About Josh

A Record of Accomplishment

Josh Mandelbaum is serving his second term as a Des Moines City Councilmember representing the 3rd Ward. Josh has led efforts to take strong local action on climate change, protect reproductive health care, make affordable housing more accessible, improve public safety, and make our transportation system work better for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. Josh has supported a significant increase in funding to fix old infrastructure helping launch the largest road repair initiative in city history and making significant investments in storm sewer upgrades.

Des Moines Born & Raised

Josh was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He is the product of Des Moines Public Schools and a graduate of Roosevelt High School. Josh has left Des Moines and returned twice – first to attend Brown University followed by a policy fellowship at the U.S. Department of Transportation and then to attend the University of Iowa College of Law. He currently lives on the west side of Des Moines with his wife Katherine, son Liam, daughter Ayla, and black lab Truman.

Policy Advisor to Governor Vilsack and Lt. Governor Pederson

Josh served as a policy advisor to Governor Vilsack and Lt. Governor Pederson. During his service, Josh had a role in many of the Vilsack-Pederson administration accomplishments such as the establishment of the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, the creation of the Office of Asian and Pacific Islanders, and initiation of a Spanish language interpreter program. His efforts helped thousands of Iowans receive increased access to health care through the hawk-I and Medicaid programs, and improved mental health, family planning, and wellness care through legislative initiatives.

Environmental Attorney Working for Clean Energy and Clean Water

Josh works as a senior attorney for the Environmental Law and Policy Center. Josh is a leading voice for climate action and Iowa's clean energy economy. He works on policies and regulatory proceedings to promote wind, solar, battery storage, and energy efficiency and phase out fossil fuels. Josh is a strong advocate for improving Iowa’s water quality. He has successfully fought in court to protect and enforce water quality standards, and he is engaged in collaborative efforts advocating for water quality funding and increased adoption of conservation practices.

Committed to the Community

Josh has always been committed to his community. As a member of the Polk County Early Childhood Iowa board, he worked to provide quality early childhood education and child care to all of Polk County. He was a founding advisory board member of the University of Iowa REACH (Realizing Education and Career Hopes) program that provides students with cognitive and learning disabilities the post-secondary training they need to hold employment and live independently. He attends Temple B’nai Jeshurun on Grand Avenue and serves on the Greater Des Moines Jewish Federation board.