Read the latest news on our projects and initiatives.

The 2024 Next Gen Perceptions Survey of 2,061 mostly young residents found that 62% under 30 plan to stay in Greater Dubuque due to family, jobs, and community. Those considering leaving cite limited job options, desire for diversity, and bigger cities. The survey helps guide efforts to retain and attract young talent.

This plan serves as a strategic guide for the city's physical, social, and economic development. It emphasizes community engagement, with over 6,000 participants contributing more than 12,500 ideas through various outreach efforts. The plan informs City Council goal-setting, budget priorities, and land use decisions, aiming to shape Dubuque's future in alignment with community values.

The 2003 Downtown Dubuque Master Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for revitalizing the city's downtown area. Developed by the Downtown Planning Committee with support from city officials and community partners, the plan focuses on six key elements: commerce, culture/education/entertainment, historical features, public space/open areas, residential living, and transportation. It identifies current conditions, opportunities for development, barriers to investment, and priority actions to guide future growth and enhance the downtown experience.

The 2017–2018 Five Flags Civic Center study recommended replacing the aging arena with a new, modern facility while preserving the historic theater, based on community input and an assessment of the center’s importance to Dubuque’s culture and economy.

The 2024 Chaplain Schmitt Island Development Plan outlines a vision to transform the island into a vibrant destination with new amenities like a boutique hotel, outdoor amphitheater, and improved riverfront access. It focuses on enhancing natural resources, connectivity, and mixed-use development to boost recreation, tourism, and economic growth.

The Schmitt Island Sports Complex Feasibility Study proposes a $75 million multi-sport facility to fill regional gaps, boost sports tourism, and create over 1,000 jobs in Dubuque. The project includes expanded ice rinks, indoor sports space, and upgraded fields, with an expected $20 million annual economic impact.

The "Your Story Dubuque" initiative is a community-driven effort to develop a 10-year Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan for the city. Emphasizing the theme "Y(Our) Story," the plan aims to reflect on Dubuque's past, assess its present, and envision its future through public engagement. Residents are encouraged to participate by completing surveys, providing feedback on interactive maps, and attending workshops and pop-up events. The planning process began in April 2025, with the final plan expected to be adopted in early 2026.

The “Arts Mean Business” initiative highlights Dubuque’s nonprofit arts sector as a major economic driver, generating $70.4 million annually, supporting over 1,500 jobs, and contributing millions in government revenue. The city promotes partnerships between arts and business to boost creative and economic growth.

The Arts & Culture Master Plan is a 10-year roadmap developed through extensive community engagement to enhance Dubuque's cultural and economic vitality. It identifies key priorities such as expanding public art, fostering inclusivity, supporting creative businesses, and strengthening community partnerships. The plan is guided by a Community Enactment Strategy, which organizes volunteers into working groups focused on areas like accessibility, creative economy, and branding. These efforts aim to position the arts as a catalyst for civic pride, economic growth, and social connection in Dubuque.

The Historic Millwork District Revitalization is transforming Dubuque’s former warehouse area into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. Through major infrastructure upgrades, sustainability efforts, and housing and business development, the district blends historic preservation with modern urban living and economic growth.

The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) is the tri-state region’s transportation planning agency, guiding long-term infrastructure, transit, and mobility improvements across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. It coordinates regional projects, manages federal transportation funding, and supports multimodal planning to ensure safe and efficient movement for all travelers.

The Central Avenue Corridor Initiative is a comprehensive revitalization effort focused on transforming Dubuque’s historic Central Avenue into a safer, more vibrant, and multimodal corridor. Through community input and strategic planning, the City is enhancing walkability, bike access, and public spaces while preserving the area’s architectural character. Phased infrastructure upgrades, paired with housing incentives and storefront improvements, aim to attract investment and improve quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

Dubuque’s 2022 Workforce Housing Needs Assessment, conducted by the East Central Intergovernmental Association for Greater Dubuque Development, evaluated whether Dubuque qualifies as a “distressed housing community” to activate Workforce Housing Tax Incentives. The study found a notable housing shortage—characterized by low vacancy rates, rising housing costs amidst low unemployment—and significant demand across income levels. Increasing housing permits since 2019 reflect rising development, but the demand still outpaces supply, especially for workforce and affordable units.