Correspondence to State Legislators As They Prepare for 2022 Legislative SessionCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Consent Items # 5.
Copyrighted
January 18, 2022
ITEM TITLE: Correspondence to State Legislators As They Prepare for 2022
Legislative Session
SUMMARY: City Manager providing a copy of correspondence submitted to State
Legislators as they prepare for the 2022 legislative session.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Correspondence to State Legislators as They Prepare
for 2022 Legislative Session
List of Legislators
Dubuque County Population Estimates
10-16-2019 Ltr to State Legislators
Creating an Equitable Community of Choice
Gallup Analysis-W here You'll Want to Live in 2032
Population Increase 1950 to 2020
Iowa County Population and Numeric Change April
2010 to April 2020 20
Iowa County Population and Percent Change April
2010-Apri 12020
2022 State Legislative Priorities
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Mike Van Milligen
From: Mike Van Milligen
Sent: Saturdav, January 8, 2022 9:57 AM
To:
Cc: Teri Goodmann
Subject: A message from the City of Dubuque as you prepare for the 2022 legislative session
Attachments: Dubuque_County_Population_Estimates.pdf, 19_10_16 Letter to State Legislators re State of Iowa
Needs to be an Equitable State of Choice.pdf; Creating an Equitable Community of Choice one sided
CM024-072820.pdf; Gallup Analysis - Where You'll Want to Live in 2032.pdf, Population Increase
1950 to 2020.pdf; Iowa County Population and Numeric Change April 201 to April 2020.pdf, Iowa
County Population and Percent Change April 2010-April 2020.pdf; 2022
_State_Legislative_Priorities_FINAL.pdf
As you prepare for the 2022 legislative session I hope you have time to review the chart at the end of this e-mail (and
attached) showing the population change in Iowa and the 6 contiguous states from the 1950 — 2020 census. What can our
part be in improving Iowa's growth trajectory before it is too late?
I hope you also have time to review the link (https://www.iowadatacenter.org/data/decennial/2020map) to the two
maps (also attached) that show the change in Iowa population by county from the 2010 — 2020 census. Of the 99 Iowa
counties you will see 70 had a decrease in population over that 10 year period, and some of those with an increase the
increase is very small, even in some larger population counties, for instance, Blackhawk County/Waterloo (increase in
population of only 58), Pottawattamie County/Council Bluffs (increase in population of only 518), Woodbury County/Sioux
City (increase in population of only 3,766), Dubuque County/Dubuque (increase in population of only 5,623) are examples
of meager growth. Of the 30 counties that saw an increase in population from 2010 — 2020 only 5 showed any significant
growth; Polk County/Des Moines (61,770 - 14.3%), Dallas County/West Des Moines -Urbandale -Waukee -Clive -Grimes
(33,539 - 50.7%), Story County/Ames (8,995 - 10%) Linn County/Cedar Rapids (19,056 - 9%) and Johnson County/Iowa City
(21,972 - 16.8%).
The information is pretty discouraging and a wake-up call, but I wanted you to know there is hope and it is not too late
to take decisive action with the tools at our disposal, or new tools that could be created.
Why do I believe there is hope? You will see that demonstrated in one of the attachments. The first attachment (created
by the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation), "There is Nothing for You Here," shows a period in the history of
Dubuque County beginning in the 1970's. You will see that there was a precipitous decline in population after the
Mississippi River flood of 1965 and then the farm crisis of the 1980's. Dubuque County had the highest unemployment
rate in the country at 24% in 1982, with t-shirts and a billboard that said, "Will the last person to leave Dubuque please
turn out the lights." But the people of Dubuque County did not give up, and after losing 10% of the population through
1990, Dubuque County began the long, slow climb out of that huge hole and in 2013 surpassed the all-time high
population count of the past. Tax Increment Financing was an important tool in supporting this success.
I have also attached an October 16, 2019, letter (without attachments) I sent to our legislators to show that this is not a
problem caused by the pandemic, but the pandemic will probably exacerbate the problem.
How did Dubuque do it when other cities like Youngstown, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, South Bend, Indiana, and many
more have struggled? That is the third attachment, "Creating an Equitable Community of Choice built on the four pillars
of Sustainability, Resiliency, Equity and Compassion through Planning, Partnerships and People."
Dubuque, and Dubuque's partners, used the "All In" strategy (including the use of Tax Increment Financing), spending
hundreds of millions of dollars to build industrial parks, redevelop the riverfront, eliminate flooding, improve roads,
invest in downtown, the Historic Millwork District, the neighborhoods, education and, most importantly, listening to and
investing in people, in partnership with Dubuque County, the Dubuque Community School District, Northeast Iowa
Community College, East Central Intergovernmental Association, the State of Iowa, the federal government,
neighborhood associations, the business community, the colleges, the philanthropic community, organized labor, and
not -for -profit partners.
Another ray of hope is the attachment that shows that in 2012 Gallup broke the United States into 9 regions and
surveyed 480,000 people across the country asking them in 2032 what region they would want to live. You might think it
was the southwest, or the southeast, but it was not. While Iowa ranked in the enviable position of 7t" as a state, the
region of 7 states that included Iowa ranked #1!
We all have the ability to influence this lackluster population trajectory, especially over the next 5 years, with the
deployment of the additional federal infrastructure resources and the support of Governor Kim Reynolds for affordable
housing, broadband, sewer and water infrastructure, roads, onshoring manufacturing, job creation, child care, workforce
development, education, tourism, poverty prevention and reduction, equity and other important initiatives. To do that, I
believe, we all need to aggressively and quickly deploy all available resources in partnership with farmers, counties, cities,
schools, financial institutions, non -profits, private businesses and developers through creative initiatives.
We look forward to working in partnership to help create and implement those creative initiatives. The City of
Dubuque's legislative priorities are attached. Thank you for your service to the State of Iowa!
Mike
Poplulation Increase 1950 to 2020
120%
110%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30
20%
10%
0
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Telephone: 563-589-4110
Fax: 563-589-4149
www.cityofdubuque.org
Dubuque: Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Before printing this e-mail, please determine if it is truly necessary
The Honorable Pam Jochum The Honorable Carrie Koelker The Honorable Lindsay James
Senate Chamber Senate Chamber House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building Iowa Capitol Building Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines. IA 50319 Des Moines. IA 50319 Des Moines. IA 50319
The Honorable Chuck Isenhart The Honorable Steven Bradley The Honorable Shannon
House Chamber House Chamber Lundgren
Iowa Capitol Building Iowa Capitol Building House Chamber
Des Moines. IA 50319 Des Moines. IA 50319 Iowa Capital Buildina
Dubuque
THE CrfY OF
D u E
A11•knietita city
' 11111
2007•?012.2013
2017*2019
Masterpiece on the MISSISSIffl
October 16, 2019
{<Com pieteO FF I CIAL Name_Address>>
Dear (<Title)> ({Last)>,
City Manager's Office
CIiV Flail
50 Wes[ 13th Street
Dubuque. FA 52001-4845
Office 1563 y 589-41 10
Fax (563) 589-4149
TTY (503) 690-6679
ctymgr a,ciryo I'd ubuque.org
wwev. c i ryo fdu buq ue. o rg
A crisis is occurring in the State of Iowa before our very eyes. The crisis is both partially
caused by and masked by the State of Iowa low unemployment rate of 2.4%.
What is the crisis? In spite of some pockets of modest prosperity the State of Iowa, and
states similar to Iowa, are struggling.
This issue was highlighted in an April 4, 2018 article in the Wail Street Journal, "Iowa's
Employment Problem: Too Many Jobs, Not Enough People." (Attachment #1) A few
lines in that article stand out,"If every employed person in the Midwest was placed in an
open job, there would still be more than 189,000 unfilled positions, according to the
most recent Labor Department Data. The 12-state region is the only area of the country
where jots openings outnumber out of work job seekers.' And, "The Midwest has seen
an outflow of people. A net 1.3 million people living in the Midwest in 2010 had left by
the middle of last year, according to census data."
The State of Iowa needs to be an Equitable State of Choice to retain and attract a
skilled workforce so existing employers can grow, so Iowa entrepreneurs can start new
businesses and so that Iowa can attract new companies to call Iowa home.
We know that Iowa is a great place to live with a high quality of life, a good education
system, modest cost of living and low crime rates, but what the numbers are telling us is
that is not enough. We have all heard the definition of insanity is to keep doing things
the same way and expect to get different results. I know this is not how you operate.
The international economy Is at a turning point as is the economy of the United States
and the State of Iowa. We are entering the 4th industrial revolution where the
importance of an updated infrastructure is paramount to success and the most
important part of that infrastructure is going to be a skilled and adequate workforce.
In the attached (Attachment #2) article, "The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities
and Challenges," it is pointed out that, `in the future, talent, more than capital, will
represent the critical factors of production."
<Jitle}> <(Firsb (<Last>)
October 16, 2019
Page 2
Iowa is competing on a world stage. In doing this, Iowa must fight above its weight
class. Iowa only has eleven cities with a population greater than 50,000 people. With
3.1 million people, Iowa is only the 30lh largest state in the United States_ Iowa needs
more and better tools to compete successfully for jobs and workers, and needs to use
these tools more aggressively.
Communities across the Midwest are having difficulties adjusting to the changing
economy:
Information recently released by the State of Iowa Legislative Services Agency shows
the change in population in counties across Iowa 2010-2017 (Attachment #3). It is a
frightening trend that must serve as a wake-up call for all Iowans. If we want our
children and grandchildren to be able to stay in Iowa and be successful, we must all
work to make Iowa a place of choice, not only for businesses but also the workforce
they will need to thrive. We should be considering how to improve economic
development and community rehabilitation tools to create more growth in jobs and
population and to make the incentives more competitive.
Service People integrin• Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
((Titler) ((Firstrr <(Last)r
October 16, 2019
Page 3
Iowa Percent Change in Population by County 2010-2017
State of Iowa +3.2% (+99,356)
There are 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Only 23 showed any growth at all over a 7-
year period from 2010 to 2017. If you only consider counties that had at least 1 %
growth and have a population of 25,000 or more, only 11 of the 99 counties met these
criteria and four of them are in the Des Moines/Ames corridor. In fact, the Des Moines/
Ames corridor accounted for 81,808 (82%) of the 99,356 of the state-wide population
growth.
Even some of the counties that include some of Iowa's larger cities showed very little
growth or an actual decline.
COUNTY
Woodbury (Sioux City)
Muscatine (Muscatine)
Pottawattamie (Council Bluffs)
Jasper (Newton)
Wapello (Ottumwa)
Cerro Gordo (Mason City)
Webster (Fort Dodge)
Clinton (Clinton)
% Population Change: 2010-2017
+0.1 %
+0.3%
+0.0%
+0.4%
-1 .7%
-2.5%
-3.4%
-4.2%
Looking at micropolitan areas in the State of Iowa, the news on population change
(2010-2015) is not any better:
Scr%icc Proplr Integrity• Responsibility Innovarion Teamwork
<(Title>) ((First>> ((Last))
October 16, 2019
Page 4
The picture is just as discouraging when you look at the Estimated Population Migration
from 2010 to 2017 (Attachment #4). This measurement represents the number of
people who have moved to these counties vs. the number of people who have left. The
State of Iowa experienced a net inflow of only 24,342 people during this 7-year period.
If you only consider counties that had a net positive change of at least 1,000 people,
only 9 (9%) of the 99 counties met that criteria, with 4 of those in the Des Moines/Ames
Corridor.
Additional information from the Legislative Services Agency shows the change in
population and employment by County from 2010-2017 (Attachment #5). The news is
not good:
• 23 of the 99 counties have seen declines in both population and employment.
• 25 of the 99 counties have seen declines in employment for a total of lost jobs of
8,047.
Clinton County lost the most jobs at 1,835 (8%), but 10 counties lost more than
250 jobs.
■ Hamilton County lost 12.9% (874) of theirjobs, Cherokee County 12.8% (695)
and the average job loss of the 25 counties was 4.8%.
• 10 of the counties lost more than 5% of their jobs.
A 2018 report released by the Iowa Business Council, which represents many of the
state's largest employers, should be a great cause of concern for the State of Iowa.
When compared with how Iowa ranks among all 50 states in key metrics comparing the
year 2000 with 2017, it is clear that Iowa needs to do more to support economic
development, job growth, and workforce development:
2000 Ranking
2017 Ranking
Median Household Income
21
26
Gross State Product
29
30
811 Grade Reading Proficiency
11
17
811 Grade Math Proficiency
12
14
Education Attainment High School
9
11
Education Attainment Bachelor Degree
22
34
Gall up-Healthways Well -Being Index
7
19
We need to focus on how we can all work together to grow Iowa and to make our
communities a place of choice where our children and grandchildren want to stay and
service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
<(Title>) ((First>> ((Last))
October 16, 2019
Page 5
new people want to come as we deal with the biggest problem identified by business
and industry and that is the availability of a skilled workforce. We need to focus on
quality of life issues, on job creation, on job training, on our children's education and on
the future. To d❑ that we need tools at the local level and we need healthy, engaged
and active partners. Those partners need to support strategic initiatives around mental
health, childcare, quality affordable housing, job training, workforce development, job
creation and do all this looking through an equity lens.
In my humble opinion, now is not the time to be timid. We need to act and we need to
act now. Please look at expanding existing tools and creating new ones, while working
with local governments as strategic partners in the effort to create an Equitable State of
Choice.
Sincerely,
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM Jh
Attachments
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
The Honorable Pam Jochum The Honorable Carrie Koelker The Honorable Lindsay James
Senate Chamber Senate Chamber House Chamber
Iowa Capitol Building Iowa Capitol Building Iowa Capitol Building
Des Moines. ]A 50319 Des Moines. IA 50319 Des Moines. lA 50319
The Honorable Chuck Isenhart The Honorable Andy McKean The Honorable Shannon
House Chamber House Chamber Lundgren
Iowa Capitol Building Iowa Capitol Building House Chamber
Des Moines. IA 50319 Des Moines. IA 50319 Iowa Canital Building
THE CjiQbE
D
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Creating an Equitable
Community (and Organization
of Choice
AHigh-Performance Organization (and Community) with
Engaged Employees and Residents that is Data -Driven and
Outcome -Focused built on the four pillars of:
Through
BiI People
0
WHERE YOU'LL WANT
TO LIVE IN 2032
Gallup analysis shows that the West North
Central region (Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska,
Kansas) is the region poised for the brightest
future and likely to be one of the best areas to
live in 20 years.
