5 Candidates Vie for Grimes City Council in 2025 Election

Five candidates are running for three open at-large seats on the Grimes City Council in the Nov. 4 election.

The field includes incumbents Laurie DePhillips and Ryan Burger and challengers Joe Herman, Leslie Irlbeck and Jared Lovelady.

The Des Moines Register asked each candidate to respond to questions on why they're running and the issues their district is facing. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.

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Ryan Burger (incumbent)

Age: 53

Grew up: West Des Moines

Education: Teaching certifications in English, business and computers, four-year degree in business from ISU

Occupation: High school teacher

Political experience: Eight years as city councilman

Laurie DePhillips (incumbent)

Age: 43

Grew up: Iowa, New York, Indiana and Michigan

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University

Occupation: Vice president at Red Dot Branding + Marketing

Political experience: Completing my first term on the Grimes City Council

Joe Herman

Age: 56

Grew up: Niagara Falls, New York

Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal administration

Occupation: Retired military

Political experience: No political experience. Traveled throughout the country in the military involved in numerous communities while serving to include volunteer work, coaching and many community boards.

Leslie Irlbeck

Age: 41

Grew up: West Des Moines

Education: Master of Public Administration from Drake University

Occupation: Chief operating officer at Metro Waste Authority

Political experience: As COO of Metro Waste Authority, I oversee solid waste and recycling services across 37 counties, reaching more than 1.3 million residents. I lead teams, budgets, and major construction projects while advancing environmental legislation at the Capitol. I also volunteer at my children’s school, coach youth activities, and serve on a committee supporting DCG schools, teachers, and students.

Jared Lovelady

Age: 42

Grew up: Urbandale

Education: Degree in political science from Iowa State University

Occupation: Senior manager of business development

Political experience: No formal political experience

Why are you running?

Ryan Burger:

What motivates me? To make Grimes a better place for you and me. I want to continue the work done over the last eight years. I see candidates up here that I know and don’t know, those that have a history of serving, and others who haven’t served. I have seen Grimes grow as a resident for 25 years! The last eight years have been fantastic for Grimes, and the negativity by a select few based on inaccuracies can’t take that away. Grimes is a very transparent town that is still a small town and it’s going the right direction. Lets keep it going! I am an independent voice for Grimes who listens and responds to you.

Laurie DePhillips:

I'm running for reelection as I want to continue the positive momentum and intentional growth. Over the past four years, we have completed major projects that strengthen our infrastructure, enhance our quality of life, and keep our community safe, all while lowering taxes each year. That progress is the result of collaboration, careful planning, and a commitment to serving our residents. As a council member, I will continue to bring that same focus and accountability to the decisions ahead. It's important that we manage growth responsibly, investing in services, amenities and partnerships that keep our community strong.

Joe Herman:

Nine years ago, while serving in the military, I chose Grimes as my family's final community to call home. We immediately were welcomed with a small-town feel. While growth is good for our community, responsible planning for development is key. Currently, residents of Grimes are greatly inconvenienced due to lack of infrastructure planning. I feel elected officials and city leadership should always be transparent with the decisions that are being made from planning, development, and progress of projects. I will be the voice of transparency, responsible spending, more small business, and improved infrastructure to keep the small town feel that Grimes still has and our residents love.

Leslie Irlbeck:

I’m seeking my first term on City Council to model community involvement for my children and bring my skills to service. I offer experience as a collaborator, communicator, and problem solver. I’ve managed budgets and complex initiatives, and I’m committed to building strong partnerships that support growth, enhance services, and strengthen the sense of community for all residents.

Jared Lovelady:

I've proudly called Grimes home for the past nine years. I chose this community as the place to raise my three young daughters because I believed it offered a safe, healthy environment — and I still believe that. Grimes is a special place, and I brag about it often. But like many of you, I’ve also noticed a growing sense of division in our community. I believe that deep down, most of us want the same things: safety, opportunity, and a strong sense of belonging. We just haven’t always had a voice that can bring everyone to the table and speak for all of Grimes. I believe I can be that voice. I’m not running with a personal agenda or a list of top-down plans. I'm running to listen.

What is the most important issue facing your city and what would you do to address it?

