fluent in English, earned my citizenship, completed an early childhood education degree, and recently graduated from Kirkwood as an electroencephalographic technologist. My education prepared me to quickly process technical information, which served me well in understanding city policies and reports.

I have extensive experience engaging with local government and community issues. As a leader in the Sudanese-American Association, the Black Voices Project, and the Center for Worker Justice, I have helped bring together low-wage and immigrant residents who are typically disconnected from policy discussions to discuss their concerns and ideas, review existing laws and policies, and meet with elected officials and business leaders to create solutions. I have met with local business owners as a board member of the Iowa City Downtown District. I also serve on two city commissions - the Community Police Review Board and the Iowa City Manager's Roundtable.

As a candidate for City Council my priorities are: Affordable housing, economic development for all, transportation and accessibility, vibrant neighborhoods, celebrating and supporting our diversity, and promoting community engagement. I look forward to serving this community in new ways and building a more united community!

' Mazahir Salih is a candidate for Iowa City Council, At-Large