Erb honored at League of Cities annual conference

To The Press

James Erb, former longtime mayor of Charles City, was inducted into the League of Cities Hall of Fame during the group’s annual conference recently.

Selection for the award is made on the basis of service rendered to city government, advocating for cities and good local government, and providing exceptional professional assistance and support to cities.

“Even after his tenure as mayor, he continues to volunteer to improve the city of Charles City,” said Hall of Fame member Jeff Schott when presenting the award at the conference in Dubuque.

The League Hall of Fame Award was created in 1995 to recognize individuals who have provided extraordinary public service to the League and local government. The Hall of Fame has previously been awarded to elected or appointed city officials, business or civic leaders and former members of the League staff.

Erb has served and been an advocate for Charles City for many years, according to the League citation. He served as mayor for 20 years from 1996 to 2017, and was on the Iowa League of Cities Executive Board from 2013 to 2017, including serving as president in 2016-2017.

He was involved in many projects during his tenure as mayor, including construction of the first whitewater course in Iowa, recovery efforts after flooding events and establishment of the TIF districts for the community.

Erb is the 51st member of League’s Hall of Fame. League Hall of Fame inductees are nominated for the honor by their peers.

Dave Heiar, senior advisor and community coach of the Jackson County Economic Alliance, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.