(Red Oak, Iowa) – Shawnna Silvius, Mayor of the City of Red Oak for the past two terms, announced today (Tuesday) that she will not seek re-election at the conclusion of her current term. Her news release said over the past four years, Mayor Silvius has served the community with dedication and vision, leading the city through significant progress despite unforeseen challenges. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a strong mayor, council, and staff team,” said Silvius. “From housing development to infrastructure improvements, strategic planning, and downtown revitalization, we have built a strong foundation for Red Oak’s continued growth.”

Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius (Official photo)

She notes the following Key Accomplishments during her tenure as Mayor:

• Housing Growth: Expanded housing opportunities with a new subdivision of 33 townhomes under construction and 26 more planned, ensured the completion of the adaptive reuse of the 25-unit 1917 Lofts, completed a rural housing study, and strengthened the rental inspection program.
• Neighborhood Revitalization: Removed 25 nuisance and dilapidated properties, opening space for redevelopment and improving the community’s appearance.
• Grants & Investment: Secured a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant along with multiple state and federal awards.
• Infrastructure & Technology: Completed water and wastewater studies, implemented city-wide GIS mapping, and expanded residential fiber optic broadband access to soon complete countywide coverage.
• Planning & Strategy: Finalized the City’s Comprehensive Plan and launched annual council strategic planning to guide priorities.
• Downtown & Flood Mitigation: Advanced downtown revitalization through a new downtown assessment and re-engaged flood mitigation and levee planning.
• City Operations: Increased staff salaries, invested in critical equipment for all departments, advanced cross-department team building, introduced regular performance reviews, and launched a modern city
  operations software system.

Silvius also expressed confidence in Red Oak’s future leadership, highlighting her support for Tim Fridolph, who she appointed to serve two years as her Mayor Pro Tem and who is now running to succeed her.
“In the time I’ve come to know Tim, I am certain he will lead with transparency, integrity, and dedication,” she said. “He cares deeply about our residents and will continue building trust while guiding Red Oak forward.”

With her recent career transition and a desire to pursue higher-level political aspirations, Silvius said she believes this is the right time to step aside, while pledging to remain fully committed during the remainder of her term. “I hope Red Oak will continue to embrace change, progress, and the reinvestment that has been necessary to advance our positioning and growth,” she added.