
THE CHANGE WE NEED.
THE VOICE YOU DESERVE.
Dr. NATE DUNLAP, JR.

VISION & PRIORITIES
As your next Ward 2 City Council representative, I believe that my vision and priorities should reflect our shared goals—a future rooted in progress, equity, and collaboration.
Opelika, and Ward 2 specifically, have changed significantly over the past 5, 10, and even 20 years. My goal is to build on what’s already working and improve it through thoughtful, intentional, and transformative action for the good of both our citizens and our city.
You don’t have to be a lifelong resident to recognize both the growth and the ongoing challenges in Ward 2. While some areas have seen exciting development, others still face stagnation and socioeconomic barriers that must be addressed.
Progress isn’t just a buzzword—it’s something we must plan for, invest in, and deliver. With your help, I will prioritize people—your families, your neighborhoods, your future. Together, we can tackle today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities, ensuring that as Opelika continues to grow, all of Ward 2 grows equitably alongside it.
01
ECONOMIC
OPPORTUNITIES
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Poverty reduction
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Financial empowerment
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Economic development
02
HOUSING
STABILITY
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Address affordability
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Bridge partnerships to expand housing solutions
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Champion for tenants and landlords
03
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
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Live among the people
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Listen to understand concerns
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Lead the people where it benefits them
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MEET DR. NATHANIEL DUNLAP
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Dr. Nathaniel Dunlap Jr. is a seasoned leader with a distinguished background in government service, education, and community activism. Now running for Opelika City Council, Ward 2, Dr. Dunlap brings a wealth of experience to serve the community. His platform focuses on expanding economic opportunities, promoting housing stability, and fostering community engagement – aimed at improving the quality of life for every Opelika resident.
A wartime veteran, Dr. Nate served honorably as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army, with a decorated career in the USACID Command. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, he answered the call once again, receiving a direct commission as an Army Chaplain Candidate with the Georgia Department of Defense. He also led the U.S. Army’s Personal Financial Management Course at Fort Benning, GA, for five years while also quietly serving as a consultant on national security matters to the federal government for nearly two decades, before returning full-time to nonprofit ministry.


Dr. Nate is the Founder and Executive Director of the PRF Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching financial literacy and stewardship principles to diverse communities across the nation. Dr. Dunlap is the author of three books: Don’t Leave Me Like This: Inspiration to Leave a Legacy, What’s Next? Preparing for Eternity, and the recently published Journey to Freedom: Principles to Live By.
In higher education, Dr. Dunlap has served as an adjunct professor, teaching courses in personal law and criminal justice for Vincennes University. In 2021, after being recruited by the president of Point University in West Point, GA, Dr. Dunlap joined the university’s executive leadership team (commonly referred to as the president’s cabinet), serving as Chief Diversity Officer and administrative faculty in the Biblical Studies Department until 2023. From 2023 to 2025, he led Circles Opelika, a local initiative dedicated to reducing poverty and empowering families in the Opelika community.


He holds an undergraduate degree from Virginia State University, graduate degrees from Columbus State University and Columbia Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Conflict Transformation from New York Theological Seminary.
Dr. Dunlap is intentional about serving humanity—regardless of race, color, religious affiliation, or socioeconomic status. As an ordained minister, Rev. Dr. Dunlap has pastored several churches in Alabama and Georgia. An active member of the Masonic order for nearly 30 years, serving in the jurisdictions of Colorado, Georgia, and South Carolina, Past Master Dunlap currently serves as the elected Right Worshipful Grand Chaplain for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina.
He and his wife of 20 years, Cathy, have lived in Lee County since 2004 and made Opelika their permanent home in 2020. They are a blended family with three adult children and one granddaughter.
VISION. WORK. IMPACT. THAT'S HOW WE SHAPE TOMORROW.