Oliver Weilein Announces Run for Iowa City Council
Over the last decade, Oliver Weilein has been an advocate for housing as a human right in Iowa City. As a founding board member of the Iowa City Tenants Union, he organized tenants to stand up to abusive landlords and succeeded in recouping stolen security deposits, pressuring management to do critical maintenance, helping families fight eviction, even driving through blizzards to deliver space heaters to tenants whose heat went out.
Oliver announced he’s running in the District C special election to bring this priority to the Iowa City Council. While campaigns cost money, Oliver is funding his own run.
“I’m running because now is the time to meet the moment by fighting for our vulnerable neighbors who are being directly threatened by the state and federal government,” Oliver said. “Iowa City can make real inroads towards affordable housing by addressing zoning policy, building permanent supportive housing and protecting tenants’ rights.”
Oliver serves on the board of directors for Public Space One, an organization that makes art and music accessible to everyone. A punk-rock musician in multiple local bands, Oliver keeps the local music scene active by bringing national and international musicians to play in Iowa City. He frequently organizes community benefit shows and events, like fundraising for critical supplies for unhoused residents during winter, and local arts organizations.
Oliver has worked as a caregiver at Systems Unlimited for eight years, directly serving community members with intellectual disabilities in their homes.
He believes that investing in art and culture makes Iowa City a great place to live, providing basic human rights like housing ensures every member of our community can find a place here, and maintaining and expanding transit options strengthens mobility and connection throughout our community.
Oliver volunteers maintaining a clean and comfortable living space for rescued farm animals at the Iowa Farm Sanctuary and as a frontline advocate at Emma Goldman Clinic, where he volunteers by providing support and safety to people seeking medical care.
Oliver lives on the Northside with his partner, Juliette, his cat, Lilith, and his rabbit, Gandalf.
A fierce advocate for Iowa City's underserved population, Oliver asks that you send any campaign donations to the Emma Goldman Clinic, Shelter House, Immigrant Welcome Network, Iowa Trans Mutual Aid and Prairielands Freedom Fund.