We support Megan Alter for Iowa City’s City Council

IOWA CITY FEDERATION OF LABOR

AFSCME 62

TEAMSTERS 238

Awarded 2025 Mom’s Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction

Jim Throgmorton, former Mayor of Iowa City:

“On Nov. 4 Iowa Citians will elect three people to our city council. For the at-large positions, I will be voting for Megan Alter and Bruce Teague. For District B I’ll vote for Shawn Harmsen. I encourage you to support these candidates as well. This election is taking place in an extraordinary context: both the federal and state governments are pursuing policies that are radically at odds with those most Iowa Citians prefer. We should elect council members who share our values. But it is particularly important that we also elect members who have gained wisdom that only comes from experience at governing. I see little difference among the six candidates in terms of their values. But Teague, Harmsen and Alter have learned the difference between advocacy and governance. One can be a strong advocate for Palestinians in Gaza. Or for values that differ from the current president’s. But governing requires transforming values into specific policies and actions on matters that lie within the authority of city government. This entails drawing upon the expertise of city staff, listening carefully to the city’s diverse residents and businesses, and working with other council members to produce decisions that are in the best interest of Iowa City as a whole. Harmsen, Alter and Teague are prepared to govern well in our precarious context. In addition to supporting these three candidates, I also think we would be well served if the council elected Shawn Harmsen as the city’s next mayor.” (letter to the Editor, The Gazette)

RaQuishia Harrington:

I am proud to endorse Megan Alter for Iowa City. Megan is a true change maker for the common good. Her compassionate leadership, sensible decision-making, and unwavering reliability make her the kind of representative our community deserves. She listens, learns, and leads with integrity—always fighting for what’s right and bringing people together to create real, lasting impact. With Megan, we can trust that the best outcomes for Iowa City are not just possible—they’re guaranteed. She guarantees outcomes that uplift everyone, especially those who need it most.

Mary Mascher, former State Representative 1995-2023.

Megan Alter is my choice for Iowa City Council! She is a proven leader who is dedicated to the people of Iowa City. She understands the importance of the services city government delivers to its citizens. If you like free bus services to all Iowa City residents, thank Megan! If you appreciate our beautiful parks and trails throughout the community, thank Megan. If you support great fire and police protection, thank Megan! Election Day is on Tuesday, November 4th and I will proudly be casting my vote for Megan Alter. I hope you will join me!

Bijou Maliabo:

Missie Forbes:

I had the honor of meeting Megan the year that I started at 4Cs and we bonded over understanding the importance of childcare in Iowa City. Since that time, I have also had the honor of working with Megan on other projects that impact Iowa City residents. She is community-focused and driven to serve, LISTEN, and make sensible decisions through her thoughtful leadership on council. As an East-sider, and specifically a SOUTH east sider, she understands some of the unique struggles we see on this side of town. And indulges me in my complaints for more retail on THIS side of Iowa City. She has a proven track record of sensible decision making that positively impacts ALL of Iowa City. Join me in casting a sensible vote for Megan Alter.

Additional Public Endorsements:

Tom Rocklin

Connie Moore

Natasha Wendt

Teresa Mangum

Larry Baker

Patti Paradee

Adam Zabner

Matt Drabek

V Fixmer-Oraiz

Melissa Fath

Rod Sullivan

Rachel Zimmerman Smith

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“Megan is exactly the person we need on the City Council. She knows the community and has a consistent track record of public service, volunteerism, and organizing to address important needs in Iowa City. I have seen her speak truth to power, and bring people together in common cause. She is exactly the kind of servant leader that we need to make Iowa City stronger and more inclusive.”

— Jim Larimore
Chief Officer for Equity in Learning, Riid Labs

“Megan Alter is what female leadership looks like and exactly what we need on the City Council. She is a change maker who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk, serving on commissions and boards and working on projects to enhance our city. She fights for the underdog in everything that she does, but also practices common sense in her decision making and drive. Megan is truly a voice for all.”

— Missie Forbes
Co-Founder, NESTS

“I’ve said for years now that having Megan Alter on the city council where I and my family live would be a great thing.  Her intelligence, drive, and commitment to making Iowa City a better place for everyone are second to none.”

— Shawn Harmsen
Iowa City Resident

“Megan Alter is my choice for the Iowa City Council. She loves this community and is committed to making this a great place to live for all residents. Megan is passionate about early childhood education and helped establish the Neighborhood Nests in Johnson County to support our children who have struggled during Covid. Megan is a proven leader, activist, and volunteer and I am proud to support her for Iowa City Council.”

— Mary Mascher
State Representative

“We have been impressed with the work Megan Alter has done in our community, including Neighborhood Nests and her work on the South District Neighborhood Association. In addition to that, we agree with Megan’s focus on areas of the city besides just downtown. Finally, Megan is just a great person! We need smart, kind, good-hearted people on Council, and Megan fits the bill!”

— Melissa Fath and Rod Sullivan
Iowa City Residents

“Ms. Alter is a longtime advocate for many important issues that affect people locally and nationally. I fully support Ms. Alter because she is trustworthy and continues to prioritize racial and social justice. This work greatly impacts me daily because I am a teacher of color in ICCSD. Her support throughout my years of teaching has been remarkable!”

— Melanie Hester
Teacher, ICCSD

“Megan listens. She listens to her neighbors in the South District and throughout Iowa City, she listens to small businesses and workers. She thinks critically about how Iowa City can propel itself forward to meet the needs and demands of our ever changing community and then works to create sustainable solutions. A perfect example of this work is her involvement in co-founding Neighborhood NESTS.”

— Natasha Wendt
Founding Member and Realtor, Urban Acres

“From child care access to living wages to affordable housing, Megan is committed to local policy choices that advance racial, gender, and worker justice. I can’t wait for Megan to join our city council because she always listens first to learn people’s needs, then leads by crafting community responses to meet them.”

— Jennifer Sherer
Senior State Policy Coordinator, EARN Worker Power Project