WHY?
■ Workers in this area are likely to be employed full time for an employer in the type
of good jobs associated with high GDP.
■ Residents have the highest economic confidence in the nation, setting the region
up for a strong economic future.
■ Most likely to report easy access to clean, safe water, meaning that this region is
best positioned to address one of the critical resource challenges of the future.
80
120%
110%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
% Poplulation Increase 1950 to 2020
.�`0
wcaa
\4 Jar
�o
lowa County Population and Numeric Change
(from April 1, 2010 to April 1, 2020)
Lyon
Osceola
Dickinson
Emmet
Winnebago
Worth
Mitchell
Howard
11,934
6,192
17,703
9,388
10,679
7,443
10,565
9,469
Winneshisk
Allamak4k
(353)
(-270)
(1,036)
(-914)
Kossuth
(-195)
(-148)
(-211)
(-95)
20,070
14,061
14,$28
(-988)
(-267)
Sioux
O'Brien
Clay
Palo Alto
(-717)
Hancock
Cerro Gord
Floyd
Chickasaw
35,872
14,192
16,394
8,996
10,795
43,127
15,627
12,012
(2,168)
(-216)
(-283)
(-425)
(-543)
(-1,026)
(-666)
(-430)
'
Fayette
Clayton
Plymouth
Cherokee
Buena Vista
Pocahontas,
9597 Humboldt
597
Wright
Franklin
Butler
Bremer
24,988
19,509
(-1,373)
17,043
(-1.085)
25,698
11,658
20,823
7,078
12943
10,019
14,334
(7 )
(714)
(-409)
(558)
(-232)
(-286)
(-661)
(-535)
Webster
Black Hawk
Buchanan
Delaware
Dubuque
Woodbury
Ida
Sac
Calhoun
Hamilton
Hardin
Grundy
131,144
20,565
17,4$8
99,266
105,941
7,005 9,814 9,927 -1, 12 15,039 16,878 12,329 (58) (-388)
(-1,012)
(-282)
(5,623)
k.
(3,766)
(-84) (-536) (-250) (-636) (-656) (-1
ksan
Janes
19,48520
Monona
Crawford
Carroll
Greene
Boone
Story
Marshall
Tama
17,135
Benton
25, 575
Linn
9fi)
646
(-368)
8,751
16,525
20,760
8,771
26,715
98,537
40.105
(-632)
(-494)
(1199,05
05
(10 )
(-491)
(-571)
(-56)
(-566)
(407)
(8,995)
(-543)
Clinton
Cedar
46'460
Harrison
Shelby
udub
Guthrie Dallas
Polk
Jasper
Powashisk
Iowa
Johnson
18,505
(-2,657)
14,582
11,746
5,674
10,623 99,678
492,401
37,813
18,662
16,662
152,854
64
( )
Scott
(-355)
(-423)
(445)
(-332)
(33,539)
(61,770)
(971)
(-253)
(306)
(21,972)
174,669
Muscatine
(g 4461:
43,235
Pottawattamis Cass Adair
Madison Warren Marion
Mahaska
Keokuk
ashington
(4�j -
93,667 13,127 7,496
16,548 52,403 33,414
22,190
10,033
22,565
(518) (-825) (-186)
(867) (6,177) (107)
(-192)
(-477)
(861)
10,837
550)
Mills
Montgomen,
Adarns
Union
Clarke
Lucas
Monroe
Wapello
Jefferson
Henry
14,484
10,330
3,704
12,138
9,748
8,634
7,577
35,437
15,663
(-575)
(-410)
(-325)
(-396)
(462)
(-266)
(-395)
(487)
(4,177)
s Moines�f
.
38,910 +
Fremont
Page
Taylor
Ringgold
Decatur
Wayne
Appanoose
Davis
Van Buren
I' 6,605
15,211
5,896
4,663
7,645
6,497
12,317
9,110
7,203
- (833)
(-735) (-421)
(-467)
(-811)
(94)
(-570)
(357)
(-368)
Lea
33.555 ;
❑ Population Loss Source agency name: U.S. Census Bureau L
❑ Population Gain Source agency program: Decennial Census
Source agency release date: August 12, 2021
Date added to State Data Center Web site. December 8, 2021
State Data Center contact information. State Library of Iowa, State Data Center Program, http://wrww.iowadatacenter.org 800-248-4483, census@iowa.gov
lovva county Population and Percent change
{from April 1, 2010 to April 1, 2020
Lyon Osceola Dickinson Emmet Winnebago Worth Mitchell Howard `
11,934 6,192 17,703 9,388 10,679 7,443 14,565 9,469 Winneshiek Allamaki4
3.0% -4.2% 6.2% .8.9% Kossuth .1.8% -1.996 -2.0% -1.0% 20,070 14,061 ,
14,828 -4.7% .1.9%
Sioux O'Brien clay Palo Alto -4 6% Hancock Cerro Gordo Floyd Chickasaw
35,872 14,192 16,394 8,996 10,795 43,127 15,627 12,012 I
6.4% .1.5% -1.7% 4.5% -4.8% -2..3% -41% -3.5%
Fayette Clayton
Humboldt Bremer 19,509 17,043
Plymouth Cherokee Buena Vista Pocahontas 9,597 Wright Franklin Butler -6.6% -6.0% }
24,988
25,698 11,658 20,823 7,078 -2.2% 12,943 10,019 14,334 2.9%
2.996 .3.4% 2.8% -3.2% -2.2% -6.2% .3.6% ----
Black Hawk Buchanan Delaware Dubuque
Webster
Woodbury Ida Sac Calhoun Hamilton Hardin Grundy 131,144 20,565 17,488 99,266
36,999
r
105,941 7,005 9,814 9,927 .2.7% 15,039 16,878 12,329 4.0°I° -1.9% 1.6% 6.0°�6
3.7% -1.2% -5.2% -2.5% -4.1% .3.7% -1•
kson '
Jones
l Monona Crawford Carroll Tama Benton Linn Greene Boone Story Marshal 1713�'�'
13 57
,5 25,575 230,299
19,485
-1.9%
8,751 16,525 20,760 8,771 26,715 98,537 40,105 9.0°% 0.0%
-5.3% -3.3% -0.3% -6.1% 1.5% 10.0% -1.3%
Clinton ;
46,460
Cedar
Harrison Shelby udubon Guthrie Dallas Polk Jasper Poweshiek Iowa 18,505
Johnson
-5.4%
''�'
14,582 11,746 5,674 10,623 99,67$ 492,401 37,813 18,662 16,662 Q.3%
152,854
Scott
-2.4% -3.5% 7.3% -3.0% 50.7% 2.6% -1.3% 1.9%
14.3% 16.8%
174,669
Muscatine
'-- 5 23 , 43
23
Pottawattamis Cass Adair Madison Warren Marion Mahaska Keokuk Washington
93,667 13,127 7,496 16,548 52,403 33,414 22,190 10,033 22,565 L
0.6% -5.9% -2.4% 5.5% 13.4% 0.3% .0.9% -4.5% 4.0% 10,837
.8%
Mills ntgom Adams Union Clarke Lucas Monroe Wapello Jefferson Henry
14,494 10,330 3,704 12,138 9,748 8,634 7,577 35,437 15,663
I -3.8% -3.8% .8.1% -3.2% 5.0% -32% -5.0% -0.5% -7.496 �7°$ s Moinss
38,910,
Fremont Page Taylor Ringgold Decatur Wayne Appanoose Davis Van Buren
6,605 15,211 5,896 4,663 7,645 6,497 12,317 9,110 7,203
-11.2% -4.6% -6.7% -9.1% -9.6% 1.5% -4.4% 4.1 % -`t. Lae
him •L33,555
Under 5,400
de
El5 19 }99
Source agency name: U.S. Census Bureau
Source agency program: Decennial Census
20,000.64,999
Source agency release date: August 121 2021
65,000 or more
Date added to State Data Center Web site: December 8, 2021
State Data Center contact information: State Library of Iowa, State Data Center Program, http://www.iowad..
THE CITY OF
DUB
E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All-Amerim My
NAIK)NAI (fik.l1SVA l
1 1
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
2022 STATE LEGISLATIVE
PRIORITIES
Table of Contents
1. KEY PRIORITIES..........................................................................................................................................4
a. REINSTATE BACKFILL.............................................................................................................................4
b. PROPERTY TAX......................................................................................................................................4
c. LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX.....................................................................................................................4
d. ASSESSOR'S BILL....................................................................................................................................4
e. STATE MANDATES.................................................................................................................................5
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT......................................................................................................................6
a. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)........................................................................................................6
b. EMINENT DOMAIN................................................................................................................................8
c. STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS...............................................................................................................8
d. QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS.............................................................................9
e. CHILDCARE............................................................................................................................................9
f. LAND BANK POLICY..............................................................................................................................10
3. EQUITY....................................................................................................................................................12
a. MADATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING.................................................................................................12
b. RACE & EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENTS...............................................................................................12
c. FUNDING FOR YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIPS.........................................................................12
d. EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................13
e. SUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOR) OWNED SMALL
BUSINESSES.............................................................................................................................................13
f. DECRIMINALIZATION OR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA USE & POSSESSION...................................14
g. SUPPORT COURT FINE & FEE REFORM................................................................................................14
4. TRANSPORTATION..................................................................................................................................16
a. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING..............................................................................................................16
b. IOWA'S ROAD USE TAX FUND (RUTF).................................................................................................16
c. PASSENGER RAIL..................................................................................................................................17
5. DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT...............................................................................................................18
a. ARPA FUNDS AIRPORT ALLICATION....................................................................................................18
b. KEEP IOWA AVIATION EMPLOYERS COMPETITIVE.............................................................................18
c. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AT RISK (CMAR)..............................................................................18
d. PFA / PFOA PROPOSED LEGISLATION................................................................................................18
e. PROTECT AIRPORT ZONING & AIRSPACE............................................................................................19
6. HOUSING.................................................................................................................................................20
a. SMART GROWTH WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM............................................................20
1 1 P a g e
b. WORKFORCE HOUSING TAX CREDITS.................................................................................................21
7. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION................................................................................................................22
a. BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE.........................................................................................................22
8. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY..........................................................................23
a. FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM..........................................................................................................23
b. COMBINED EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER.......................23
9. PUBLIC SAFETY........................................................................................................................................
25
a. FIREARMS & VIOLENT CRIME..............................................................................................................25
b. MENTAL HEALTH/EMT TEAMS TO SUPPORT POLICE & COMMUNITY SAFETY...................................25
c. FULL FUNDING FOR JUDICIAL BRANCH SERVICES...............................................................................26
d. HATE CRIME STATUTE.........................................................................................................................26
10. LIBRARY SERVICES.................................................................................................................................28
a. ENRICH IOWA......................................................................................................................................28
11. HUMAN RESOURCES.............................................................................................................................29
a. MUNICIPAL FIRE & POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF IOWA...............................................................29
b. 411 SUBROGATION.............................................................................................................................
29
c. CONTINUATION OF GROUP INSURANCE.............................................................................................30
12. IOWA CODE CHANGES..........................................................................................................................
31
a. MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS......................................................................................31
b. AUTHORITY TO PETITION FOR TITLE TO ABANDONDED LOTS............................................................31
c. UNDERAGE & BINGE DRINKING..........................................................................................................31
d. "GOOD MORAL CHARACTER" LANGUAGE..........................................................................................32
e. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT....................................................................................................................32
13. PLANNING & ZONING............................................................................................................................33
a. EXAPND CITIES' EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION ............................................................................33
b. SMART PLANNING PRINCIPLES...........................................................................................................33
c. LIVABLE COMMUIJTIES........................................................................................................................33
d. HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM (HSPG).................................................................33
e. PROPERTY OWNERS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS...................................................34
f. APPEAL OF ACTIONS BY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION......................................................34
g. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE STAFF..................................................................................
35
14. PARKS & RECREATION...........................................................................................................................36
a. PARKS TO PEOPLE INITIATIVE..............................................................................................................36
b. MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATION AREA.......................................................................................
36
c. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION (REAP).......................................................................37
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d. NATURAL RESOURCES & OUTDOOR RECREATION TRUST FUND........................................................38
e. STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM...........................................................................................39
15. ARTS & CULTURE...................................................................................................................................40
a. ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING................................................................................................................40
16. SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY..............................................................................................................43
a. ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ALTERNATIVE ENERGY....................................................................................43
b. REPEAL OF THE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS CONTROL PROGRAM.........................................................44
17. PUBLIC HEALTH.....................................................................................................................................45
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING...................................................................................................................45
b. BRAIN HEALTH....................................................................................................................................45
c. CHILDREN'S BRAIN HEALTH PRIORITIES..............................................................................................46
d. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS..........................................................................................................47
e. ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE....................................................................47
f. REDUCE SOCIO-ECONOMIC BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS
........................................................48
g. RECRUIT & RETAIN A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE............................................................48
h. OPIOID EPIDEMIC................................................................................................................................48
i. NOTICE OF VIOLATION.........................................................................................................................49
j. CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING.............................................................................................................49
k. HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS......................................................................................................................50
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1. KEY PRIORITIES
a. REINSTATE BACKFILL
Legislation providing for commercial property tax reform passed in the Iowa Assembly in 2013.
This legislation included language providing for cities and protecting local residential taxpayers
ensuring they would not bear the tax burden of this reform bill. Senate File 619 passed in 2021
which phases out the commercial and industrial property tax replacement claims, known as the
backfill, in either five or eight years, depending on valuation growth.
REQUESTED ACTION
Reinstate funding the backfill and hold Iowa cities and residential property tax payers
harmless for the backfill created by the commercial property tax reform legislation in
2013. Reverse Senate File 619 which passed in 2021 and phases out backfill.
b. PROPERTY TAX
The current tax structure for state and local governments is a mix of tax laws, rates and policies that do
not provide for a fair and consistent tax system. The Iowa League of Cities and the Iowa State
Association of Counties (ISAC) have identified key areas needing revision for a comprehensive tax reform
in Iowa. They include: 1) changes to assessment and valuation procedure, 2) changes to city and county
budgeting processes, 3) developing an alternative to current property tax limitations, and 4) elimination
of the rollback formula and homestead exemption.