Ryan Burger:

Keeping it organized and progressing well. We are currently working on a comprehensive plan that is done every five to 10 years to help guide what we want, where, and how in Grimes. It’s an amazing document that helps guide what we are doing with all the players involved. Those players include the city, GCED, the county, the state, plus other cities near us. It involves the residents, the businesses, and all the other players of the area. Planning and then executing is what it is about.

Laurie DePhillips:

Grimes has been growing at a rapid pace which requires a great deal of planning and infrastructure updates. We have completed some large projects such as decommissioning our wastewater treatment plant and joining the WRA, enhancing and expanding our water treatment as well as joining the CIWW, and over $10 million in road improvements. We have several other road improvement projects as well as trail updates and connections. I want to continue moving ahead with the updates needed for our current and future growth in line with our master plans. There has been a lot of strategic planning and research that has gone into updating the plans, and we are on track to make many of the necessary updates.

Joe Herman:

The most important issues I see facing the city of Grimes are lack of proper planning and development, infrastructure and prioritizing of work. Grimes residents deserve to have their tax dollars spent to improve the current neglected infrastructure in a timely manner. If current infrastructure issues aren't addressed immediately, Grimes roads and services will continue to crumble under us. There are roads in Grimes that have never been replaced, just repaired or patched, and it's time we do the job correctly for the residents of Grimes. We need an infrastructure now to support our growth. Make it a priority.

Leslie Irlbeck:

One of the most important issues is balancing investment in existing infrastructure with planning for future growth. Maintaining current assets is essential to daily life, yet we must also prepare for the community’s long-term needs. I would prioritize responsible budgeting, thoughtful planning, and collaboration with residents and partners to ensure both present and future infrastructure are strong.

Jared Lovelady:

I want Grimes to be a forward-thinking community that grows responsibly and plans for the future. With our population increasing, we must address aging infrastructure — especially roads — to reduce congestion and support smart growth. We also need to invest in essential services like public safety and fire protection. That means giving law enforcement the tools to be proactive and reviewing service contracts for value and efficiency. It's not about spending more — it's about spending smarter to build a Grimes we’re proud to call home.

How would you balance a desire to lower property taxes with a need to provide resources to your city?

Ryan Burger:

Between 2018 and 2025, the city of Grimes reduced its property tax rate (including DART’s levy) from $13.51 to $10.69. That’s a reduction of $2.81 per thousand of taxable value or almost 22%. All while over the eight years the total assessed valuation of the city increased from $1.26 billion to $2.84 billion. Roads: we need to plan for the arterials that help people to get where they need to. Water and sewer, myself and those serving with me took care of that very well with the Central Iowa Water Works, and power is in great shape. Plus, Internet connectivity has blossomed over the last 10 years here with fiber and more covering our city. We have been working hard on planning Grimes's future.

Laurie DePhillips:

It truly is a balance. The past four years, we have worked really hard to strike the right balance of lowering property taxes and providing resources. We have been able to lower taxes all four years and still complete great projects including a new library, splash pad and public safety building. The reality is that we need to continue to be very strategic with budgeting as we continue to have infrastructure needs and appropriately fund public safety. We have additional staffing needs for our fire district and will need to properly fund any increase in needs from our contract with the Polk County sheriff. This is going to require research, collaboration and the right prioritization.

Joe Herman:

I would identify inefficiencies in current spending, prioritize essential services (public safety, infrastructure, services) and identify areas where spending can be reduced or restructured. Promote responsible development that increases tax revenue without increasing tax rates. I would ensure new developments pay their fair share of infrastructure and service costs through impact fees or similar fees. Involve the residents. Hold transparent budget discussions and seek community input. Residents are more likely to support tax policies when they understand how funds are used. Give them a voice and choice of how we grow.

Leslie Irlbeck:

I would focus on priorities with the greatest impact and most value to residents. This means listening to community needs, investing where it matters most now and for the future, and ensuring every tax dollar is maximized. By aligning spending with resident priorities and long-term goals, we can strengthen services while keeping taxes fair.

Jared Lovelady:

I know taxes in Grimes can feel high for a Des Moines suburb — but I believe it’s worth it to live in a safe, thriving community. I’m not running to raise or promise to cut taxes. My focus is on making sure every tax dollar is spent responsibly. I want strong schools, well-supported teachers who can afford to live here, and smart investments in our city's future. No one loves paying taxes, but they fund the city we’re proud to call home.