Jeremy Kemp for City Council - Burlington, Iowa

11/05/2025

Congratulations to (in alphabetical order) Antoinette, Jon, and Robert! I’ve been saying since I first decided to run that if I don’t get in this time, it’s just the universe saying “no,” or “not now.” You are all great people who will serve our community well, and I look forward to working with each of you in the years to come!

Over the next couple years, I plan to continue to stay engaged in our community and local government, and work with city council to implement the priorities voiced throughout my campaign: working more closely with the Library to better support them as their funding from higher up continues to be chipped away, starting the Burlington Beautification Project to engage youth and volunteers in our community, and advocating for the support of organizations who contribute to our social safety net and strengthening cooperation between the different strands.

I look forward to learning how all of these processes work from this side of the desk, so I’ll be ready to join you all in 2027!

11/04/2025

Today is the last day to vote! As a city council member, I promise to continue listening, learning, and finding ways to support our community.

The polls are open until 8pm, visit voterready.iowa.gov to find your polling location. If you are NOT currently registered to vote, you can register and vote at your polling location, with proof of identity and Burlington address.

10/31/2025

With food banks preparing to see a record number of families over the coming weeks, Hy-Vee will be providing multiple community support options at all Hy-Vee store locations.

10/30/2025

Throughout my campaign, I’ve talked a lot about poverty. The reality is, there’s always something that each of us can do to help. If we all can help who we can, when we can, how we can, the world becomes a better place for everyone. I know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet(hell, I’m still living paycheck to paycheck), and I know from experience what it’s like to get approved for SNAP benefits and finally feeling like I have a moment to breathe, knowing that I wouldn’t have to choose whether to pay a bill or buy groceries. I don’t have a pile of money or a car full of food to donate, but what I do have is a platform and a passion for helping others. No matter what happens in the election next Tuesday, that won’t change.

10/30/2025

10/28/2025

Whether you’re still on the fence about who to vote for next week or you just want to support your favorite candidate, come to the Burlington Public Library tonight at 5:30!

Join us for the City Council Candidates Forum tonight at 5:30pm at the Burlington Library!

Hosted by The Burlington Beacon and The League of Women Voters of Southeast Iowa, the event will feature:
➡️ A 90-minute Q&A with candidates
➡️ A 30-minute meet & greet afterward
Candidates: Jeremy Kemp, Jerry Johnson, Antonio Bailey, Robert Critser, Annie Wilson, and Jon Billups.
🗓️ Don’t forget — the General Election for City and Schools is Tuesday, November 4th. Polls are open 7am–8pm.

10/28/2025

“Across America, libraries have evolved from book repositories into engines of civic vitality. They are places where ideas are exchanged, creativity is sparked, and communities come together around shared goals. The Burlington Public Library exemplifies this transformation. Its reach extends far beyond its walls, advancing education and promoting social connection.



Libraries help create communities where people feel they belong. They nurture curiosity in children, empower job seekers with resources, and offer residents and visitors a welcoming place to gather and stay engaged. The ripple effects of these efforts can be seen throughout Greater Burlington’s civic life: a more informed public, stronger education, and a deeper sense of shared identity.



In a region that values both its heritage and its future, the library stands as a bridge between generations. Visitors can browse digital archives that preserve Burlington’s early history, then walk a few steps to the Create Space, where 3D printing and coding classes inspire the next generation of makers and thinkers. This balance of tradition and progress is precisely what makes Burlington such a compelling place to live, work, and visit.



A Place to Belong



Ultimately, the Burlington Public Library is more than a building. It’s a reflection of the community’s values. It speaks to the city’s belief that access to knowledge should be open to all, that shared spaces make stronger neighborhoods, and that curiosity is something to be celebrated.



Whether you’re a lifelong resident returning to your favorite reading nook or a first-time visitor discovering the view of the river from the upper windows, the Burlington Public Library offers a quiet reminder that the best parts of a city are the ones built around connection.”

Library Tourism is one of the hottest trends in the travel industry, and Greater Burlington has THE spot in Southeast Iowa for traveling trend-setters. The Burlington Public Library is so much more than a collection of books. It is a community hub, a quiet space to explore ideas, and a sanctuary for lifelong learning and imagination… wrapped in a warm and inviting building overlooking the riverfront in Downtown Burlington, Iowa. Put this Iowa treasure on your itinerary and find out more in the latest Backyard Travelers e-blog: https://www.greaterburlington.com/media-resources/blogs/a-cornerstone-of-community-the-burlington-public-library

10/27/2025

Hello,

My name is Jeremy Kemp and I’m running for Burlington City Council. I have been a small business owner for over 10 years and served on the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for five. This experience, paired with the listening and practical problem solving skills I have developed by working for 15 years as a hairdresser, make me an exceptional choice to represent you on our City Council.

I would very much appreciate your vote! You may vote at your normal polling location on Tuesday, November 4th, or any weekday 8am to 4:30pm leading up to that by visiting the Des Moines County Auditor’s office on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse. voterready.iowa.gov for more info and to check your voter registration.

I have three primary objectives to achieve while on city council:

1. Supporting the Library, the likes of which are a cornerstone of well-educated societies, and just as they go above and beyond to support our community, they also deserve our support.

2. Beautifying our community by eliminating litter by leveraging volunteerism from our youth and local organizations. We can do this by offering Silver Cord hours or other community service programs which help foster leadership skills and community involvement in our youth.

3. Decreasing poverty in our community. Burlington’s poverty rate is 15.9%, about 5% higher than the state average, with 22% of children and 8% of seniors
living below the poverty line. I will work with local organizations to identify service gaps, raise community awareness, and strengthen cooperation to better support
our neighbors in need.

Thank you for your vote, your support, and for your love of Burlington,
Jeremy Kemp

PS: Please like, follow and share my posts to help me pass the finish line!