Ian Baltutis (Burlington City Council, North Carolina, candidate 2025)

Ian Baltutis

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Burlington City Council

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 4, 2025

Education

High school

Washburn High School

Bachelor's

Elon University, 2008

Personal

Birthplace

Minneapolis, Minn.

Religion

Unitarian Universalist

Profession

Entrepreneur

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Ian Baltutis ran for election to the Burlington City Council in North Carolina. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Baltutis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Ian Baltutis provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2025:

• Birth date: August 10, 1985
• Birth place: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• High school: Washburn High School
• Bachelor's: Elon University, 2008
• Graduate: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, 2024
• Gender: Male
• Religion: Unitarian Universalist
• Profession: Entrepreneur
• Prior offices held:
  • Mayor (2015-2021)
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: For the Love of Burlington
• Campaign website
• Campaign endorsements
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram

Elections

General election

General election for Burlington City Council (2 seats)

Ian Baltutis, Harold Owen, Jeffrey Smythe, and Donna M. Vanhook ran in the general election for Burlington City Council on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Ian Baltutis (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Harold Owen (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Jeffrey Smythe (Nonpartisan)
		Donna M. Vanhook (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Baltutis's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Baltutis in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Ian Baltutis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Baltutis' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an entrepreneur, a community-builder, a professional city planner, and the former three-term Mayor of Burlington.

I chose to make Burlington my home after graduating from Elon University in 2008. As an entrepreneur, I founded a successful product design and manufacturing company, learning firsthand the importance of fiscal discipline and innovative problem-solving. My commitment to our community’s social fabric led me to help found the Burlington Beer Works Co-op and to open Persnickety Books, our city's only independent bookstore, which operates on a mission of giving books and people a second chance.

From 2015 to 2021, I had the honor of serving as Burlington’s youngest-ever Mayor. During my tenure, we led a revitalization of our downtown, built miles of new sidewalks, expanded our parks, and launched our first regional transit system.

After my time as Mayor, recognizing that our city’s challenges were becoming more complex, I deliberately invested in preparing to meet them. I earned a Master's degree in City & Regional Planning and supplemented my studies with extensive graduate coursework in Public Administration to gain the specialized expertise needed to solve today's complex budget and infrastructure issues.

I am now running for City Council to bring this unique combination of hands-on mayoral experience, business acumen, and expert planning knowledge back to public service. My goal is to restore competent, forward-thinking leadership to City Hall.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Our city is facing the consequences of a failure of leadership: rising taxes driven by rushed, poorly planned projects with massive cost overruns. My first priority is to restore fiscal discipline to City Hall. This means implementing a data-driven Capital Improvement Plan to guide all spending, eliminating waste, and holding our government accountable for every tax dollar. As a former Mayor and successful business owner, I have the experience to stop the cycle of reckless spending, like forfeiting a $25 million grant, and ensure our city operates efficiently and responsibly.
• Burlington’s challenges with traffic, housing, and infrastructure require more than just political will; they require technical expertise. After my time as Mayor, I earned a Master's degree in City & Regional Planning to gain the specific skills to solve these problems. I will use this knowledge to build a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous city. My plan includes zoning reform to encourage more housing options and walkable neighborhoods, and a modern, hybrid transit system that is both efficient and effective. It's time for smart, forward-thinking planning to guide our future.
• Trust in our local government has been broken. To fix it, we need fundamental, structural reform. My plan is to make our government truly representative and accountable to you. I will lead the effort to expand our City Council from 5 to 7 seats, creating 3 district-based seats to ensure every neighborhood has a dedicated champion at City Hall. I will also fight to tear down barriers to voting by finally establishing an early voting location right here in Burlington. This is how we build a more just, inclusive, and responsive democracy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about the art and science of building great places. For me, public policy is about shaping a city that works better for everyone. This passion drives my focus on reforming our zoning code to create more walkable, connected neighborhoods where local businesses can thrive and families feel safe. It means designing infrastructure not just for cars, but for people, creating vibrant public spaces that foster community. Ultimately, I believe that thoughtful, expert-led city planning is the most powerful tool we have to build a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable Burlington for the next generation.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The City Council is where state law meets the street. While it operates under the authority of the state, it is the most important testing ground for public policy. It possesses three unique qualities:

First, it is the front line of governance. The City Council is the legislative body closest to the people, tasked with translating broad state mandates on everything from environmental protection to public health into tangible, local services. The success or failure of state-level policy often depends on the competence and expertise of its implementation at the city level.

