Nate Mueller, an accomplished alum from the Class of 2013, has been recognized as one of the Corridor Business Journal’s (CBJ) annual “Forty Under 40” for 2024, which selects notable leaders in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area who are under the age of 40. Nate, Assistant Director of Planning, Development and Sustainability for Johnson County shared, “I’ve dedicated my professional career to public service,  and it is an honor to serve the residents of Johnson County alongside the amazing team in Johnson County Planning, Development, and Sustainability Department. I'm grateful to the CBJ for recognizing nonprofit and government leaders alongside business leaders.” 

Nate says, “My public service career has been heavily influenced by my time with SPPA [School of Planning and Public Affairs ]. The planning foundations set me up for success, and the capstone project was an amazing opportunity to apply our education in a real-world context.” Nate has remained involved in SPPA as an adjunct instructor for the past seven years. “I get to share my experience in zoning administration and land use planning at the local level with current students. By focusing on applied skills such as reading a zoning code or reviewing a subdivision plat, we are working to give our students technical skills to complement their other coursework and hopefully prepare them to excel in their future careers.”

Nate's recognition among the “Forty Under 40” highlights his achievements and the valuable education SPPA offers to aspiring planners. “Understanding the importance of public participation, coalition building, communication, and transparency from my time with SPPA has helped me approach community service and leadership in a more mindful and inclusive way,” he noted.