REQUESTED ACTION
Work with the Iowa League of Cities, the Metropolitan Coalition and ISAC to approve legislation
to design a tax structure that provides tax equity and policies that are consistent with an overall
direction for state and local government taxation.
c. LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX
The State should give consideration to increasing the allowable local option sales tax from 1% to 1.5%.
This would allow local governments more flexibility to deal with any negative impacts property tax
reform may cause. In the case of Dubuque, an increase of 0.50% in local option sales tax would
generate approximately $4 million dollars, half of which is used for property tax relief.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase the allowable local option sales tax from 1% to 1.5%.
d. ASSESSOR'S BILL
Property tax experts or representatives are now part of the tax appeal process. A tax representative can
file an appeal for a large commercial property under a contingency basis, receiving their pay based on a
percentage of the property tax savings they can achieve for their client. In many of these cases little or
no money is expended by the taxpayer. The representative files a protest with the Board of Review and
supplies little or no information to the Board. The Board may deny the protest, but the tax
representative will file a protest to either District Court or the Property Assessment Appeal Board. At
this point the tax representative may produce more information or they may try to negotiate a
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settlement. On the assessor's side it may be very costly to hire appraisals and fight this out in Court. A
single appraisal for a large Commercial or Industrial property will easily exceed $5000.
Also, many appeals to the Board of Review are filed at the last minute with a statement such as
information to be presented at hearing. Many appellants never provide the information or provide it
very late in the Board of Review session, so the Board is unable to reach a well-founded conclusion.
REQUESTED ACTION
Request the Iowa Legislature to limit appeals to District Court and the Property Assessment
Appeal Board to matters and information that were presented before the local Board of Review.
e. STATE MANDATES
Cities are often faced with implementing mandates from the state and federal governments without
receiving the necessary funds for implementation.
REQUESTED ACTION
Enact legislation that exempts local government from providing any new service or engaging in
any new activities mandated by the state if the state does not provide full funding for the
mandated additional staff, equipment and infrastructure.
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2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The role of city government in economic development is crucial. Economic activity requires roads,
streets, airports, water and sanitation. New jobs necessitate more and better workforce housing as well
as quality, affordable childcare. Growing businesses seek quality of life amenities for employees and
families, such as parks, recreation, bike trails, art, museums, and libraries. Protection and safety of
property and life must be assured. A community must value equity and be welcoming. This can only be
accomplished with the strong support of an effective city government in partnership with local private
sector and non-profit leaders and state and federal government officials.
a. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)
The Iowa Code provides that cities can use TIF for certain public and private economic development
purposes once an urban renewal plan is approved and an urban renewal district established. The ability
to use TIF to assist private economic development projects in urban renewal districts is an essential
ingredient of the City of Dubuque's nationally recognized success, providing financing and incentive for
private investment.
The City of Dubuque has prioritized the redevelopment of our urban core; cities need tools like TIF to
accomplish this. The Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF allows cities across the state to reclaim their
urban cores, restore otherwise abandoned historic properties, and create more sustainable
communities. TIF is one of the most important economic development tools available to cities.
Since 2010, there have been a total of 47 development projects that have utilized TIF. These projects
have received an estimated $34,678,632.14 in direct TIF incentives. These projects have leveraged
$403,464,204 in capital investment throughout the greater downtown and Industrial parks. These
projects have resulted in the retention of 3,278 jobs in Dubuque and the creation of 1,010 jobs. This
does not include many of the jobs added to the downtown employment base where there was no direct
TIF agreement with the employer but rather the projects were facilitated by loan pools and other
methods benefiting from the Downtown TIF district.
This has all worked because responsible elected officials, who while acting in an entrepreneurial fashion
to encourage community growth, have used TIF, the City's only meaningful local economic incentive, in
a strategic fashion.
Dubuque has leveraged TIF to achieve consistent, significant job growth and maintain a strong,
diversified local economy. Over the years, it has facilitated the purchase and development of 1,470
acres of land in our industrial parks and Port of Dubuque, the attraction and expansion of 57 businesses,
and created 6,874 jobs.
Dubuque has been the recipient of numerous awards from organizations as diverse as the EPA, the
Human Rights Campaign, the National Civic League, the International Economic Development Council,
Forbes, SmartAsset.com, and the White House for its strong resilient economy, variety of amenities, and
inclusivity.
Wages and income for residents have grown, as evidenced by a 22.4% increase in median household
income from 2013 ($51,475) to 2020 ($63,031) in Dubuque's MSA. Iowa Workforce Development
reported Dubuque's MSA labor force to be 58,357, a 15.6% increase from 50,500 just two decades ago.
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Dubuque's unemployment rate was just 3.9% in July 2021, a tremendous rebound from 1983 when it
was 24%. This type of job growth and low unemployment is only possible through the strategic use of
TIF. Like many other communities, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a deep, negative impact on local
employment; however, the Dubuque Metropolitan Statistical Area has experienced the second highest
percentage of job growth from July of 2020 to July of 2021 in the state at 4.6%, second only to Des
Moines/West Des Moines
Since TIF is really the only economic development financing tool available to Iowa cities, Dubuque often
uses TIF as the local match required when partnering with the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
This was certainly the case with the 1,300 jobs created by IBM, the over 200 retained and 200 created
jobs at Hormel, the 420 jobs retained and created by A.Y. McDonald, and most recently the attraction of
270 high quality jobs at Simmons Pet Food. Without the flexibility this tool provides, Dubuque would
not have this kind of success in job creation and retention.
A very important priority of the City of Dubuque, the Historic Millwork District, benefited initially with a
$105 million investment of private and public dollars, rebuilding much of the street network,
underground utilities, creating parking and renovating the Caradco Building (Schmid Innovation Center)
into 72 apartments, and 35,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Two additional buildings
requiring approximately $40 million in investment, with 92 additional apartments and tens of thousands
of square feet of commercial industrial space were renovated and came online in 2015. In 2021, Dupaco
Community Credit Union completed the $30+ million rehabilitation of a five -story building to house its
corporate headquarters. Ultimately, the entire Historic Millwork District will easily exceed $200 million
in investment leveraging new business creation and much needed workforce housing for Dubuque. This
Historic Millwork District slum and blight subarea TIF was established in 2008. Legislative proposals
which place restrictions on Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF Districts would rapidly dissolve the City's
financial investment in this priority project for the City of Dubuque which will require many more years,
and likely decades, of investment in order to reach its potential.
The City of Dubuque would oppose TIF reform that would prohibit the use of TIF revenue on public
buildings, which would stop the creation of parking ramps (vital to the economic viability of downtown
businesses) and City efforts to restore the Historic Federal Building, an iconic anchor building in the
downtown allowed to go into disrepair by the Federal Government.
The City of Dubuque has
supported legislation requiring
increased transparency,
fastidious data collection and
antipiracy language for TIF
reform, but cannot support
reform that limits or sunsets
the City's use of slum and blight
and economic development
TIFs.
Even in these areas, the
Retiring TIF - New Tax Money to Taxing Bodies in
Fiscal Year 2019
$900,000
$800,000
$700,000
$600,000
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$234,752
$200,000
$170,958
$99,532
$100,000
. -$17�264 $9,854
$_
Tech Park South -2019
$795,174
$579,086
$337,144
$58,478$33, 377
DICW -Subarea B -2019
■DCSD ■City nGounty ■NICC ■Other
language should be narrowly
crafted so as not to stifle economic and community development activities by cities. No language should
7 1 P a g e
be included that could limit or destroy job creation and economic development potential that exists in
current TIF laws.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to maintain Tax Increment Financing as an economic development financing
tool. Oppose restrictions on use of TIF for public infrastructure and oppose the "sunsetting" of
TIF districts.
b. EMINENT DOMAIN
During 2006, the Legislature approved changes to the Eminent Domain Law. Included in the changes,
and of particular concern, is the requirement that seventy-five percent or more of the area included in
the urban renewal plan must consist of property in a slum or blighted condition at the time the plan was
established in order for the entire project or acquisition plan area to be subject to condemnation by the
municipality. We believe that a 51% threshold is more reasonable. Furthermore, the new language
provides that the project or acquisition plan area shall only include the adjacent and contiguous parcels
necessary for the completion of planned activities for a specific business or housing project. This
language would be limiting for downtown development projects that may be larger in scope than just
the parcels that meet the definition of slum and blight. Lastly, the burden for the use of eminent
domain for airport project is increased by the requirement that the Board of Supervisors must hold a
public hearing and pass a resolution unless the airport improvement is FAA -required. This creates
additional layers of burden on a municipality.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to amend sections of the Eminent Domain Law to allow for changes as proposed
by the Iowa League of Cities and noted above.
c. STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
The Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit was passed in May 2000 to promote investment in our historic
resources in communities, codified in Section 404A.4. Rehabilitation of these resources contributes to
the economic viability as well as the strength of our communities. The secondary impacts of this historic
tax credit on our communities are countless. The program provides a tax credit of 25% of the qualified
rehabilitation expenses for qualified projects. Thus, each credit represents an investment in our
community of at least four times the amount of the credit. Additional revenues are generated through
increased property taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes.
The cap for the program is currently set at $45 million per year.
Between the beginning of the program in 2000 and now, Dubuque has completed 36 projects using the
State Historic Tax Credit program. These projects leverage over 3 times the amount of SHTCs invested in
the project from other funding sources.
These projects have added well over 2,000 permanent jobs to our economy, not including the
construction jobs to complete the large projects. These 2,000 people would equate to an $80 million
annual payroll.
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Critical workforce housing needs in the City of Dubuque make state historic tax credits and other
financial incentives a top priority as the City works to promote redevelopment and reinvestment in our
urban core.
Recent concerns raised by the Iowa Department of Revenue have resulted in a slowdown of the State
Historic Tax Credit program. City staff and partners of the Smart Growth Coalition will work with the
respective state agencies (DCA, IDR, and IEDA) to reduce current overall timeframe or Part 1, 2, and 3,
and tax credit certificate return. Other suggested administrative changes to the program include
recommending an adjustment go the basis method and clarification of submission requirements to
reduce the number of resubmissions, due to an increased number of exceptions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Join with local governments across the state and private sector partners through membership in
Smart Growth Development Coalition to:
• Preserve, improve, and expand the State Historic Tax Credit Program boosting credit from
25% to 30% to mirror the Federal Historic Tax Credits.
• Increase the State capped dollar amount.
d. QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS
Successful quality of life programs need continued funding, such as Enhance Iowa, REAP, CAT funds,
RECAT Iowa Great Places, the Iowa Main Street program funds, and tax credits for historic preservation.
Having a variety of recreational, historic, cultural and outdoor amenities in a community attracts and
retains families and a solid workforce. The listed programs allow the City and its partners to create
those amenities.
REQUESTED ACTION
Protect and enhance economic development tools enabling cities in Iowa to promote economic
improvement throughout the state through investment in our recreational and outdoor
amenities, cultural offerings and historic rehabilitation of our unique downtowns.
e. CHILDCARE
In many Iowa communities, childcare has become unaffordable, inaccessible,
or nonexistent. As a result, working parents miss work, drop shifts, are less engaged on the job, switch
employers, or leave the workforce altogether. Childcare is an essential and under -emphasized tool for
our state to develop, grow, and sustain a reliable workforce.
Research consistently shows that increasing workers' access to affordable, high quality
childcare options aren't simply a benefit for parents; it improves the economy. Providing access to
quality affordable childcare positively impacts the bottom line of Iowa companies and is critical to
sustaining a strong workforce and economy.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque supports the following recommendations of the Iowa Women's
Foundation:
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Top recommendations:
• Provide funding for a public private partnership with the purpose of stabilizing and growing
the child care industry.
• Increase funding to adequately support sustained funding for WAGE$° statewide.
• Reinstate the Before and After School Grants program that was established in 2007 to
create a state funding stream for before and after school, and summer programs.
• Increase child provider reimbursement rates to the 75% percentile of the 2020 Market Rate
Survey (MRS) for all providers participating in the QRS program.
• Increase Child Care Assistance entrance income limits to 185% incrementally at 5% annually.
Other recommendations:
o Continue flexibility regulations.
o Implement tax credits to incentives that encourage investments in childcare solutions
■ Business Tax Credit: Provide a credit for businesses that have donated funds to
childcare centers to support eligible childcare expenses, based on the quality rating
of the center.
■ Family Tax Credit: Support families based on childcare expenses, federal childcare
tax credit, state childcare tax credit, and the quality rating of the center at 100%
deductibility for child
■ care expenses.
■ Provider Tax Credit: Reward centers based on their quality rating and the number of
Child Care Assistance Program or foster care children that are served. Centers
become eligible if they participate in the statewide quality rating system at a level 2
or above, and their benefits increase with the proportion of at -risk children they
serve.
■ Teacher and Director Tax Credit: Recognize teachers and directors for their
professional education and commitment to the field.
■ Child Care Resource and Referral Tax Credit: Provide a credit for businesses matched
to the amount donated to Resources and Referral agencies up to $5,000.
o Include the Child Care Workforce as high demand occupations with Iowa Workforce
Development
f. LAND BANK POLICY
In order to return blighted and abandoned properties to productive use quickly, states have passed
legislation that streamlines the tax foreclosure process by giving ownership of these tax reverted
properties to a nonprofit land bank therefore obtaining them earlier in the tax foreclosure auction
process. Further legislative reform in these states has redirected money collected from unpaid and
delinquent property taxes toward land banks for purposes of funding the land banks and for the
purchase of tax reverted properties. The City of Dubuque in collaboration with its regional partners will
explore the formation of a land bank that would purchase tax reverted properties through the tax
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foreclosure process. The land bank would maintain these properties until purchase by a responsibility
buyer, ensuring the properties return to productive use.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support Land Bank legislation and work with State partners to approve redirection of monies
collected from unpaid and delinquent property to a regional landbank for funding and for the
purchase of additional tax reverted properties.
