I see how it might seem that way to people who aren’t paying attention. The part that is newsworthy is always the result of the final act that formally creates a new ordinance, investment, or policy on a formal City Council Agenda and is nearly always recommended by the City Manager.
So the question really is this: Where did the recommendation come from? In our chosen form of government, The Mayor and City Council are the elected officials that operate as a board of direc...
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Current Issues
Development: Our Goal is Always Trying to Get to “YES”
Sometimes we have to say no.
Development is happening at a faster pace than ever in recent history in and around Dubuque. The challenge we elected officials and our professional staff deal with in every single development agreement is balancing the public good with the private needs of the developer to build out a successful project.
Contrary to the beliefs of some, each and every development agreement that involves the potential sale or acquisition of city property is presented to the Ci...
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City Council Goals and Priorities
Goals & Priorities as established August 26, 2024
The 2039 Dubuque Vision Statement
Dubuque 2039 is a sustainable and resilient city, an inclusive and equitable community where ALL are welcome. Dubuque 2039 has preserved our Masterpiece on the Mississippi, has a strong, diverse economy and expanding connectivity. Our residents experience healthy living and active lifestyles; have choices of quality, affordable, livable neighborhoods; have an abundance of diverse, fun things to do; and...
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Eagle Point and our Park System
Eagle Point and our Park System
A number of citizens have expressed disappointment in the state of Eagle Point Park. A treasured location for all of us, Eagle Point Park is the victim of some deferred maintenance and short staffing.
The City Council was persuaded by a citizen group to dramatically reduce or eliminate chemical use in the parks. There is a noticeable difference in the mowed lawn areas because of this. Some areas cannot support turf without the chemical support and are...
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Ric Jones announces re-election bid
April 22, 2025
Dubuque City Council Member Ric Jones announces his bid for re-election to the At-Large City Council position this fall.
Ric has a wealth of experience in government and innovation as one of the very first paramedics in Iowa working 30+ years at the City of Dubuque Fire Department. After retirement he has worked as a program manager for NICC’s emergency medicine and law enforcem...
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Budget and Transparency
I am unaware of any city’s governing body that is more transparent than ours. Beginning tn the late summer of each year the City Council meets in open session with a facilitator over three days to establish our goals and priorities for the coming fiscal year. It is a grueling process where many great ideas don’t float to the top and are discarded. It is also a very gratifying process as we emerge with 10 high priorities for staff to focus their attention and resources on.
Throughout th...
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Sanitary Sewers
Several years ago it was becoming apparent that our sanitary sewer collection and processing system needed work to accommodate future growth.
In 2013 The City undertook to rebuild the entire Water Resource and Recovery Center, also known as the sewage treatment facility. The plant was completely rebuilt on the footprint of the existing facility without losing a single day of operations.
It was becoming obvious that the sewage collection system was nearing capacity, especially the catf...
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Historic Millwork District
The Caradco building is fully occupied.
Novelty Iron Works is occupied and now leasing space.
Dupaco has relocated their headquarters after completion of a top to bottom renovation and re-purposing of the Voices Building.
The Intermodal Facility and parking ramp are open and operating. The Jule as well as Trailways buses operate from this facility.
Restaurants and bars are thriving in the district.
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Public Safety
This is my old stomping grounds and I am very proud to say it is in great shape.
Fire and EMS
Our Fire and EMS Department recently became a fully accredited agency! This required years of work to assure that the Department said what it was going to do and did what it said!
Technology and Training head the list of ongoing improvements in the field. New strategies powered by science help in fire attack as well as the approach to medical emergencies.
A third ambulance is now staffed at Fire Stati...
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Streets (and STREETS)
The City of Dubuque in partnership with East Central Intergovernmental Association and the Iowa DOT to implement the STREETS (Smart Traffic Routing with Efficient and Effective Traffic System) project. This innovative integrated system will provide real time redirection to vehicle navigation systems and will provide instant reprogramming of traffic signals to respond to changing conditions. This is the first project of its type and scope in the US.
We were very pleased with the results of the "...
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