The mayor of one of Iowa’s fastest growing communities, will not seek re-election when area voters go to the polls this November.

Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett, who has been involved in city government in some form or another for the past 50 years, will not seek re-election of any city administrator role this fall.

The Coralville resident, who has held the mayoral seat since 1996, made the announcement Monday.

And while he has enjoyed overseeing the city’s development, actions pertaining to a controversial 180-acre project have signaled an opportunity to leave public office.

“Things are going well with the development of Iowa River Landing … and I think its probably a good time to exit,” he said. The last five years have been very much of a challenge because of the controversy of some people don’t like what we’re doing, but nothing so drastic that I said I would give it up.”

Under his leadership, the city has seen the construction or expansion in the public library, Coral Ridge Mall, Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, and the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.

The 81-year old joined the Coralville city council joined in 1977 after having had served on various city commissions, including Planning and Zoning and Parks and Recreation commissions.

Fausett moved to the city with his wife Carol in 1959, where they have resided ever since.

When he began his councilor role, Coralville’s population numbered about 7,700, while today stands at about 20,000.

He has been credited as being one of the few beginning individuals to begin discussions regarding the installment of the public bus service program in the 1960s.

Fausett, who said he had his wife intends on remaining a resident of Coralville, said one of the most important jobs facing the upcoming mayor is to improve city-to-city relations with Iowa City, North Liberty and Tiffin.

He said continued emphasis should be centered around the Iowa River Landing and UI Oakdale Research Park. 

“I think one of the most important jobs that a mayor does is Public Relations,” he said. “I think there will probably be more regionalism as the years move on but I hope there isn’t such an emphasis on that regionalism that it hurts Coralville”