Chris Peterson
Age: 43
Occupation: Project Manager RWE Greenbelt Energy Project-Hardin Co. IA
Email: cpeterson4517@gmail.com
I have lived in Council Bluffs for 41 years. I am a product of the Council Bluffs Community Schools, graduating from Abraham Lincoln. I attended Simpson College and received my degree in Human Services from The University of Northern Iowa. I also have a masters degree in Education. I have been married 15 years to my wife Erin and have three kids, Landon, Carter, and Lilah. Together we own a small business in town and our lives have been centered around coaching and mentoring youth in the community. In my free time I enjoy coaching and watching sports, spending time with family and friends, and grilling out.
| Question 1:
Population Growth & Economic Vitality Many residents and business leaders believe that growing the population of Council Bluffs is critical to near- and long-term economic vitality, workforce sustainability, and community vibrancy. Others are more cautious or uncertain about the need for growth, citing a desire to keep the community the way it is.
"I believe steady, sustainable population growth is important for Council Bluffs' short and long term prosperity. The focus should not be on rapid expansion but on adapting to a vibrant economy. When you grow the population it directly bolsters the tax base, which funds critical services like roads, public safety, schools, utilities, etc. I think growth should be moderately urgent. We need to act now to build momentum, but not be in a rush state. You need progress with purpose. Housing shortages are the immediate issues, low inventory drives up costs and deters families and young workers from moving into the community. I favor the growth path because data and trends in the metro shows it. Council Bluffs has the location, culture, and pride in the community to succeed. We need to lean into housing and new business." |
| Question 2:
Attracting and Retaining Workers and Families Building and maintaining a strong workforce, particularly young professionals and families, is important to ensuring a strong future workforce and a vibrant local economy.
"We need to leverage our strengths to attract young professionals and families by highlighting our proximity to Omaha and nearby metro areas, affordable cost of living, and strong community spirit. To achieve this, I propose expanding housing options to meet diverse needs, strengthening workforce development and career pathways through continued partnerships with IWCC in high demand fields, and enhancing community amenities tailored to younger professionals and families. Additionally, we can amplify our appeal through targeted marketing campaigns that position us as a vibrant destination." |
| Question 3:
Role of City Government in Economic Development Economic development is increasingly competitive across the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro, the Midwest, and the nation. Communities are vying for limited business investment, talent, and development opportunities. While these efforts are often driven by private and nonprofit partners, city government plays a vital role in creating the conditions for success through policies, infrastructure, incentives, and collaboration.
"I see city government as a key partner in driving economic growth, fostering an environment where the private sector can thrive without excessive intervention. We must show we are business friendly and eager to collaborate. By providing targeted incentives and partnerships that align with our economic goals, we can reduce barriers for new businesses. We should promote our strengths as a logistics hub and tech destination to draw in new enterprises. At the same time, supporting and retaining existing businesses and our economic foundation is both cost effective and vital. We must actively collaborate to help these businesses navigate and achieve growth." |
Question 4:
Fiscal Responsibility & City Budgeting Developing and managing the city budget is one of the most important responsibilities of elected officials. A responsible budget must reflect community priorities, comply with legal and financial constraints, and respond to changing economic conditions. Understanding how city revenues are generated, and how those funds can and cannot be used, is critical to making sound decisions.
What experience do you have with budgeting, particularly in government, business, or nonprofit settings? Share your understanding of how a city budget works, including major sources of revenue and how city services are paid for. How would you approach developing and monitoring the city’s budget? What city services or projects would you prioritize?
"With over 15 years of non-profit budgeting experience, 4 years in private sector energy project budgeting, and 4 years working on City Council budgets, I bring a strong background in financial planning. A city budget is a strategic financial plan that projects revenues and expenditures for a fiscal year, ensuring fiscal responsibility while addressing community needs, legal mandates, and economic conditions. It's more than just a spending outline, it serves as a governance tool that is organized into funds. Revenues generally balance or exceed expenditures, with deficits potentially covered by reserves, transfers, or one time sources. For cities like Council Bluffs, revenue comes from a mix of local, state, and federal sources, often with usage restrictions. To develop and monitor the budget, I would collaborate with the finance department to review monthly revenue and expenditure reports, tracking progress against the fiscal year plan. My priorities would focus on public safety and public works budgets, as these represent the largest expenditures."
| Question 5:
Downtown & Corridor Redevelopment Vibrant, well-designed corridors and a thriving downtown are key to a city’s identity, perception, and long-term economic momentum. In Council Bluffs, areas such as First Avenue, West Broadway, the riverfront, and the historic downtown, among others, serve as gateways to the community and focal points for housing, business, entertainment, and civic life. Redevelopment of these areas is central to attracting new investment, residents, and visitors.