Second, it is a laboratory of democracy. Cities can be more nimble than state or federal governments, allowing them to pioneer innovative solutions to complex problems like housing, transportation, and sustainability. A well-run city can create a successful model that other communities, and even the state, can adopt.

Finally, it is the primary engine of the state's economy. It is within city limits that businesses are founded, jobs are created, and the infrastructure that supports commerce is built and maintained. A city council that plans for growth responsibly is a vital partner in the economic health of the entire state.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The single most important characteristic is integrity. This goes beyond mere honesty; it is a profound commitment to transparency and process. Trust is the currency of good government, and it is earned when residents know that decisions are being made openly and for the right reasons, even when they may disagree with the outcome.

Second is a deep sense of stewardship. An elected official is the temporary caretaker of the community’s resources, reputation, and future. This means treating every tax dollar with respect, protecting our public spaces, and making decisions based on the long-term health of the city, not short-term political gain.

This requires foresight. It's not enough to be reactive; a leader must have the expertise and vision to plan for the next decade. As a city planner, I believe in using data and a comprehensive plan to anticipate challenges and guide our growth, rather than lurching from one crisis to the next.

Finally, an official must have courage. This is the principle that activates all the others. It is the courage to stand up for the entire community's best interest, not just the powerful and well-connected. It’s the courage to reject a bad deal, like forfeiting a $25 million grant for our city, and to make the right decision, even when it’s the hard one.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The foremost responsibility is to serve as a prudent fiscal steward of taxpayer money. This is an active, not a passive, role. It means rigorously scrutinizing the annual budget, asking tough questions, demanding data to justify spending, and constantly seeking efficiencies to ensure every dollar delivers maximum value. This is how we keep taxes and fees affordable for working families.

Second is to set clear, forward-thinking policy. A council member's job is to establish a predictable, fair framework for our city's growth and operations. This requires using expert tools, like a Capital Improvement Plan, to guide our infrastructure investments, and reforming our ordinances to meet modern challenges, from housing attainability to traffic management.

A core duty is to facilitate genuine community engagement. This goes beyond the three minutes at a podium in a formal meeting. It means proactively seeking out resident voices, holding meetings in neighborhoods, ensuring our process is accessible to all, and building a true partnership with the community we serve.

Finally, perhaps the most critical responsibility is to hire and provide oversight for a professional City Manager. The council sets the vision, and the manager executes it. This requires holding the manager accountable for performance, transparency, and ensuring that the entire city organization is responsive and effective.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy won't be measured in brick and mortar, but in the strength of our community's connections and the confidence of its citizens. I've always chosen to apply myself to projects that build a stronger sense of community and, more importantly, encourage more people to take ownership and leadership in shaping our shared future.

The greatest satisfaction I feel is when I see the seeds of an idea, planted years ago, now flourishing and filled with new life and energy.

I vividly remember when our downtown was often deserted, a place of quiet potential but little activity. Today, when I sit on the patio at Burlington Beer Works, a community-owned co-op I was proud to help found, and see the bustling, diverse city life all around me, I see the proof of what we can achieve together. That energy, that connection, is what this is all about.

But that revitalized streetscape is only the beginning of the larger legacy I hope to leave.

The ultimate legacy is a city where that sense of ownership is so deeply embedded that new leaders are constantly stepping up, new ideas are always taking root, and the work of building a better Burlington becomes a shared, joyful responsibility for everyone. It's a legacy of a more engaged, connected, and empowered community that continues to build its own bright future, long after any one of us has left office.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was at a local auto repair shop in my hometown of Minneapolis called Quality Coaches Inc. I started at the bottom, sweeping the shop floors and emptying the trash cans. I worked there throughout my high school years.

Over time, the owner and the senior mechanics took me under their wing. They mentored me, and I learned the trade from the ground up—how to diagnose complex problems and how to repair all kinds of cars, including some incredible classic British sportscars. It taught me the value of skilled work and the satisfaction of fixing something with your own hands.

But the most valuable lesson wasn't about mechanics; it was about community. I saw how the owner wasn't just a businessman; he was a trusted neighbor. People came to him not just with broken cars, but with their problems, and he treated them with respect and integrity. He built a business that was a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

That experience taught me the profound impact a local business owner can have, and it’s where I first learned the value of building trust, solving problems for your neighbors, and taking pride in your work. It’s a philosophy that has guided my own entrepreneurial career and my approach to public service here in Burlington.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of my biggest personal struggles has been bridging the gap between my nature as an introvert and the demands of public life. When I first decided to run for office, the idea of constant public engagement, knocking on thousands of doors, speaking to large groups, always being "on," required pushing myself far beyond my natural comfort zone. It was a daily challenge that required me to consciously practice new skills and learn how to balance my innate need for quiet reflection with the profound responsibility of being truly present in the community.

