Ali Parrish

Campaign Priorities

1. Building Stronger Waterloo NeighborhoodsStrong, connected neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong Waterloo, and a city people choose to stay in. I will prioritize policies and investments that support residents, protect housing quality, and strengthen community life, while respecting the unique character of each neighborhood.2. Responsible Growth and InvestmentGrowth matters, but how we grow matters more. I will work to make it harder for the wrong investors to exploit Waterloo and its residents, while encouraging responsible development that adds long-term value and supports a stable, thriving city.3. Housing Stability and AffordabilitySafe, attainable housing is essential to economic growth, family stability, and neighborhood vitality; from young workers and families to seniors aging in place. I will advocate for smart, practical housing solutions that meet real needs and make it possible for people at different life stages to build their future in Waterloo.4. Honoring What Makes Waterloo UniqueWaterloo’s people, history, and neighborhoods matter. I believe progress should build on what’s working, protecting our sense of place while making thoughtful, cost-conscious decisions that reflect what residents value.5. A Clear and Responsible Vision for Waterloo’s FutureI want others to see what I see: a city full of opportunity, innovation, and hardworking people. Ward 2 deserves leadership that plans carefully, invests wisely, and believes in Waterloo’s future, working to make it clear, attainable, and worth staying for.

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About

Ali Parrish is a lifelong Waterloo resident, experienced executive leader, and neighborhood advocate with nearly two decades of experience strengthening communities through work that connects people, neighborhoods, nonprofits, and local government.Born and raised in Waterloo, Ali graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and returned home immediately after college to build her life and career here. She raised her three children in Waterloo, all of whom received an exceptional education through Waterloo Community Schools. For nearly 30 years, Ali has lived in Ward 2, where she has made her home, raised her family, and remained deeply involved in the community.Ali comes from a family rooted in local business and public service. One grandfather worked for John Deere in Waterloo, another served on the Waterloo Police Force, her grandmother was a school teacher, and her father practiced law locally. That legacy of hard work, service, and advocacy shaped her belief that strong communities do not happen by accident, they are built through care, collaboration, and long-term commitment.Professionally, Ali began her career working for a small, family-owned Waterloo business before spending nearly 20 years helping make Waterloo stronger, first at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa and for the past 12 years at Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, where she currently serves as Executive Director.During her tenure at Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, Ali has led a period of significant growth, expanding the organization’s staff, budget, and community impact several-fold. Under her leadership, the organization evolved from a small homebuilding program into a comprehensive housing and neighborhood organization, now serving more than 100 families each year through home builds, home repairs, financial coaching, and neighborhood revitalization. This work has strengthened neighborhoods, improved housing stability, and enhanced quality of life for thousands of Waterloo residents.Ali has also built and led multiple cross-sector partnerships and coalitions, working closely with the City of Waterloo, Black Hawk County, neighborhood residents, businesses, schools, funders, and nonprofit partners to address complex challenges that no single organization can solve alone. Through this work, she understands how city systems function and how policy decisions impact neighborhoods differently, from housing stability and infrastructure investment to growth patterns and long-term sustainability.Ali believes deeply in Waterloo’s present and future. She is a fierce protector of the city and knows it is one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets, full of hardworking people, vibrant neighborhoods, and real opportunity. Her vision is a Waterloo that grows responsibly, protects residents from the wrong kinds of investment, and ensures progress benefits the people who already call this city home.Ali is running for Waterloo City Council because she brings proven leadership, real accountability, and a deep love for this community. Ward 2 deserves thoughtful, steady leadership, rooted in experience, collaboration, and a clear belief that Waterloo’s best days are still ahead.

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Why I Am Running

I’m running for Waterloo City Council because I care deeply about this city and because Ward 2 has been home for more than 30 years of my life. I see both Waterloo’s challenges and its potential every single day.Waterloo’s issues are complicated, but I know from experience that we can take on even the toughest challenges. Housing affordability, neighborhood stability, economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life are deeply connected. Solving them requires leaders who understand how systems work, know our neighborhoods, and are willing to do the hard, patient work of collaboration.For nearly 20 years, my professional life has been dedicated to improving Waterloo, one family, one house, and one neighborhood at a time. I’ve worked alongside residents, city staff, council members, nonprofits, businesses, and funders to move projects from ideas to reality. While my work has focused citywide, often in neighborhoods facing the greatest challenges, it has given me a clear understanding of how policy decisions ripple across the entire community.My lived experience in Ward 2 has shaped my perspective on what makes neighborhoods strong and sustainable over time, and how thoughtful leadership can help protect what is working while planning responsibly for the future.I believe Waterloo is at an important moment. We’ve made real progress, and now we must protect it, strengthen it, and ensure it benefits everyone, not just outside investors or short-term interests.I’m running because I have the experience to lead, the energy to take on big challenges, and the commitment of a longtime Ward 2 resident who wants Waterloo to thrive for generations to come.