11 1 Page
3. EQUITY
a. MADATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING
Mandatory minimum sentences are punishments ordered by judges with terms set by the legislature to
those who have been convicted of crime; they dictate that certain crimes require, by law, a set amount
of time in prison. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws effectively strip judges of their authority to take
the circumstances of a crime into account and shift sentencing power to prosecutors who can use the
threat of these laws to intimidate defendants into pleading guilty in order to receive a reduced sentence
(Written Submission of the American Civil Liberties Union on Racial Disparities in Sentencing, 2014). In
theory, mandatory minimum sentencing laws are "race neutral" and should affect everyone who has
been convicted of a crime equally regardless of race. In practice, however, this is very much not the
case. Prosecutors are more likely to levy heavier charges against people of color in general than they are
against whites, while federal prosecutors are over twice as likely to charge black defendants with
offenses that carry a mandatory minimum than white defendants (Report to the United Nations on
Racial Disparities in the U.S. Criminal Justice System, 2018). This has led to Iowa having one of the
highest rates of imprisonment for black people in the nation (Stageberge & Rabey, 2013). In 2016, 35%
of the 1,196 Iowa inmates serving mandatory sentences were Black.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support striking mandatory minimum sentencing provisions, allowing judges to apply sentencing
guidelines in a way that takes facts into consideration so that sentences fit the crime.
b. RACE & EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENTS
Used to address possible disparities caused by proposed legislation, minority impact statements largely
serve as guidelines for state legislators to utilize in crafting laws that are fair and do not have
disproportionately negative effects on women, people of color, or people with disabilities. Minority
impact statements were designed to help prevent disparities from getting worse and are in use in Iowa
with a particular focus on criminal justice disparities. A 2019 review of Iowa's minority impact
statements for criminal matters found that statements need to be made available to all stakeholders
much earlier in the legislative process; they need to be thorough and comprehensive and not a generic
analysis; and that legislation should specifically prohibit the passage of bills where the impact statement
indicates the bill would increase disparities. See The Promise of Racial Impact Statements.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that requires thorough minority impact statements to be attached early to
any bill, joint resolutions, or amendment and that prohibits passage of bills where the impact
statement indicates the bill would increase disparities. Require review of bills by appropriate
commissions under the Iowa Department of Human Rights.
c. FUNDING FOR YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIPS
Internships provide experience, training, and build connections that can help youth and young adults
achieve professional success. Youth and young adults with internships on their resumes are more likely
to find full-time employment after they graduate, with over 50% reporting job offers by the time they
graduate (Hecht, 2016). In addition, internships have been shown to help change career directions for
12 1 Page
the better, with 34.8% indicating a significant change in career direction and 46.3% indicating a slight
change (Saltikoff, 2017). There are significant racial disparities among interns; while over 68% of white
students have participated in internships, less than 60% of black and Latino students have participated
in them (Hecht, 2016). Gender disparities are also significant, with women being 20% more likely to be
in unpaid internships than men. Unpaid internships largely go to those who can afford them, with
students from high -income households being more likely to participate than students from low-income
households.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that provides funding specifically targeted towards creating paid internships
along with targeted recruitment of applicants of color.
d. EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
As it relates to policing, an early warning system is a data -based management tool used to detect and
categorize officers who exhibit problem behaviors and to correct said behaviors. Effectively, early
warning systems are supposed to help police departments get involved before their officers' problem
behaviors merit some form of penalty. Early warning systems have been used since the 1980s. By 1999,
39% of police departments were using early warning systems (Walker, Geoffrey, & Kenney, 2001). By
2007, an estimated 65% of police departments utilized early warning systems (Vracar, 2020). Even
though early warning systems have seen more use over the years, problematic behavior persists. The
core issue with early warning systems is not that they are underutilized, but that there is no process to
audit existing early warning systems that would prevent protocol from being ignored.
REQUESTED ACTION
Ensure that local governments have the flexibility to establish early warning systems while
encouraging local police departments to utilize them.
e. SUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOR) OWNED
SMALL BUSINESSES
With only one minority -owned business for every 43 residents, Iowa's ratio is the lowest in the nation
(Clark, 2014). Iowa's black population is one of the most underserved small business markets in the
nation, representing a mere .8 percent of Iowa's business population compared to 7.1 percent nationally
(Armstrong, 2016). Disproportionately, businesses owned by people of color have not had access to the
funding provided by certain federal and state programs. People of color who own small businesses are
less likely to have strong relationships with their financial institutions, and many immigrants and
refugees who own small businesses are less likely to have access to information they need (Thrane,
2020). The largest minority business development program in the state — the Targeted Small Business
(TSB) program — has received severely limited promotion since 2012 (Augustine, 2014). As a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic, however, a fund has been created to support the TSB program (COVID-19 Targeted
Small Business Sole Operator Fund, 2020). Consistent funding for and promotion of the TSB program
would make it easier for more minority business owners to access and learn about resources they could
use to support their businesses.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that provides targeted funding for women and BIPOC owned small
businesses.
13 1 Page
f. DECRIMINALIZATION OR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA USE & POSSESSION
Under both federal law and Iowa state law, recreational use of marijuana is illegal. Iowa has some of the
harshest penalties for first -offense marijuana possession in the nation, with possession of any amount of
marijuana being a misdemeanor with 6 months of incarceration and having a maximum fine of $1000.
These penalties are far more likely to harm people of color. With black people being almost eight times
more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession (despite the fact that both use
marijuana at roughly equal rates), Iowa is surpassed only by Montana, Kentucky, Illinois, and West
Virginia in terms of racial disparities in arrests for marijuana possession (Edwards, et al., 2020).
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that legalizes marijuana or, at a minimum, decriminalizes marijuana use and
possession.
g. SUPPORT COURT FINE & FEE REFORM
Court fines and fees often become a barrier to financial self-sufficiency for families living in poverty.
Given the disproportionate number of African -Americans living in poverty and interacting with the court
system, this has a significant racial equity impact.
First, several provisions make it difficult for those with limited incomes to get out from under court
debt. Under Iowa Court Rules Chapter 26, an individual must have $300 in court debt before they are
eligible for a payment plan or can perform community service, though Iowa Code Section 602.8107
would allow the court to establish a lower threshold. When they enter a payment plan, a minimum
payment of $50 is required. Community service is valued at the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, yet the
value of a volunteer hour in general is $28.54 as of July 2021. Participants in community service
supervision programs currently are charged $50 to be supervised, which defeats the purpose of allowing
community service as an alternative to payment because they cannot afford the fees and, in any event,
is not a financially sustainable model. The agency historically tracking community service in Dubuque
(Project Concern) couldn't financially support the continued operation of the program as the $50 paid by
the individual needing supervision was a flat fee. $50 was paid whether the individual had 2 meetings
over the course of a month with the staff member or 25 meetings over three (3) years, it wasn't a
sustainable model financially. While the judges at the local level were supportive there were no court
funds to support the work being done. A community service funded program to work off Court debt
should properly be managed by the Courts/Clerk of Court.
Second, unpaid debt can interfere with ongoing employment and financial stability. As just one
example, when a resident in Iowa has a criminal conviction of any kind and has court debt, a hold is
placed on the person's vehicle registration. If the conviction was for a vehicular crime, then the person's
driver's license is automatically suspended as well. If the crime is non -vehicular and the person's
financial state prevents them from paying the court debt, the hold on the registration turns into a
suspension when the renewal of their tags goes unpaid. If they continue to drive — to get to work for
example — they may then be charged with driving with expired tags, a vehicular crime that leads to
license suspension. There is also anecdotal evidence from attorneys who have worked "rocket docket"
that people believe that paying the court debt is enough to reinstate their license, which is untrue. They
must also file with the DOT and pay a $30 reinstatement fee. Depending on the amount of time that
passes, they may also need to retake both the written and driving tests.
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Third, indigent defendants are constitutionally and statutorily entitled to an assessment of their ability
to pay for any court debt other than fines, surcharges, and victim restitution. However, Iowa law also
presumes an ability to pay and there is little to no remaining oversight into court decisions regarding
someone's ability to pay - courts do not have to provide reasons for finding that a defendant is able to
pay, a court can ascertain ability to pay before knowing the full scope of the debt, and direct appeal of a
judge's decision is available in few situations. In addition, indigent defendants incur additional costs like
indigent defense fees and jail fees that arise because of an inability to afford their own attorney or to
afford bond or bail while awaiting trial. On the one hand, the constitution requires that everyone be
provided counsel and a speedy trial (or be released in the interim) and yet one's financial status is
intricately intertwined with the degree to which these rights are "real" in any pragmatic sense. These
fees when unpaid multiply quickly with the Department of Revenue imposed 15% collection fee.
REQUESTED ACTION
Eliminate the $300 eligibility threshold for a payment plan; eliminate the minimum payment
requirement of $50; eliminate the $300 eligibility threshold for community service; set a viable
and realistic value of an hour of community service to equate to the value of a "volunteer hour"
which was $28.54 as of July 2021; properly fund staffing in courthouses to account for tracking
community service efforts across the state as opposed to the hodge podge of community
service systems set up at the local level without proper funding across the state. Eliminate the
non -renewal of vehicle registrations and the suspension of licenses based on court debt or, at a
minimum, on court debt that is related to a non -vehicular crime. Strengthen requirements to
ensure a full and fair assessment of ability to pay or, at a minimum, oppose any effort to further
restrict or eliminate ability to pay protections such as the changes proposed last session by
HSB658 and SF2374. Advocate for changes to Department of Revenue policies that would allow
for partial or full waiver of the 15% collection fee upon a showing of financial hardship and that
would exclude indigent defense fee recoupment and jail fees from the basis used to calculate
the 15% collection fee.
15 1 Page
4. TRANSPORTATION
a. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Dubuque is the regional economic center for the Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin tri-state area. With local
international companies and businesses such as the John Deere Dubuque Works, Nordstrom
Distribution Center, Mc Graw Hill Publishing Company, AY McDonald Manufacturing, Kendall/Hunt
Publishing, Simmons Pet Food and Hormel Food Corporation, a 21st century transportation
infrastructure system is essential. In order to continue the consistent and strong economic growth and
job creation in the tri state area, critical transportation infrastructure requires increased state and
federal funding.
Transportation projects and improvements in Dubuque include:
• Completion of the Southwest Arterial bike trail
• Planning, design, ROW acquisition and construction of the East West Corridor
• Improvements and enhancements of the at grade railroad crossings in Downtown Dubuque
• Intersection enhancements at the Northwest Arterial and Highway 20 intersection
• Bring the Northwest Arterial up to a state of good repair prior to the transfer of jurisdiction
of the SW Arterial to the IDOT
REQUESTED ACTION
In order to increase transportation revenue for these and other important transportation
projects the City requests support of the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission to
maintain its current programmed funding and increased opportunities for funding to ensure
implementation of priority transportation projects.
b. IOWA'S ROAD USE TAX FUND (RUTF)
According to Iowa Code, road use tax funds (RUTF) are studied every five years in order to identify
alternative revenue options that could support and enhance the fund as traditional transportation
modes evolve and older funding streams diminish.
Local governments recognize that local transportation systems carry great importance not only for
public safety and quality of life, but also for mobility, commerce, community vitality and economic
development. The transportation system is in demand 24 hours a day, regardless of its road and bridge
conditions or other factors. When existing funding sources are inadequate to address failing or
deteriorating infrastructure needs, local governments are faced with aging and limited infrastructure as
well as safety concerns.
While the State of Iowa's gas tax increase in 2015 increased current and near -future Road Use Tax Fund
revenues, consideration needs to be given to future road funding needs and mechanisms as Iowa's
drivers purchase fewer gallons of conventional vehicle fuels.
REQUESTED ACTION
Investigate alternative funding mechanisms to increase funding for Iowa's transportation
infrastructure. Study to include possible additional revenues from agricultural, energy, and other
sectors that have heavy traffic and load impacts on Iowa's transportation systems.
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c. PASSENGER RAIL
Through the Envision 2010 process, the Citizens of Dubuque have established a Passenger Rail
Committee to support and promote the return of passenger rail service from Chicago to Dubuque.
There is a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Illinois to implement passenger rail service
between Chicago and Dubuque. Currently funding provides for connection from Chicago to Rockford,
Illinois. The City has been successful in partnership with DMATS and the local Ride the Rail citizen group
in securing funding for the feasibility study of passenger rail return from Rockford to Dubuque.
REQUESTED ACTION
Continue to support the return of passenger rail from Chicago to Dubuque, with local and
regional partners.
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5. DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT
ARPA FUNDS AIRPORT ALLICATION
Commercial passengers, cargo, corporate and general aviation communities, Iowa's system of airports
needs significant investment if Iowa is to remain competitive in today's global marketplace. 2020 State
Aviation System Plan (SASP) https://sites.jviation.com/2020-iowa-aviation-system-plan/news.html
identifies needs.
REQUESTED ACTION
The Iowa Public Airports Association respectfully requests an increased budget commitment to
STRENGTHEN Iowa's airport system. Allocate $100 Million of existing $1.5 Billion ARPA Funds
toward vertical airport improvement infrastructure.
b. KEEP IOWA AVIATION EMPLOYERS COMPETITIVE
Thirty -Four States have the sales tax exemption, including all but one state surrounding Iowa driving
repair work and subsequent revenue to neighboring states.
This bill is about helping Iowa employers offer competitive pricing to rival prices offered by out-of-state
companies, an especially important consideration when planes are, by definition, very mobile.
NOTE: This is NOT a tax break nor a tax diversion for aviation companies — rather an initiative of being
competitive with businesses providing aircraft maintenance services in States neighboring Iowa, such as:
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska that are considered No Tax States; with,
South Dakota currently at 4.50%, whereby in Iowa, current Tax Rates are at 6.0% and up to 2.0% local.
Help keep aviation maintenance jobs in Iowa!
House File 2573 was approved by the House of Representatives on a vote of 89-7 on March 5, 2020,
however, less than a week later, the Legislative Session was shut down due to the COVID Pandemic.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support previously proposed HF-2573 Aircraft Parts and Labor Taxes.
c. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AT RISK (CMAR)
The bill allows for the use of CMAR on public projects. The bill also prohibits the use of design build on
public projects. Relating to a construction manager -at -risk commercial construction alternative delivery
method and prohibiting certain other alternative delivery methods in the public sector and including
effective date and applicability provisions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support Existing Bill SF 183.
d. PFA / PFOA PROPOSED LEGISLATION
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that include
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). AFFF firefighting foam has been
mandated for use by the Federal Aviation Administration with no approved substitute to date.