What began as a struggle, however, has become what I consider my greatest strength as a public servant.

I am deeply grateful for the balance I've found through this process. My introversion makes me a deep and patient listener at the door; I'm there to understand, not just to talk. More importantly, it gives me the focus and energy to do the quiet, essential work that effective governance requires. I am at my best when I can spend time reading and mulling over the complex challenges our city faces, whether it's a dense budget document, a complex zoning ordinance, or a new engineering report.

This balance allows me to be both incredibly thoughtful in my preparation and genuinely engaged when listening to our community members. It enables me to find creative, collaborative solutions with our Council and staff, and ultimately, to serve our city with both thoughtful consideration and authentic connection.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The single most powerful, and often overlooked, responsibility of the City Council is its authority over the city’s zoning code and land use plan.

This isn't just a technical exercise for planners; it is the fundamental blueprint that shapes nearly every aspect of our daily lives. The zoning code dictates what can be built where, which directly impacts the availability and cost of housing, the level of traffic on our streets, and the viability of small, neighborhood businesses. It determines whether our communities are walkable and connected or sprawling and car-dependent. It has a profound effect on everything from public health outcomes to our city's long-term fiscal stability.

When this power is wielded without expertise or a clear vision, it can lead to the very problems our residents are most concerned about. Conversely, when it is used thoughtfully and strategically, it is our most effective tool for building a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable city. This is why having a professional city planner with a Master's degree on the council is not a luxury, but a necessity for navigating Burlington's future.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

At its core, a City Council should be a team that reflects the community it serves. I don't believe every member needs to be an expert in government; in fact, it's often better that they bring valuable lived experience and a deep, empathetic understanding of our residents' daily challenges. A council is at its strongest when it includes a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.

That being said, it is incredibly beneficial for the council as a team to have members with proven, active experience in government. The key is to define what kind of experience matters. There is a profound difference between the passive experience of simply holding a seat for years and the active, proven experience of leadership.

This is the specific value I bring to the team. My background as a three-term Mayor means I already know the intricacies of a municipal budget. I have a track record of managing city departments, working with staff to solve complex problems, and building the regional partnerships necessary to secure grants and get things done. It means I've already led a successful downtown revitalization and built the consensus needed to launch a regional transit system.

Ultimately, the most effective council is a blend of leaders—some with deep roots and lived experience, and others with the technical and governmental know-how to help translate the community's vision into effective policy. My background and expertise fill a key need on our council, but it is the combination of all our strengths that will build the best future for Burlington.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

First and foremost, a council member must have fiscal acumen. This means having the real-world experience, whether from running a business or a city department, to understand a multi-million-dollar budget, identify inefficiencies, and act as a responsible steward of taxpayer money.

Second, given the challenges facing modern cities, technical expertise in city systems is now essential. A deep understanding of city planning, infrastructure management, and zoning is no longer optional. This expertise allows a leader to move beyond political debates and focus on data-driven, effective solutions.

Third is collaborative leadership. A council member is one vote of many. The ability to listen, build consensus, and work as a team is critical to turning good ideas into effective policy.

Finally, a leader needs exceptional communication skills. This isn't just about public speaking; it's about the ability to translate complex policy into clear, understandable terms for residents, and, most importantly, the ability to genuinely listen and integrate community feedback into the decision-making process.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

The City Council's most unique and important quality is its power of proximity. It is the level of government closest and most accessible to the people it serves. A resident can speak directly to a council member at the grocery store, share an idea at a community meeting, and see the direct results of their advocacy in their own neighborhood.

This proximity makes it the government of our daily lives. The decisions made by the City Council have a tangible, immediate impact on the safety of the streets our children walk on, the quality of the parks where we gather, and the reliability of the water that comes out of our taps.

At a time when national politics can feel distant and divisive, the City Council is where democracy is most real. It is the place where a single, engaged resident can still make a profound difference. This makes it a powerful antidote to cynicism and the most important arena for building a hopeful, responsive, and effective government from the ground up.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Down Home North Carolina

Alamance County Democratic Party

Democratic Municipal Officials

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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