Make I.C. more affordable, connected and inclusive

Newman Abuissa is running for Iowa City Council to make our city more affordable for everyone. After 35 years as a transportation engineer with the Department of Transportation and many years of civic service, Newman has witnessed Iowa City’s strengths and challenges up close. As the former board president of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission, he has championed fairness, inclusion, and human dignity. And as a Syrian immigrant and past President of the Council for International Visitors to Iowa, he understands the struggles of newcomers and working families striving for a better life.

Financially Affordable: With housing prices rising over 30% in just four years and more than 12,000 people working in Iowa City but living elsewhere, Newman believes it’s time for bold action. He will work to expand housing options, raise wages, and strengthen local economic development.

Emotionally Affordable: Newman is committed to healing community divisions by bringing together residents, organizations, and professionals to create real strategies for change and empowerment.

Environmentally Affordable: Drawing on his engineering expertise, he supports smarter urban planning that connects neighborhoods, keeps services local, and prioritizes people over profit.

Newman’s vision is to make Iowa City more affordable, connected, and inclusive for everyone.

Newman Abuissa is a candidate for Iowa City Council.