181 Page
REQUESTED ACTION
Oppose any legislation that holds airports liable for the use or cleanup of AFFF firefighting foam
or its residue respectively.
PROTECT AIRPORT ZONING & AIRSPACE
Protecting and preserving airport approach and departure paths is one of the main reasons airport
protections were placed in the Iowa Code many years ago. The safety and protection of the public,
pilots and passengers must not be placed secondary to tower siting considerations.
REQUESTED ACTION
Dubuque opposes any efforts to eliminate, supersede, or lessen the zoning and airspace
protection abilities of local communities for their public airports.
19 1 Page
6. HOUSING
a. SMART GROWTH WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM
Creation of the Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant program under the discretionary policy of the
Iowa Finance Authority provides greater opportunity for the City of Dubuque and its partners to stabilize
the community and will prioritize environmentally sustainable development and will promote economic
development. This grant program was established in the 2010 legislative session. The program,
however, lacks funding.
Definition
Smart Growth practices are settlement patterns that avert urban sprawl by encouraging more compact
development, greater transit use, and enhanced environmental protection. Workforce housing is
normally defined as housing affordable to households earning between 80 percent and 120 percent area
median income (AMI). Affordable, in the housing industry, means a household pays no more than 30
percent of its annual income on housing. Smart Growth Workforce housing is the combination of these
concepts — the development of sustainable, transit -oriented housing that is affordable for our
workforce.
What can our workforce households afford to pay for housing? "The National Housing Act of 1937"
created the public housing program... [wherein] a tenant's income could not exceed five to six times the
rent; and by 1940 income limits gave way to the maximum rent standard in which rent could not exceed
20 percent of income — in practice, the same as the predecessor income limit standard. Over the
decades, that percentage has risen, so that by 1981 the threshold was set at 30 percent of income.
Households that spend over 30 percent of income on housing are considered cost burdened. Why the
increase? Was it truly deemed a more appropriate benchmark? Or was it simply in response to an
increase in housing costs and the government's inability to subsidize housing for an ever-growing
number of struggling households?
Over the past decade, rising housing costs have outpaced the average salary across the United States —
in some areas by two- to five -fold. Many workers in urban areas have dealt with this discrepancy by
living far from their downtown jobs or by living in housing they can't afford. Unfortunately, the former
solution is offset by an increase in transportation costs. And what is the price we pay for the latter
solution? "Families who pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing are considered cost
burdened and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and
medical care." In fact, a full 37% of homeowners and 50% of renters today are cost burdened.
Fortunately, housing costs in smaller urban and rural areas are often within closer reach for workforce
households. However, in areas where vacancy rates are low — calling for the production of new units —
development of quality housing is financially impossible, as operational income on the properties is not
enough to cover interest payments on the project mortgage. Low local rent levels, although beneficial
for tenants, preclude developers from creating new units, despite a community's housing shortage. For
this reason, many developers have turned to the LIHTC program to make their projects financially
feasible, whether or not this fulfills the community's particular housing demand.
Meanwhile, the recent economic downturn and housing market woes have combined to create a new
class of workers, forced into the rental market because they do not qualify for a mortgage. Displaced
workers with homes that won't sell, families who've had their homes foreclosed, young professionals
201 Page
with student loans, and households that might otherwise be able to afford mortgage payments if only
they could come up with the higher requisite down payment demanded in a tight lending climate — all of
these are moving into the rental market. This creates a rather sudden increase in the demand for rental
residential units for households that are neither wealthy, nor are they eligible for low-income housing.
The creation of affordable housing options for our workforce allows communities to attract and retain
quality employers. If the only housing that developers can afford to produce is intended for low-income
or wealthy households, we should not be surprised to see such a disparity in our communities' income
levels. To have a healthy mix of incomes, we must have housing options available for all income levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Fund the Iowa Finance Authority Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant program.
• Allow access to funds from the National Housing Trust Fund for the rehabilitation of
dilapidated and long -vacant properties, despite having a prior residential use.
b. WORKFORCE HOUSING TAX CREDITS
The "sun -setting" of the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Enterprise Zone program in 2014
resulted in the creation of two new tax credit opportunities under the High -Quality Jobs Program: one
for economic development and the second for workforce housing. The City of Dubuque supported this
policy decision in the 2014 legislative session however some refinement of the workforce housing tax
credit program will be necessary in order to meet the demand identified by the State of Iowa. The
legislative changes in 2014 expand access to the worthwhile housing program, but the cap is
unnecessarily limiting.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City supports moving the workforce housing tax credits out of the aggregate Iowa Economic
Development Authority's Economic Development Tax Credit Cap. The workforce housing
program is a housing program and not a direct economic development incentive and should not
be restricted as such.
21 1 Page
7. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
a. BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
Dubuque supports state efforts to expand broadband access and speeds in the state. Like water, sewer,
energy and roads, affordable access to globally relevant internet speeds is a minimum infrastructure
necessary to the quality of life of our families and the competitiveness of our businesses. State policy
should support and incent public/private collaborations to accelerate broadband access and services.
State policy should support innovations in new technologies and flexibility in existing systems like the
Iowa Communication Network (ICN). State policy should fund innovative approaches by local
communities to bring globally relevant broadband speed and services to under -served and hard to serve
populations. State policy should not hamper local municipalities from directly addressing the issue and
providing service to citizens where appropriate. Also, while we support the concept of improved
efficiency and transparency in the regulatory process to encourage private broadband investment, we
ask that care be taken with State policy to assure there is sufficient flexibility for local government to be
able to respond to local complexities and needs with permitting, licensing and regulatory decisions.
Preservation of the use of the public right of way for utilities provides benefits to all right of way users.
Reasonable regulations that provide for efficient use of sometimes very limited public right of way space
is a wise investment that pay dividends in the future to all taxpayers. When the first utility into a
location inefficiently installs their utilities, it drives up future installation costs for utilities that follow
behind. The additional incurred costs by the following utilities are then passed on to rate payers.
Individual residents and commercial property owners can also incur additional costs installing private
service laterals when utility conflicts exist in front of their private property. Lastly, if the State chooses to
"target" its broadband efforts, those targets should not be based on artificial distinctions of "urban
versus rural" or "small versus large", but rather on key consideration of whether in a specific location
there is access to globally competitive infrastructure in terms of broadband access, choice, speed,
redundancy, safety, and cost.
REQUESTED ACTION
Continue to support policy and funding for expansion and universal access to broadband in
the State of Iowa. Modernized the statewide telecommunications franchise agreement
from 1918 (check date with Barry). We continue to support home rule around location and
policy regarding broadband resources.
Redefine "rural" and create an equitable formula for the distribution of broadband grant
funding and other broadband funds throughout the state of Iowa.
22 1 Page
8. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY
a. FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM
Federal Emergency Management Administration has asserted that for everyone dollar expended in
disaster mitigation programs/projects, taxpayers save four dollars in recovery costs. The newly
established State Flood Mitigation program is designed to leverage local and federal dollars with state
financial assistance and is funded up to $600 million over the next twenty years. This amount will most
likely be insufficient in addressing the flood mitigation infrastructure demands of Iowa cities.
REQUESTED ACTION
We urge legislators to continue to appropriate funds annually to the flood mitigation account in
order to support local governments faced with high costs of these public infrastructure flood
mitigation programs in order to protect the lives and property of Iowa citizens.
b. COMBINED EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Dubuque County has experienced eight presidential disaster declarations since 1999. Increased
frequency and impacts of disasters on the City of Dubuque has created the need for expanded facilities.
Combining emergency operations and communications will deliver services more effectively and
efficiently to citizens of Dubuque and Dubuque County.
Emergency Operations Centers have been in place throughout the state of Iowa for decades. The City of
Dubuque's Emergency Operations Center is currently located at the Dubuque Emergency Responder
Training Facility. It had been previously located in the Dubuque Fire Headquarters basement since the
mid -twentieth century. EOCs were built during the Cold War and with a focus on civil defense. Today,
with more frequent and extreme weather events as evidenced by Dubuque's high number of
Presidential Disaster Declarations, demand for a new combined center is evident.
The Emergency Communications Center is located in the Dubuque County Law Enforcement Center. It is
in the middle of the building and is restricted for future growth. Currently there are 5 full console
positions, and 1 administrative (computer only) position. With the numbers of calls and the severity of
some of them, there is a need to have additional capacity for call taking and dispatching. The Center has
been remodeled several times and future expansion is limited. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and new
social distancing restrictions, the Communication center has been split into 2 different room until the
pandemic is over. The center is nearing completion of updating its radio system to a P25 System with all
Public safety agencies using the new system at this time and by February 2021 having Dubuque Public
Works Department and other city departments using the system. Even though updates to the radio
system have occurred at current location, there still is restrictions on growth and capabilities during high
volume times and disasters.
In order to respond to the well-being and safety of the citizens of Dubuque, and to the increased
demand for services created by more frequent disasters, and in order to replace aging and inefficient
facilities, efforts are underway to explore funding opportunities that would enable the creation of a
combined Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center.
The State of Iowa has partnered with many larger city/county governments to assist in funding
combined emergency communications centers and emergency operations centers.
23 1 Page
REQUESTED ACTION
• Work with area legislators to explore opportunities for partnership and funding for a
combined Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center.
• Support increasing 911 Surcharge funding percentage to get the 911 Funds back into the
local's hands to assist local 911 Service Boards with maintaining 911 systems.
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9. PUBLIC SAFETY
a. FIREARMS & VIOLENT CRIME
On January 24, 2017, Dubuque Chief of Police Mark Dalsing and Davenport Chief Paul Sikorski, along
with the County Attorneys from Polk and Blackhawk Counties, and the Mayor of Des Moines, testified
before the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee to request the State take a harder look at firearms and
violent crime issues across the state.
Chief Dalsing has provided the following information on shots fired calls:
Confirmed Shots Fired
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Des
Moines
NA
NA
NA
1287
1456
Davenport
152
168
195
195
279
Cedar
Rapids
87
104
117
99
163
Waterloo
99
62
85
92
106
Sioux City
NA
NA
NA
9
59
Iowa City
20
20
NA
13
57
Dubuque
26
20
5
16
17
Council
Bluffs
NA
NA
NA
9
13
Ames
3
3
2
2
5
Peoria, IL
469
670
602
615
728
Rockford,
IL
NA
NA
497
442
679
REQUESTED ACTION
Murders
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
NA
NA
14
22
6
12
6
2
10
4
6
3
7
12
3
6
6
2
7
NA
NA
NA
3
5
0
4
0
1
2
1
1
1
0
1
4
2
4
6
0
1
1
1
1
0
10
10
24
25
14
NA
NA
NA
NA
36
• Requirements for high, cash -only bonds for crimes involving firearms or violent crime.
• Review of existing codes to determine if penalties are sufficient (as compared to federal
penalties).
• Exploration of new codes to address additional unauthorized persons possessing firearms
(as compared to federal codes).
• Exploration of limitations on plea bargains for cases involving firearms or violent crime.
• Review of sentencing guidelines for gun crimes, including mandatory minimums.
• Analytical research into the individuals involved in gun crime and violent crime for
commonalities and cause and effect variables so effective treatment can take place.
b. MENTAL HEALTH/EMT TEAMS TO SUPPORT POLICE & COMMUNITY SAFETY
State leadership and funding is required to establish and support alternative teams of local community
service providers to work with local police professionals to address public safety. Police professionals
are called upon more frequently to serve as first responder, mediator, mental health counselor, and
social worker.
25 1 Page
REQUESTED ACTION
Create a state task force to study replicable models that could address the need for support
teams for local police. Identify funding sources for mental health professionals, medical
professionals and social workers who would staff this expansion of community service to
residents.
c. FULL FUNDING FOR JUDICIAL BRANCH SERVICES
Public safety and basic tenet of judicial process depends upon a robust fully funded judiciary which
provides for its citizen clients: access, timely processing, staffing and services. Critical funding must be
provided for all judicial services including juvenile court offices and services, drug court, and judicial
access.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation which provides full funding for the requested budget of the State of Iowa's
judicial branch. To do otherwise jeopardizes work being done with youth and is a compromise to
public safety.
d. HATE CRIME STATUTE
According to FBI Hate Crime Statistics, hate crimes against people based on gender identity are on the
rise. The 2019 data indicates that 2.7% of reported hate crimes were committed against people based
on gender identity. This compares to 2.2% of reported hate crimes in 2018, 1.6% in 2017, 2.0% in 2016,
1.7% in 2015, 1.8% in 2014, and .5% in 2013 (the first year that hate crimes based on gender identity
were reported). Note that not all jurisdictions report hate crime statistics to the FBI and jurisdictions like
Iowa would report zero based on gender identity because state law omits gender identity from the hate
crime statute.
As of September 2021, 22 states plus the District of Columbia and two territories have hate crime laws
that include gender identity. Iowa is one of 11 states whose hate crime law includes sexual orientation
but does not include gender identity.
http://www.Igbtmap.org/equality-maps/hate crime laws.
A 2016 murder in Burlington garnered national attention when local law enforcement officials could not
charge the homicide as a hate crime based on the lack of including of gender identity in the statute.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/26/us/transgender-iowa-murder-trial-kedarie-johnson.html.
In addition, we continue to hear concerns from community members of color that they find themselves
in situations where someone is trying to instigate a fight using racial slurs. When the situation in fact
escalates to a fight, both parties are typically charged with disorderly conduct. Enhancing the disorderly
conduct penalty for a person who uses slurs or other indicia of bias to select their victim and instigate a
fight may deter the use of these "fighting words" which are tantamount to a breach of the peace and
enhance community safety and security for community members of color.
The American Psychological Association, which takes a public health approach to violence prevention,
notes that dehumanization of unfamiliar groups and targeted
aggression that is behind hate violence can result in more dramatic psychological effects on victims as
compared to crimes that are not motivated by bias. In addition, hate crimes tend to decrease feelings of
261 Page
safety and security in the community for members who share the victim's group status.
http://www.apa.org/advocacy/interpersonal-violence/hate-crimes.aspx
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend hate crimes statute to include gender identity and to add disorderly conduct Iowa Code
723.4 as a crime subject to penalty enhancement.
