Is 2021 your year to run for local office? I’m inviting you to go for it, or at least chat about the possibility.
Read More
On December 15, 2020, Iowa City released its preliminary plan to restructure the police department towards community policing, with 36 specific recommendations. I am asking for your input to help shape the future of public safety in our community.
Read MoreA review of Fiscal Year 2020 affordable housing activities provides great context as the city council renews its commitment to affordable housing with an emphasis on racial equity this year.
Read More
Video of the June 3 protest and law enforcement response of gas, pepper spray, and flash-bangs shows chaos and horror as protesters approached Interstate 80. The police response was violent and traumatizing, yet likely followed law and policy in place at the time; and that’s the problem.
Read More
Protests leading into an upcoming city council meeting have highlighted protesters' frustration with the process, and the limits on local government's capacity to keep protesters safe while addressing substantive concerns.
Read MoreIowa City has published a list of resources for assistance after the derecho storm swept across Iowa on August 10.
Read More
At the urging of local public health officials, and following the science, I support mandating face coverings in public places.
Read More
Iowa City adopted a Resolution in support of Black Lives Matter, which committed the City to restructuring the police, appointing a truth and reconciliation commission, ramping up public and private anti-racism education, and more.
Read More
Thank you to the Iowa Freedom Riders with waking up Iowa City to the urgent need for anti-racist action and social change.
Read More
Thursday, Dec. 19
4 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall, Iowa City City Hall, 410 E Washington St.., Iowa City
I look forward to serving Iowa City with utmost gratitude and excitement for our future. I will hit the ground running knowing the priorities of better process, affordable housing, regional transportation, and sustainable growth have broad support. I know you care about climate action and social justice.
Read More
Bergus is a former local government employee now working as an attorney with a specialty in dispute mediation, which would be a great asset to the council.
Read More
I’m voting for Laura Bergus for City Council because I think she deserves a chance to try to square the circle between the discredited old guard and the dysfunctional side of the left and to work for dialogue and compromise across the spectrum in Iowa City.
Read More
It's my background from municipal governance and serving as a mediator where I've been trained to take in opposing viewpoints and find common ground, to build consensus and creatively problem solve that makes me the best candidate for this job.
Read More
I strongly believe downtown Iowa City must be ‘a place where people of all backgrounds and ages are drawn; a community where people feel welcome in an environment of mutual respect, in which they collaborate and make connections with one another; and where a shared community identity can flourish at the same time that differences and variety are valued.
Read MoreThe Iowa City Area Home Builders Association, which represents local builders and others involved in homebuilding, provides vocational training, works with affordable housing organizations and provides education, endorsed Laura Bergus for Iowa City Council
Read More
City council is a thankless job. It requires diligent study, inordinate patience, active listening skills and a full battery of problem-solving techniques. It also requires ineffable good nature. Very few people have all these things and a desire to serve.
Thankfully, Iowa City has Laura Bergus.
Read More
Iowa City’s primary challenge in civic engagement is communication. Iowa City government must meet people where they are: in their neighborhoods and homes, not just city hall.”
Read More
Laura is a fiercely passionate advocate for Iowa City and all it has to offer – she is also my resource when I want to learn more about different perspectives on an issue facing our community. Laura Bergus is a person who has a practical approach to tackling and responding to challenges and understands the importance of giving space for many experiences, backgrounds, and voices to be at the table. She’s a person I lean on when I need to consider and make an important decision and I am confident that she can be that person for Iowa City at large.
Read More
I love our passion. Whether we agree or disagree on specific issues, we care deeply in this town. We care about education, the environment, housing, public safety, transportation, and the arts. This passion is energizing, and it motivates engagement in our business community, nonprofits, and schools. When this passion combines with empathy and humility, we are at our best: learning and teaching from each other’s wisdom and life experiences.
Read More