Meet the Candidates

Chris Bogenrief

Julie Burhoop

Jessica Strain

David Wilch

Chris Bogenrief

Committed to Protecting, Restoring, and Growing North Sioux City

I am running for the Mayor of North Sioux City, because I believe in the future of our community. I’ve grown increasingly concerned that a small but vocal group is working to stall our city's growth—an approach that puts our future at risk. A city that isn’t growing is a city that’s dying.

Over the last few years our population has stagnated, and in the fall of 2024, our school district saw an enrollment decline of 45 students. That decline results in a loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in state aid to the school district. At the same time, we’re facing significant financial challenges, including flood restoration, the costs of already completed water and sewer system expansions for future growth, past investments in industrial park development, and the rising impact of inflation. Without responsible growth, these expenses will fall on the same small group of taxpayers, leading to higher property taxes for everyone.

I’m committed to smart, sustainable growth that strengthens our local economy, attracts new families and businesses, and ensures a thriving future for North Sioux City. I am also committed to compensating homeowners whose properties were sacrificed to save the rest of North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes.

Leadership & Experience

✔ Founder/Owner/President | NAI United Commercial Real Estate
✔ Founding Member, Board of Directors | North Sioux City Economic Development Corp.
✔ Co-Chair | South Dakota Governor’s Golf Classic | Governors Janklow, Rounds & Daugaard
✔ Vice President | Dakota Valley Business Council
✔ Chairman, Board of Directors | Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools
✔ Campaign Chair & Chairman of Board of Directors | United Way of Siouxland
✔ President | Sioux City Rotary Club
✔ President | Iowa Chapter of CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member)
✔ President | Dakota Dunes Commercial Association
✔ President | Timberlane Homeowner’s Association | Plymouth County
✔ Treasurer | Iowa-Nebraska Chapter, SIOR (Society of Industrial & Office Realtors)
✔ Board of Directors | McCook Lake Association
✔ Board of Directors | Morningside University
✔ Board of Directors | Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
✔ Board of Directors | Northwest Iowa Board of Realtors
✔ Parish Council | Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Previous Employment

  • Marketing Manager | Dakota Dunes Development Co., subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway
  • Sioux City Office Manager | U.S. Congressman Tom Latham
  • Marketing Coordinator | Downtown Partners, Sioux City

Education

  • Master of Business Administration | University of South Dakota
  • Bachelor of Arts | Cum Laude | Morningside University
    - Double Major | Business Administration & Corporate Communications
    - Study Abroad, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, England.

Family

I grew up on our family farm in Kingsley, IA, moved to Hampton, IA in junior high and met Joy, my high school sweetheart and wife of 31 years. We both graduated from Morningside University and raised three children in the Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools. Blake graduated from Iowa, Benjamin from Iowa State and Adeline from Nebraska. We have one grandson and a granddaughter on the way. We love Siouxland and have convinced many family members to move here, including my in-laws and parents from Hampton, IA, my brother from Des Moines, my sister from Birmingham, and my uncle from Dallas.

 

I’m ready to lead with integrity and vision - let’s build a stronger North Sioux City together.

Julie Burhoop

A Thoughtful Leader Committed to Smart Growth & Community Well-Being

I’m honored to be running for the 3-year Commissioner position on the North Sioux City city council. North Sioux City has been my home since 2004, and I’m deeply invested in its future. With a background in architecture and experience in business, I bring a unique skill set to city leadership - one that values listening, collaboration, and problem-solving.

As an architect, I have worked closely with clients to balance their needs, budgets, and project goals while coordinating with multiple stakeholders. These same skills - listening, analyzing, and making informed decisions - are essential for effective leadership on the city council.

Our city is at a turning point. The 2024 flood reinforced the urgent need for strong mitigation and safety response plans, and I am committed to ensuring North Sioux City remains a safe, thriving, and well-prepared community. The new city government structure challenges us to think beyond individual wards and make decisions that benefit the entire city. I believe in building strong, win-win relationships between residents and local businesses to foster sustainable growth.

Above all, I will listen to all voices - whether we agree or not - and make the best decisions for our city with integrity and careful consideration.

Leadership & Community Service

✔ Commissioner | North Sioux City Planning & Zoning Commission
✔ Vice President of Communications | McCook Lake Association
✔ Mentor Mom | Bereaved Mothers Group, Sunnybrook Community Church
✔ Leadership Team | The Dentist of Siouxland
✔ Member | Women United
✔ Board of Directors | Junior League of Sioux City
✔ President | GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center
✔ Board of Directors | Sonshine Station Preschool
✔ Member | Sunnybrook Community Church

Awards & Honors

  • 2015 “Top Ten Under Forty” | Siouxland Magazine
  • 2014 CMBA Difference Maker Award
  • 2012-2013 Junior League of Sioux City “Spirit of Junior League” Award

Education & Credentials

  • Bachelor of Architecture | Cum Laude | Iowa State University
  • Licensed Architect in 6 states (Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, Texas)
  • American Institute of Architects, Member
  • National Council of Architecture Registration Boards, Certified

I’m ready to serve with honesty, vision, and dedication - together, let’s build a stronger North Sioux City!

Jessica Strain

Dedicated to Growth, Community, and Giving Every Resident a Voice

Like so many, my husband, Darren, and I chose North Sioux City as our home because of the opportunities it offered. For the past 17 years, I’ve worked at CNOS, helping patients heal while managing a team of 28 front office ambassadors across seven locations. North Sioux City has given so much to my family, and now I’m ready to give back.

As a candidate for the 2-Year Commissioner position, my commitment is simple: to listen, to lead with integrity, and to ensure every resident’s voice is heard. We need steady, responsible growth that keeps taxes affordable, strengthens our schools, and preserves the strong community spirit that makes this city special.

The tragedy of June 2024 left lasting scars on our lakeside residents, and our city must continue to heal and rebuild—stronger than before. I am committed to finding solutions that bring our community together while ensuring that North Sioux City remains a place where families can build their futures for generations to come.

We deserve leaders who make informed, thoughtful decisions, balancing growth with sustainability and fiscal responsibility. I will always lead with an open mind, honesty, and transparency, putting the best interests of North Sioux City first.

Leadership & Experience

✔ CNOS | Manages 28 front office ambassadors across 7 locations

I look forward to earning your support and your vote on April 8—together, we can shape a brighter future for North Sioux City!

David Wilch

Integrity, Service, and a Vision for North Sioux City’s Future

My family and I fell in love with North Sioux City the moment we moved here in 2021. My wife, Rachel, and I are raising our three children - Hadley (5), Oakley (3), and Calvin (1) - in a place where community matters, neighbors support each other, and integrity is valued.

As a candidate for the 1-Year Council Term, I believe strong leadership requires foresight, integrity, and a servant-minded approach. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to helping others and strengthening communities - whether as Vice President of Elevate Community Church, former President of Her Health Women’s Center, or leading youth programs that impact hundreds of families across Siouxland.

North Sioux City is a wonderful place to live, but we face critical challenges that require proactive solutions. From flood recovery and future mitigation efforts to improving city communication and strengthening local amenities, I am committed to working alongside our city staff to serve our residents with transparency and care.

This election is about trust and leadership—ensuring those in office put the needs of the people first. I am eager to bring my passion for service and problem-solving to the City Council and work for the betterment of every resident in North Sioux City.

Leadership & Experience

✔ President | Her Health Women’s Center
✔ Vice President | Elevate Community Church

I look forward to earning your support and your vote on April 8 - let’s work together to build a stronger, more connected North Sioux City!