27 1 Page
10. LIBRARY SERVICES
a. ENRICH IOWA
Enrich Iowa is a state aid program for Iowa's libraries. Until recently, Iowa was one of eight states
without direct state aid to libraries. Current state funding is at $1 million statewide versus the
recommended $3 million for full funding. If Enrich Iowa were fully funded, the Carnegie -Stout Public
Library could realize a significant increase annually in state aid.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to increase funding for the Enrich Iowa program.
28 1 Page
11. HUMAN RESOURCES
a. MUNICIPAL FIRE & POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF IOWA
Police and firefighter pensions are funded through the Municipal Fire & Police Retirement System of
Iowa (MFPRSI). Employees contribute a fixed 9.4 percent of their salary, while their employers
contribute at a variable rate, with a statutory minimum of 17 percent.
The city contribution rate is set by the nine -member MFPRSI board to meet actuarial requirements. The
board includes four members representing police and firefighters, four members representing cities,
and one private citizen — all serving four-year terms.
The employer contribution rate was 17 percent from fiscal years 1997 through 2003. As a result of
market crashes after the September 11, 2001 attacks, it was gradually raised to 28.21 percent in Fiscal
Year 2006 before again dropping to the statutory minimum in Fiscal Year 2010. Since then, it increased
to 19.90 percent in Fiscal Year 2011, 24.76 in Fiscal Year 2012, 26.12 percent in Fiscal Year 2013, 30.12
percent in Fiscal Year 2014, 30.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2015, 27.77 percent in Fiscal Year 2016, 25.92
percent in Fiscal year 2017, 25.68 percent in Fiscal Year 2018, 26.02 percent in Fiscal Year 2019 and
24.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2020.
The problem with MFPRSI is largely about the variability of the contribution rate. Cities' IPERS
contribution rates since 1994 have never been below 5.75 percent and never been above the current
9.44 percent — a difference of 64 percent. With MFPRSI during the same period, however, the
difference between the statutory minimum and the maximum (30.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2015) is
almost 79 percent.
Another small but contributing factor is the state's decision to phase out payments to MFPRSI.
At one time, the state contributed 3.79 percent of payroll to the system — an amount that would be
more than $9 million now. Then the contribution level became a flat $2.7 million — and it's dwindled
since then. The state used to contribute $1.5 million a year and now they contribute zero.
In a larger context, the public -safety -pension issues relates to local control. Cities cannot bargain with
police and firefighter unions on pensions, yet they have to fund them at state -mandated levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
The State of Iowa shall fund their obligated percentage for their share (3.79%). Change
legislation to lift the cap for the employee contribution and consider reducing enhanced
benefits for new employees coming into the system.
b. 411 SUBROGATION
Currently in Chapter 411, cities are not allowed to seek reimbursement from Third Parties for costs
incurred for Police and Fire injury and illness claims. As such, a Police or Fire employee may collect
against the City for an injury or illness claim and collect a second time for the same incident against a
Third Party. If the employee is successful in getting payment from the Third Party, the City is currently
not able to obtain reimbursement (subrogate) from the Third -Party payment.
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend Chapter 411 to allow cities to seek reimbursement from third parties for costs incurred
for Police and Fire injury and illness claims.
291Page
c. CONTINUATION OF GROUP INSURANCE
Iowa Code Section 509A.13 states:
"If a governing body, a County Board of Supervisors, or a City Council has procured for its employees
accident, health, or hospitalization insurance, or a medical service plan, or has contracted with a Health
Maintenance Organization authorized to do business in the state, the governing body, County Board of
Supervisors or City Council shall allow its employees who retired before obtaining sixty-five years of age
to continue participation in the group plan or under the group contract at the employee's own expense
until the employee obtains sixty-five years of age."
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has issued an Accounting Standard Statement
75, related to other post -employment benefits. This statement requires public employers sponsoring
and subsidizing retiree health care benefit plans to recognize the cost of such benefits on an accrual
basis. This post employment benefit is provided in the form of an implicit rate subsidy where pre -age 65
retirees receive health insurance coverage by paying a combined retiree/active rate for the self -insured
medical and prescription drug plan. This creates a liability that must be reflected on the year-end
financial statements. We are not required to fund this obligation; however, the total obligation appears
in our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
REQUESTED ACTION
Repeal Iowa Code 509A.13, Continuation of Group Insurance.
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12. IOWA CODE CHANGES
a. MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS
Legislation related to mobile homes and mobile home communities was adopted at a time when mobile
homes were truly mobile. Today, mobile homes are more stationary than they have been historically.
However, Iowa laws have not been updated to reflect this important and highly consequential change.
Today, some companies are using current law to their financial benefit and to the detriment of mobile
home community residents. These predatory practices are putting vulnerable citizens in financially
precarious situations and sometimes in financial jeopardy. Mobile home communities can be a viable
choice in Iowa's efforts to create affordable housing opportunities across the state. Therefore, review
and reform of current law is vital. Specific recommendations include basic fairness considerations such
as justification and notice for lot rent increases and good cause for refusal to continue a lease, with
clarification that legitimate business reasons can satisfy these requirements. In addition, it is important
that the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division have the ability to enforce against predatory
practices.
REQUESTED ACTION
A comprehensive review and reform of the State code related to mobile home community
protections is necessary to protect Iowa citizens and to support the goal of affordable housing in
Iowa.
b. AUTHORITY TO PETITION FOR TITLE TO ABANDON DED LOTS
A gap has been identified in Iowa Code, Chapter 657A; while cities can petition for title to abandoned
residential, commercial, and industrial properties with buildings, cities have no authority under
657A.10A to petition for title to abandoned lots. Abandoned lots can be time consuming and expensive
for cities to maintain.
REQUESTED ACTION
Include abandoned lots in Iowa Code, Chapter 657A and allow cities to petition for title to
abandoned lots as well as abandoned residential, commercial, and industrial properties with
buildings.
c. UNDERAGE & BINGE DRINKING
Current legislation provides for a penalty to be placed upon the establishment that serves minors.
However, only a simple misdemeanor penalty is placed upon the underage person attempting to
purchase alcoholic beverages. This does not discourage this problem, which is particularly prevalent in
college -age students. In an effort to combat underage consumption and "Binge Drinking" by our college
age population, we would ask legislative consideration to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty
found in Iowa Code Chapter 321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
REQUESTED ACTION
Pass legislation to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty found in Iowa Code Chapter
321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
31 1 Page
d. "GOOD MORAL CHARACTER" LANGUAGE
One of the criteria for the issuance of a State of Iowa liquor license is determined by "Person of Good
Moral Character" as defined in State of Iowa Code 123.3 (26)(d). The State fails to consider the local
municipality's interpretation of "Person of Good Moral Character" prior to issuing a liquor license.
REQUESTED ACTION
Urge legislators to eliminate "good moral character" language and replace it with objective
standards.
e. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
The City supports efforts by city attorneys to create legislation that would allow the city to regulate
adult entertainment. Draft legislation would provide that cities and counties would regulate
establishments that offer, allow or permit nude or semi-nude dancing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation drafted by city attorneys of Iowa giving the City authority to regulate adult
entertainment establishments.
32 1 Page
13. PLANNING & ZONING
a. EXAPND CITIES' EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
Cities have extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for up to two miles from their corporate limits for
subdivision review and approval only if the County has zoning for the rural areas. Extending the cities'
ETJ to include review and approval of zoning changes would facilitate planned and managed growth.
Legislation should provide incentives for governments to voluntarily plan together and identify
recommended land use impact to be considered during the planning process. Support legislation that
expands land management practices such as ETJ of cities to include review and approval of zoning
changes.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation enabling cooperative planning and effective land management practices.
b. SMART PLANNING PRINCIPLES
State agencies, local governments, and other public entities shall consider and may apply the following
principles during deliberation of all appropriate planning, zoning, development and resource
management decisions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support comprehensive planning and the Smart Planning Principles outlined in Iowa Code, and
opposes any legislation to remove or weaken the practice of sound planning in Iowa's
communities.
c. LIVABLE COMMUIJTIES
A livable community is one that is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing and
transportation options, and offers supportive community features and services.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Supports state policies that seek to improve quality of life by promoting development of
safe, accessible, and vibrant environments. Policies could address sustainable land use,
mixed use developments, multigenerational and affordable housing, alternative
transportation, and efforts to help residents age in place.
• Support legislation to enable land banking and similar community -based programs to
address blight and disinvestment.
• Supports increased investment in affordable housing programs, including the State Housing
Trust Fund, Workforce Housing Tax Credits, and other programs that provide quality housing
for low and moderate income families, reduce barriers to homeownership, and support the
modification of homes to help people age in place.
d. HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM (HSPG)
The State of Iowa needs to restore funding to the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program (HSPG). This
program was the only "brick & mortar" fund to encourage cultural growth and development throughout
the state of Iowa. The Historic Site Preservation Grant provided funds to acquire, repair, rehabilitate,
33 1 Page
and develop historic sites that preserve, interpret, or promote Iowa's cultural heritage. Projects funded
by this program had to promote an understanding of the record of human experience within Iowa.
All HSPG projects were limited to work on "vertical infrastructure," which is defined in Iowa Code
Chapter 8.S7 as "land acquisition for construction, major rehabilitation of buildings, all appurtenant
structures, utilities, and site developments."
The maximum allowable grant request was $100,000. The minimum allowable grant request was
$40,000. Projects required dollar -for -dollar cash match.
REQUESTED ACTION
Restore State funding for the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program (HSPG).
e. PROPERTY OWNERS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS
Section 303.34 of the Iowa Code requires that "At least one resident of each designated area of
historical significance shall be appointed to the commission." This requirement is problematic for the
City of Dubuque's Old Main Historic District, which is primarily commercial. It would be beneficial for
the City in the recruitment and retention of commissioners to be able to appoint property owners to
represent historic districts. Furthermore, since historic preservation regulations apply to the
rehabilitation, renovation, and restoration of property, allowing property owners to serve on the
commission would be appropriate.
Furthermore, some Iowa cities are experiencing burgeoning commissions as historic districts are
designated and representatives of each district are appointed. To avoid "over -populating" a
commission, allowing a majority of the districts to be represented on a historic preservation commission
would be appropriate.
REQUESTED ACTION
Enact legislation allowing property owners to represent a majority of the historic districts on the
Historic Preservation Commission.
f. APPEAL OF ACTIONS BY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Section 303.34 of the Iowa Code states that an aggrieved party may appeal the action of a historic
preservation commission to the City Council, and then to district court. The City Council, like the court,
has to consider whether the commission exercised its powers and followed the guidelines established by
law and ordinance, and whether the commission's action was "patently arbitrary and capricious." This
process places the City Council in the difficult and uncomfortable position of interpreting technical
guidelines and determining their appointees "arbitrary and capricious." The City Council would support
an alternative process.
Also, there is no procedure specified in Section 303.34 for appeals to district court. The procedure for
appeals should be spelled out in that section.
REQUESTED ACTION
Consider legislation providing an alternative appeal process regarding an action of the historic
preservation commission. Also, clarify the procedure for appeals to the district court.
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g. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE STAFF
With pending approval for federal dollars for infrastructure and other projects, there will be greater
demand for Section 106 Reviews as part of environment review compliance.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase SHPO staff to review Section 106 reviews in a timely manner.
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14. PARKS & RECREATION
a. PARKS TO PEOPLE INITIATIVE
The Iowa Parks Foundation has been working tirelessly to create economic and recreational facilities
opportunities to grow all regions across the State of Iowa. The Jones, Jackson and Dubuque County
region was selected for the Iowa Parks Foundation's pilot project. The pilot project - Parks to People -
aims to better connect state, county and city regional park systems to local communities. The initiative
beautifies and improves state, county and city parks to ensure Iowa will become a premier parks region
in the Midwest. Parks to People is also a quality -of -life program for the citizens of the State of Iowa and
an economic development and tourism enhancement initiative.
As a part of the first pilot region (Dubuque, Jones and Jackson counties), parks in the region received
$1.9 million in state appropriation and has been assisting in raising an additional 5:1 match which will
include financial contributions and volunteer donations of time, talent and resources. Currently the
region which is now called Grant Wood Loop has projects totaling over $50 million to build upon the
state's $1.9 million appropriation far, far greater than the 5:1 match required of the state provided
funding. More than 80 projects across the three counties (both rural and urban) were completed prior
to the December 2018 pilot project deadline.
The regional Grant Wood Loop initiative continues today with very strong public -private, government,
and nonprofit partnerships. The City of Dubuque supports the regional Parks to People efforts and
promotes the goals of regional collaboration: economic development, quality of life, wellness,
education, arts and culture and outdoor recreation.
REQUESTED ACTION
Create $2 million -dollar dedicated funding for regional planning, redevelopment, enhancement
and development planning and implementation that leverages strong public -private partnership
with state resources leveraged at 5:1 match at the State Department of Natural Resources.
b. MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATION AREA
The ability of 1,400-acre Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque to remain a focal point for
environmental and cultural educational programs and interpretive activities for the tri-state area of
Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin is seriously threatened by tenuous State funding.
Local Response to State Needs
The Mines of Spain is a regional destination where visitors and residents can reconnect with the natural,
cultural and ecological aspects of the park through interactive and comprehensive outdoor and indoor
learning opportunities.
The Mines of Spain and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center currently serves over 250,000 visitors annually
and provides hundreds of programs for school aged children, college students, youth groups and
families.
When more space was needed at the Interpretive Center, the Friends of the Mines of Spain (FOMOS)
planned and coordinated an expansion that updated and more than doubled the original space for
educational purposes, raised $1.8 million in private, local, state and federal funds.
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The award -winning LEED-certified Interpretive Center welcomes visitors to one of the region's best -
conserved natural and cultural resources, where people can explore the history and natural riches of the
park.
Working with the IDNR, the City of Dubuque, the FOMOS, private donors and the Iowa Natural Heritage
Foundation raised over $1.98 million to acquire and developed a S2-acre addition adjacent to the
Interpretive Center.
A Unique State Park with National Park Credentials
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area includes woodlands, prairie, and bluff lands that overlook the
Mississippi River along a 3-mile shoreline. This state park is a National Historic Landmark and a state
preserve. Trails connect visitors to a farm site, forests, prairies, archeological sites, and wetlands.
It also boasts some of the most diverse ecological habitats ranging from bluff lands that overlook the
river to tall grass prairies, forested woodlands and wetland.
