(He/Him/His)

Justyn Lewis is a Community Activist, Non-Profit Leader, and Business Owner who is passionate about building bridges in the Community.

Justyn is a recognized leader who fiercely advocates for a deeper understanding of inequities faced by his community and other minoritized groups of people. He is committed to achieving structural change through his work as a business owner, and he is an engaging public speaker covering topics like unconscious bias in the workplace, racial reconciliation and how to be anti-racist. Justyn is also a member of the Iowa Certified Public Management Program (CPM) and a fellow with the Des Moines New Leaders Council (NLC.)

As the next At-Large Des Moines City Council Member, Justyn looks forward to representing all people in Des Moines.

He will push for justice reform, quality affordable housing, food security and neighborhood revitalization.

A graduate from East High School and Iowa State University, Justyn holds a bachelor’s degree in political science. On a daily basis, he leads a non-profit where he works to build a broad coalition of individuals, organizations and business owners. His main goal is to connect them in their efforts to effect structural changes and equity in Des Moines and across the state. He also owns a small business that focuses on urban ecosystem sustainability and specializes in soil quality restoration throughout the metro.

Justyn is married to his wife Bailey. They make their home in the Lower Beaver neighborhood, but you may bump into them on a walk around Gray’s Lake or at the Des Moines’ Farmers’ Market with their two young children, Eden and Zeke. In the summer months, Justyn and his family look forward to food and fun at the Iowa State Fair. His kids often request spending afternoons at Union Park and the “rocket slide,” and Justyn doesn’t need much convincing to swing by Snookies Malt Shop for a cool treat.

Justyn wants to bring his genuine interest in understanding others’ experiences to City Hall. He would consider it a tremendous honor to represent your voice in local government.

“We need people who have empathy that will govern with equity, equality, and justice at the forefront. I will do just that.” -Justyn Lewis