"My vision for Council Bluffs’ downtown and key corridors First Avenue, West Broadway, the riverfront, and the historic downtown is to develop a vibrant, interconnected core that positions the city as a destination in the Omaha Council Bluffs metro area. These areas should have modern infrastructure mixed with the city’s historic character. I believe in creating a pedestrian friendly, mixed use environment that draws in residents, businesses, and visitors. These corridors need to be dynamic spaces that promote diverse housing options, possess and foster commercial vitality. These spaces will create community engagement, while tackling challenges such as the housing shortage and aging infrastructure. We as the city need to work closely with developers to eliminate red tape and hurdles to achieve our goals while offering tax incentives and making these TIF districts." |
Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil Questionnaire
1. Why do you want to serve in this office?
I want to serve in office because I grew up here and have seen successes and shortcomings. I chose to move back after college, buy a house, start a family, and raise my children. I want to serve to give back to this great community as it gave back to me. I believe Council Bluffs is a great place to live and work. We just need to change the trajectory it is going. I have served youth and families in this community for over fifteen years and see the struggles they face. I want them to be afforded the same opportunities I had. I know how to lead, listen, and communicate to all citizens in every corner of the city. It's about the people and the issues they're facing. I work for the citizens, not the other way around. It's about people over politics. It is time to turn the page and write Council Bluffs' future.
I’m running for office because Council Bluffs is my home. Where I grew up, and where I chose to return after college to build a life, buy a home, and raise my children. This community has shaped me, and I’m driven to serve it in return. I’ve seen our triumphs and our challenges, and I believe Council Bluffs is a wonderful place to live and work, but we need to steer it toward a better path.
For over fifteen years, I’ve served our youth and families, witnessing their struggles up close. I’m committed to ensuring they have the same opportunities I had. With my ability to lead, listen, and connect with people across every corner of our city, I’ll focus on what matters most: the citizens and their concerns. This isn’t about politics, it's about putting people first. I work for you, the residents of Council Bluffs.
It’s time to turn the page and shape a brighter future for our community together. It’s about the great citizens of this community.
2. What should voters expect if you’re elected?
If elected, voters can expect a leader who puts people first. I will be focusing on the needs and concerns of Council Bluffs’ residents. Drawing from my experiences in this community and over fifteen years of service to youth and families, I will work diligently to ensure we are addressing the needs of the city as a whole and not just You can certain areas. You can count on me to listen actively, communicate transparently, and engage citizens. I will meet them where they are.
I’ll push to change the narrative and push to change our city’s trajectory by tackling key issues head on, fostering inclusive growth, and prioritizing practical solutions over political agendas. My commitment is to serve you, the citizens, with integrity and dedication, and character. I will be a leader who is proactive and not reactive, accountable, and focuses on our most direct needs.
3. What’s the most important issue facing voters?
Crime, homelessness, addiction, housing, and streets
4. What's something else you plan to focus on?
I am inspired by innovative parks and recreation ideas I’ve encountered across the Midwest. I am committed to enhancing Council Bluffs’ parks to better serve our diverse community. My plan is to revitalize our public spaces by introducing unique recreational opportunities tailored to a wide range of interests. This includes creating dedicated spaces and activities for mountain bikers, bow hunters, and cross country runners, as well as installing splash pads to provide fun, accessible options for families and children.
Additionally, I will prioritize expanding family friendly entertainment options, fostering community engagement through events and activities that bring people together. By thinking outside the box, My focus will be on inclusive, innovative solutions that meet the needs of our residents and enhance our city’s quality of life.
5. Is the city going in the right direction?
I think we have a solid baseline or foundation. We have a lot of good things that are happening, along with a lot of negative things. We just need to build on that foundation by turning the page and putting a fresh perspective on things.
6. What is your position on the streetcar? Is that position firm or flexible?
With streetcars around the nation pulling up tracks and being grossly overbudget, I am firmly opposed to it. We have so many more issues that need to be addressed. We also have a front row seat watching what happens in Omaha. That position is firm.
7. What’s a realistic timeframe to make housing no longer the city’s top priority?
To determine a time frame for housing we need to consider the city's current housing situation. Council Bluffs is addressing a severe housing shortage, with a rental vacancy rate below 1% and an owner occupied vacancy rate of 0.6%, contributing to high housing costs and homelessness. On council I have helped the city by taking initiative but face external factors such as; construction costs, interest rates, and incentives for developers. I will continue to grow the housing stock. We have to be intentional and deliberate to find housing solutions for all citizens. It is hard to put a number on it, but with several thousands units in the work. I would say 5-10 years conservatively.
8. If you could have the state adopt or change one policy, what would you want?
Increase funding for mental health and addiction so we can take our citizens off the streets and into the treatment centers we desperately need in our area.
9. What else should voters know about you?
I've been coaching youth sports for 25 years, serving as a mentor and role model for kids throughout the city. I'm approachable, always eager to strike up conversations with strangers to learn their stories or brighten their day. I’m selfless, quietly doing good without seeking recognition. I stand by doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. My passions include family, sports, dogs, firing up the grill and karaoke.
10. In a sentence, why are you the right choice?
I'm the right choice for mayor because my work and life experiences have honed my ability to mentor, unite, and inspire our community, coupled with my genuine commitment to doing what's right for Council Bluffs without seeking personal recognition.