This National Historic Landmark also contains thousands of years of human history dating from the early
Mississippian period through the early 20th century. Mounds, village sites, rock shelters, trading post
sites, and campsites dot the landscape. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area was designated in 2005 as a
Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area Site.
State Support for Investment and Operation
The IDNR, the City, and the Friend of the Mines of Spain have an excellent track record as partners. This
partnership success can continue with the increased and stable funding for the operation, maintenance,
and staffing of the Mines of Spain. Success, we believe, will be reached with asset management funding
from secure State funding sources to enable us to fully use the expanded Interpretive Center and park
area. With stable State funding, Park staff can maintain the Mines of Spain as the local, regional, state
and national treasure it is and should remain. The outcome is a place for expanded education, increased
experiences for the visitor and heritage tourism to attract more visitors to the state. Without this
increased/stable funding the ability to use and appreciate these newly built and acquired
facilities/land are seriously threatened; past investments are at risk for being wasted.
COVID-19 brought thousands of new park users to the Mines of Spain Recreation Area and that usage
has remained very high. This use increases the health, both physical and brain health of Iowans. The
increased usage creates additional need for maintenance staffing and support thus state help is needed
for increased funding for the operations and staffing of Mines of Spain Recreation Area.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increased state supported funding for the physical assets in the parks as well as park staffing for
the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area especially because there are active local partners in
the Friends of Mines of Spain and the City of Dubuque.
c. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION (REAP)
REAP stands for Resource Enhancement and Protection. It is a program in the State of Iowa that invests
in, as its name implies, the enhancement and protection of the state's natural and cultural resources.
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REAP is funded from the state's Environment First Fund (Iowa gaming receipts) and from the sale of the
natural resource license plate. The state legislature sets the amount of REAP funding every year.
Interest from the REAP account and receipts from the sale of natural resource license plates add about
$500,000 to this appropriation.
Last year REAP received an appropriation of $12 million although the REAP program is authorized to
receive $20 million per year.
REAP has been used extensively in Dubuque for land acquisition and trails. Most recently it was used to
acquire an adjoining property to the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and extension of the
Northwest Arterial Trail which directly connects to the Heritage Trail as well as environmental
restoration of Eagle Point Park. Both benefit tourism and connecting people to the outdoors with active
recreation. Since 1998 Dubuque County has received over $6.95 million in REAP allocations for 220
projects for city parks and open space grants, conservation education, county conservation grants and
allocations, historic resource development grants, land management, roadside vegetation, and soil and
water enhancement.
REQUESTED ACTION
Request that the Iowa Legislature work to increase REAP to full funding of $20 million and
create more permanent year after year funding.
d. NATURAL RESOURCES & OUTDOOR RECREATION TRUST FUND
The Iowa Legislature has a great opportunity to fulfill its promise to Iowans to protect Iowa's land and
water by passing a measure that funds the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, also
called Iowa's Water and Land Legacy.
In 2010, over 60% of Iowa voters supported creation of the Fund to provide reliable and dedicated
funding for the protection of water quality, conservation of agricultural soils and improvement of
natural areas such as fish and wildlife habitat. However, no money will go into it unless the Legislature
raises the sales tax. If raised, the first three -eighths of the tax will go toward the Trust Fund. It was
reported that this would generate about $150 million a year. Once funded, the Trust Fund guarantees
that money in the Trust be allocated as shown in the graph.
REAP Our most productive soil is
being lost at an alarming
Soil &7id
rate, threating the economic
engine that is Iowa's family
Local GonS@r+r�#ipn Pdr#ner5hRp5
farms. Funding the Trust
Fund will provide protection
of these resources for future
generations by:
hltat, Parks &Preserves watershed Protec#ion1
Trails Lake Restoration
38 1 Page
Providing significant funding for investments in voluntary soil conservation practices and
technology that can improve yields and profits on Iowa farms.
Fostering and leveraging partnerships between agriculture, the non-profit and private sectors
and government for implementation of water quality and soil conservation practices.
Allocating 33% of the funding to voluntary soil and water conservation and local conservation
partnerships.
The Trust Fund will also allow for investment in natural approaches to flood prevention that can
improve water quality while protecting our farms, cities and neighborhoods from future flooding.
Outdoor recreation provides real economic benefits to Iowa's communities, particularly rural ones by
contributing millions in local and state tax revenues, providing jobs and generating billions of dollars in
Iowa's economy.
• Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching generate $1.54 billion per year in Iowa. This includes $974
million in local retail sales, creating and supporting more than 17,800 jobs.
• Hunters alone support over 7,000 jobs in Iowa and spend over $449 million annually on their
sport, which in turn generates over $47.8 million in state tax revenue.
• Visits to state parks, county parks, lakes and trails are estimated at 50 million visits per year,
representing $2.63 billion in spending levels.
• River recreation supports more than 6,350 jobs with $824 million in sales and $139 million of
personal income.
Recreational amenities and quality of life opportunities are critical to recruiting and retaining a highly
educated and motivated workforce.
REQUESTED ACTION
Pass legislation to increase the state sales tax from 6 percent to 6 and 3/8 percent with the 3/8
of one percent to be deposited in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund
that the voters of Iowa already supported with a significant majority.
e. STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
The state recreational trails program (SRT) provides funds to establish recreational trails throughout
Iowa for the use, enjoyment and participation of the public. The program is restricted to the acquisition,
construction or improvement of recreational trails open for public use or trails which will be dedicated
public use upon completion.
The citizens of Dubuque have benefitted from this grant program to establish trails in our community
connecting recreational resources as well as providing trail transportation corridors for bikes and
pedestrians. Trails continue to grow in popularity and are an economic engine for the state.
In the last six years the Iowa Department of Transportation program has had funding of $3.4, $2.5, 1.2,
$1, $1.5, and $1 million to award with requests each year ranging from $23.4 million to $10.5 million in
the lowest year. The need far outweighs the funding available which keeps decreasing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Authorize additional funding each year at a stable level appropriate to the needs for the State.
The fund typically had a $2 million funding but in recent years that has seen a 25 to 50% decline.
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15. ARTS & CULTURE
a. ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING
Vibrant and livable communities in Iowa are those that support and invest in arts, culture, and
humanities initiatives and programs as tools for economic and community development. Equitable
access to and representation in arts and cultural programs improves the quality of life for all Iowans and
stimulates economic activity, helping to attract and retain a diverse workforce which is essential to
Iowa's economic vitality and competitive edge. Arts and culture as a stand-alone industry is a bustling
sector, supporting a wide variety of education, entertainment, recreational, and skilled -trades jobs while
providing essential revenue streams for local travel and hospitality businesses and generating significant
contributes to federal, state, and local governments. Iowa's arts and culture sector is a necessary
element of the state's overall COVID-19 recovery strategy and a long-term asset for the state's overall
growth and vitality in the 21st century.
Community -created
Solidarity Mural at
Dubuque's Five Flags Civic
Center. Designed by local
artist Shelby Fry. Painted
by 75+ volunteers, June
2020. Photograph by Bob
Felderman.
Nationally, the arts culture sector and creative economy is a $804.2 billion industry, representing $26
billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue. This equates to 4.3% of the nation's GDP — a larger share
of the economy than construction (4.0%) or education services (1.1%). In Iowa, the arts and culture
sector contributes an estimated $4 billion to the state's economy, representing 2.2% of the state's GDP
and representing 42,373 jobs in 5,000+ for -profit and non-profit businesses.
Artists and nonprofit organizations, particularly those dependent on revenue from contract work and
earned income, have been especially hard-hit by COVID-19 cancellations, closures, and lost
opportunities.
According to a recent survey of Iowa cultural organizations:
• Iowa arts and cultural organizations incurred financial losses of at least $31.2 million as of
August 26, 2020.
• 95% have reported cancelling events, impacting more than 1.2 M Iowans.
• Organizations have lost about 2.7 million attendees since March.
• More than 1,400 arts and creative workers have been furloughed or laid off in Iowa.
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A survey of Dubuque nonprofit arts and culture organizations in April 2021 point to at least $3.9 million
in unrealized operating and program revenue in 2020 versus 2019 for the sector locally. CARES Act and
American Rescue Plan Funds, along with Shutter Venue Operator Grants and Payroll Protection Program
funding has helped these organizations to weather the height of the storm. Continued appropriations to
State arts and culture agencies will be key to the sector's resiliency and role in helping communities
rebuild and recover.
According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Iowa ranked 41st in per capita spending of
46 cents for arts and culture through its state arts agency in FY2021. The National average is $1.21.
Neighboring states are rank higher than Iowa: Minnesota ranks 1st at $6.37, Illinois 19th at $1.05, and
Nebraska 26th at 79 cents. These noted FY2021 appropriations include line -item funds designated by
the legislature to pass through the state arts agency to other entities.
In 2012, Dubuque participated in one of the most comprehensive economic impact studies of the
nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. The Arts & Economic Prosperity
IV study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for
advancing the arts and arts education. The results showed that Dubuque's nonprofit arts and culture
sector generates $47.2 million in annual economic activity, supporting 1,530 full-time equivalent jobs
and generating $5 million in local and state government revenues and $36.7 million in household
income to local residents. Dubuque has elected to participate in the upcoming Arts & Economic
Prosperity VI study to assess the current economic and update impact figures of our nonprofit arts and
culture organizations.
The Dubuque City Council prioritized arts and culture investment to foster equitable access and
representation in a thriving arts and culture community. 'Diverse arts, culture, parks, and recreation
experiences and activities' is one of eight City of Dubuque 2036 Goals.
Since 2004, the Dubuque's City Council has taken actions such as establishing an Arts and Cultural Affairs
Advisory Committee, dedicating $35,000 annually in special project grants, and establishing a Downtown
Cultural Corridor managed by Dubuque Main Street. Additional investments include an operating
support grant program for local arts and culture non -profits which has grown from $200,000 in FY06 to
$250,000 in FY21.
We enjoy an annual rotating public sculpture program, seeded as a ten-year $300,000 CIP in FY06 and
now funding through the City's general fund at $37,500 annually. A part-time, now full-time staff
position, of Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator was added in FY09 and continues as a key member of the
City's Economic Development Department team. To date, the City of Dubuque has provided $3.96
million in direct funding for arts and culture since the establishment of the City's Arts and Cultural
Affairs Advisory Commission in 2004. City funding alone is insufficient for local arts and culture sectors
and creative economies to flourish, especially in rural communities where municipal funding for the arts
rarely exists and even in communities like Dubuque where the arts are invested in as a key tool for
community success.
In 2014, the City recognized the need for master arts planning to advance its' reputation as a regional
creative and cultural hub. The resulting Arts and Culture Master Plan was adopted by City Council in
2016 and serves as a guide to assist the City in strategic resource management, to sustain arts and
culture as an integral part of the community's social and cultural vibrancy. The plan engages the
community in the implementation of the plan, reflecting the community's vision to utilize arts and
41 1 Page
culture to enhance our sense of place, contribute to Dubuque's economic vitality, create and support an
environment where art and culture thrive, and enrich Dubuque culturally, aesthetically, educationally,
and economically.
The support of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (IDCA), its various divisions, and their
subsequent grant programs, is vital to the arts and culture organizations and creative workers in
Dubuque. Dubuque does not currently offer grant programs for individual artists or for -profit culture
entities; the Iowa Arts Council (IAC) Project Grants and Iowa Artist Fellowship Program provide critical
opportunities for creative culture bearers to create their work and engage their communities. IAC's
other grant programs including School Arts Experience, Cultural Heritage Project Grants, Cultural
Leadership Partner Operating Support Grants, Arts Build Communities Grant, and others provide
essential support for educational opportunities, community enrichment, and economic development
arts -based projects that would not take place without sustained or increased funding from Iowa's
legislative appropriation to its state arts agency.
We take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank IDCA for serving as a key resource for local arts
agencies, organizations, and artists across the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They have
provided prompt and thoughtful support of the sector, efficiently creating one-time grant programs to
put CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funds to work on the ground in local communities.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Continue to regard and fund the arts and culture sector as an essential Iowa industry
attracting and retaining Iowa's workforce, inspiring business development, supporting
economically viable jobs, generating state and local government revenue, and as a
cornerstone of the state's tourism economy.
• Continue to support and fund programs at or above FY21 levels through the Iowa
Department of Cultural Affairs (Iowa Arts Council, State Historical Society of Iowa, Produce
Iowa, and Humanities Iowa) to continue recognizing and promoting Iowa's cultural heritage
as key in COVID-19 recovery strategy for all Iowa communities.
• Provide funding for appropriate staffing levels at the Department of Cultural Affairs to
increase service and support of the arts and culture community throughout all parts of the
state.
• Explore and implement funding mechanisms to raise the ranking of Iowa from 41st in the
nation per capita through the state's arts agency as reported by the National Assembly of
State Arts Agencies Legislative appropriations including line items for Iowa are projected to
be reduced to 32 cents per capita representing a 30.7% decrease in funding, dropping
Iowa's ranking to 46th in the nation.
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16. SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY
a. ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Every year, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy ranks states on their energy efficiency
policy and program efforts. Iowa's rank continues to slide nationally for its efforts to promote energy
efficiency. Businesses, residents and local governments have taken advantage of existing incentive
programs, but still have much work to do in order to make their new and existing buildings more energy
efficient. As energy efficiency is achieved, private and public organizations as well as individuals have
begun to explore a variety of alternative and renewable energy options to increase their energy
independence, reduce dependence on coal and oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the
competitiveness of local business and improve public health.
In 2016, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Department of Transportation initiated a
statewide process to develop the Iowa Energy Plan. The plan, which the City of Dubuque has been
engaged in developing, focuses on energy as an economic development opportunity, Iowa's energy
resources, energy efficiency and conservation, and transportation and infrastructure.
However, in 2018, legislation imposed a spending cap on utility demand -side investment and now allows
customers to opt out of paying for programs that fail to pass the Ratepayer Impact Measure test. Early
indications from utility filings forecast a drop -in savings of 25-50% for electric programs and 75-80% for
gas programs (Source: American Council for an Energy -Efficient Economy). The impact of these cuts is
already being felt in Dubuque, with decreased funding for the Green Iowa AmeriCorps program. The
decreased funding for rebates and other efficiency programs continues to be felt by our residents and
businesses.
REQUESTED ACTION
• The City strongly advocates for implementation of the recommendations of the Iowa Energy
Plan, specifically as they relate to energy efficiency and opportunities to support the
development of renewable energy resources in the state. The City is represented in the
Dubuque County Energy District and will work collaboratively with energy districts across
the state to provide leadership and technical assistance to advance efficiency and
renewable work.
Successful energy efficiency incentive programs should be continued and increased, and
Iowa should explore opportunities to remain competitive with other states in offering
incentives for the installation and utilization of renewable and alternative energy.
Specifically, the state should consider a progressive energy policy that works with local
governments and utilities to 1) provide energy efficiency assistance, especially to low-
income families, 2) remove barriers to widespread decentralized renewable energy use, 3)
stabilize renewable energy incentives, and 4) protect net metering and third -party power
purchase agreements and support other opportunities to make renewable energy more
cost-effective and accessible.
• The City supports removal of code language that prevents cities from adopting a stricter
energy code and encourages the state to adopt the 2018 IECC energy code as well as the
International Green Construction Code (IGCC). In addition, the City supports adopting all
43 1 Page
building codes one year after issued by the ICC, which impacts water usage, EV charging
infrastructure, HVAC and other resources.
The City supports state legislation to permit Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, in
Iowa. PACE financing offers an innovative way for property owners to pay for energy
efficiency upgrades with strong ROls that create jobs for Iowans. PACE programs can now
be used in over 37 states and has provided millions of dollars to improve buildings according
to the US Green Building Council. Long-term financing linked to properties incent
investment in energy -efficiency and renewable energy projects with long-term ROls and
promote equitable sharing of costs and savings among current and future owners and
tenants. In addition, the state should offer tax credits from building above the adopted
energy code (such as PHIUS, DOE Net Zero, etc.) and offer tax credits for efficiency upgrades
to low-income occupied homes and rental units.
• The City recognizes that buildings make up the majority of our resource usage and supports
making all buildings be Watersense-certified and proposes an energy -use disclosure at sale
or lease of all structures.
• Additionally, the City supports the Iowa Clean Cities Coalition and is interested in partnering
with the State in any way possible to advance the development of alternative fuel fleets and
the infrastructure needed to make those fleets possible in the public and private sector.
Support policies that incentivize electric vehicles (EVs) and allow for development of electric
vehicle charging infrastructure.
Iowa is one of the national leaders in renewable energy. While traditionally this has focused
on wind energy, the solar industry has been growing. From 2015 to 2019, solar -related jobs
in Iowa grew from 350 to 900. Iowa's renewable energy record is a selling point in business
recruiting and the tax credit spurred a lot of investment in communities across the state.
Additionally, the state needs to reinstate the Iowa Solar Tax Credit and increase the
allotment to $10 million annually.
b. REPEAL OF THE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS CONTROL PROGRAM
The Beverage Containers Control Program, also known as the "Bottle Bill," is an effective way to revive
spoiled waterways, tackle waste management issues and address climate change. Recent years have
seen the introduction of legislation that would repeal the beverage containers control program and
create a recycling enhancement program. While this legislation has been characterized as moving in the
direction of a more comprehensive statewide solution making recycling easier and more strategically
addressing litter, the real consequences of such legislation would be to shift collection and cost burden
from redemption centers to local government. This increased cost of recycling services would fall
squarely on the taxpayers of Dubuque and other Iowa cities.
REQUESTED ACTION
Oppose bottle bill legislation that would shift the burden of recycling cans and bottles to local
taxpayers. Modernize the state's policy to increase the handlers fee.
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17. PUBLIC HEALTH
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING
IARPA and CARES money is one-time and specifically for COVID relief. Local public health agencies
(LPHAs) need dedicated, reliable, and flexible funding to deliver on their CHNA/HIPs and address the
knock -on "social morbidities" of COVID that will be seen for years if not generations to come.
For the past 20 years, local public health agencies have been creating, refining, updating and adding
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Response Plans (PHEPRP.) Before and soon after the 9/11
attacks, local public health followed the national initiative of preparing for biological, chemical,
radiological, weather and other public health related disasters and emergencies. Simultaneously, we
experienced more and more newly emerging infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, resistant TB,
MRSA, West Nile, Ebola, Zika, cyclospora, E.Coli 0157:H7, SARS, MERS, H1N1 influenza, Toxic Shock
Syndrome and others. These along with re-emerging outbreaks of diseases we thought we'd conquered
such as mumps, measles and whooping cough continue to persist along with outbreaks from new
sources or ways of spread from pathogens such as cryptosporidia, giardia, salmonella, shigella, and
Hantavirus. Congress responded to most of these with limited term, disease specific and preparedness
planning funding to states, who in turn funded local health departments and public health agencies
through grant processes. As the outbreaks subsided and healthcare learned to treat the infectious
diseases the funding was reallocated to other priorities or cut entirely. This reactionary, short term
public health funding does not create a system or public health agencies are ready to respond to
epidemics and pandemics, climate and weather related emergencies etc in a timely and effective
manner.
Public health requires ongoing funding, education and resources to prepare for and respond to public
health emergencies, including those that happen at the state, local, federal and world levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase and protect funding for vital public health agencies and programs and strengthen the
nation's public health infrastructure.
b. BRAIN HEALTH
The 2017 Iowa Acts, Chapter 109, Section 17 directed the Department of Human Services (Department)
to convene a stakeholder workgroup to: "...make recommendations relating to the delivery of, access to,
and coordination and continuity of brain health, disability, and substance abuse disorder needs,
particularly for individuals with complex brain health, disability, and substance use disorder needs."
The Complex Service Needs Workgroup recommends expanding and improving Iowa's brain health and
substance use disorder services array to fill gaps for individuals with the most complex service needs by
developing and implementing in strategic locations throughout Iowa.
City of Dubuque Public Health and Safety officials recognize the positive aspects of the
recommendations that align with City Council priorities. The recommendations are very comprehensive
and address the continuum of care for behavioral and brain health issues, from mild to serious
diagnoses. The recommendations also provide the opportunity for the regions to collaborate certain
types of facilities and treatments. The recommendations address law enforcement issues and provides
tools for law -enforcement and other entities working in community health.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Support the recommendations from the report of the Complex Service Needs Workgroup to
expand and improve Iowa's brain health and substance use disorder services array to fill gaps for
individuals with the most complex service needs by developing and implementing the following
facilities and services in strategic locations throughout Iowa and supports the following
legislative action:
• Require brain health and disability services (MHDS) regions to establish, implement, and
maintain services in partnership with managed care organizations (MCOs) in strategic
locations throughout Iowa.
• Direct the Department to establish a single set of provider qualifications and access
standards that are used for Chapter 24 accreditation, Iowa Medicaid Enterprise for Medicaid
enrollment, MHDS Region standards, and MCO utilization review standards.
• Direct the Department to establish access standards that allow and encourage multiple
MHDS Regions to strategically locate and share intensive, specialized services among and
between MHDS Regions to best serve Iowans in the most efficient manner possible.
• Eliminate the Iowa code that limits the number of sub -acute care facility beds.
• Establish brain health specialty courts in statute for each judicial district, funded with
standing appropriations to the Judicial Branch and Department of Corrections.
The City also supports the Workgroup's recommendation that the Department of Human Services and
Public Health (Departments) review the interim report with the Courts and seek their agreement and
support.
c. CHILDREN'S BRAIN HEALTH PRIORITIES
Citizen input describing the experience of navigating the brain health resources for children in Iowa
describe a system that is fraught with challenges. These challenges frequently preclude successful
outcomes.
Children's' brain health protocols need to be tailored and age appropriate and not modeled after adult
systems. Barriers to care, lack of services, scarcity of providers, and lack of professional services in
schools and day care all mitigate against good brain health solutions.
The Children's Behavioral Health Systems state board identified the following priorities:
• Ensure stable and adequate funding of the children's system.
• Continue service growth to all areas of the state including but not limited to core and core plus
services.
• Address challenges impacting the behavioral health workforce, including implementing
strategies to enhance the current behavioral health workforce.
• Implement universal behavioral health screenings with informed consent by children's parent or
guardian.
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• Continue to develop and implement statewide data collection pertaining to children with a
serious emotional disturbance.
• Provide funding to eliminate the children's mental health waiver waitlist.
• Conduct statewide resource mapping for children's services.
• Explore and correct gaps in services.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support the legislative priorities of the Children's Behavioral Health Systems state board.
d. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Iowa's Community Health Centers (CHCs) provide care to more than 69,000 Medicaid patients, which is
16% of the state's total Medicaid population. As unique primary health care providers that conveniently
offer medical, oral health and behavioral health services under one roof, CHCs frequently see patients
who have scheduled appointments for more than one type of visit on the same day (for example, a
patient will schedule a yearly medical exam and a dental cleaning on the same day). Unfortunately,
current Iowa Medicaid reimbursement policy does not allow CHCs to be reimbursed for more than one
visit if they occur on the same day.
Allowing reimbursement for same day medical and dental visits will also facilitate the implementation of
an integrated primary healthcare model at CHCs. This model, which is clinically effective and cost
effective, utilizes close collaboration between a CHC's medical and oral health staff to provide a
seamless continuum of care for patients. Visits ideally occur to both on the same day, reducing the high
failure rate of referrals to behavioral health and allow for better coordination of medical and oral health
problems.
Although these issues should be resolved under managed care, there remain issues connected to
Managed Care Organization (MCO) same -day billing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Allow Medicaid reimbursement for same -day medical, oral health and behavioral health
services.
e. ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
With continuing issues related to the sustainability of the Health Insurance Marketplace in Iowa and the
proposals to replace or improve the Affordable Care Act, any changes need to ensure vulnerable and
low-income Iowans can access high quality, affordable health insurance, including Iowa's Medicaid
expansion program and other safeguards to maintain our historically low insurance rates.
REQUESTED ACTION
• It is imperative that any changes to Medicaid rates and coverage, or increased flexibility at
the state or federal level, include adequate services, providers, rates, and other safeguards.
• Maintain the integrity of the 340B pharmacy program with complimentary legislation to the
Federal legislation
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• Establish an annual fund for capital expenditures to expand services, improve technology
and expand physical locations (last year's request was for $5 million.)
• Audio only telehealth is temporarily allowed under Public Health Emergency- a more
permanent solution is necessary because patients still cannot afford or can't always access
broadband, or they do not have the devices or ability for full video. Medical commercial
parity for telehealth for behavioral health services under commercial insurance was passed
last year.
f. REDUCE SOCIO-ECONOMIC BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS
Require non -emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to be covered for all Medicaid patients who
have a demonstrated mobility issue. Studies have concluded that one of the largest barriers to care is
inadequate transportation to acute and prevention -focused appointments, resulting in a delay of lower -
cost medical services and increases in the use of costly emergency department visits. Including coverage
of NEMT will reduce missed appointments and decrease preventable healthcare costs.
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend Iowa Code Chapter 249N to include non -emergency transportation services as a
reimbursable service for enrolled persons who have a demonstrated mobility issue.
g. RECRUIT & RETAIN A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE
One of the largest factors limiting a community health center's ability to provide patients quality care is
recruiting and retaining quality providers.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support and continue investment in the National Health Service Corp, and teaching health
centers to assist and promote health and dental providers to serve in rural areas, specialty
areas, and community health centers.
h. OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Opioid use and overdose deaths represent a public health crisis requiring innovating, evidence -based
responses with community involvement. Opioid overdose mortality represents a major and preventable
threat to public health. Deaths from unintentional drug poisoning have reached crisis levels in the
United States and in Iowa. Last year in Dubuque, we had nine opioid-related overdose deaths, and three
have occurred already this year. Other communities in Iowa are also experiencing the devastating
effects of illicit opioids.
A growing body of evidence and experience supports innovating community -level approaches to
preventing opioid overdose deaths in the broader context of efforts to reduce the risk of overdose
through primary prevention of opioid misuse. Numerous pilot programs and evaluations have
demonstrated the feasibility and viability of providing opioid education to the community, to health care
providers, including Nalaxone administration, use, and education on the opioid Prescription Monitoring
Program, and harm reduction strategies.
The Dubuque community has been monitoring the increasing opioid crisis and we are very concerned
about the growing impact on our community. A local, community -based opioid response team has
assembled and is meeting regularly. To date, they have educated 566 community and health
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professionals, along with 187 law enforcement personnel, on Nalaxone administration and promoted
community -based organizations to educate the community on the opioid misuse problem. Much of the
task force work has become a model for the state and country.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Establish drug specialty courts in statute for each judicial district, funded with standing
appropriations to the Judicial Branch and Department of Corrections;
• Maintain coverage for vulnerable populations and ensure immediate health benefit
coverage to Medicaid and insurance -eligible offenders when released from incarceration,
including coverage of naltrexone prescriptions for addicted offenders;
• Create a new public long-term treatment facility for dual diagnosis patients;
• Direct the Department of Human Services and Iowa Insurance Division to assemble a
comprehensive report containing the following elements:
• Coverage and payment policies for diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders by
insurance companies,
• Management care organizations and third -party administrators on behalf of self -funded
plans;
• Aggregate utilization data by county on the number of people treated, services provided,
costs incurred, and payments made;
• Prospects/research on the success of abuse -deterrent opioid pharmaceuticals.
• Explore and pilot the use of research -based harm -reduction strategies such as needle
exchange programs while providing education to law enforcement, the community, and
healthcare providers.
• Peer to Peer support. Recognize and support the importance of informal, peer supports
such as narcotics anonymous, I Hate Heroine, CRUSH etc. This includes expanding
education, increasing inclusivity and financial supports needed to expand reach and efforts.
i. NOTICE OF VIOLATION
Currently, a notice of code violation must be sent via certified mail to a property owner if the City
performs the required mitigation of the problem and assesses the cost to the property owner. We
suggest that a notice be sent via regular mail to the property owner. Oftentimes, it is difficult for people
to collect or pickup certified mail, particularly if they are not home at time of delivery. Certified also
adds a significant cost ($2.87) to the mailing of each notice.
REQUESTED ACTION
Change Iowa Code Section 364.12 (h) to allow mailing via regular mail.
j. CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING
Childhood lead poisoning is endemic to Iowa. Of Iowa children born in 2004, 97.7% were tested at least
once before the age of six years, and 3.7% of these children were lead -poisoned (in eight counties, more
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than 9% of the children were lead -poisoned). At the national level, the rate of lead poisoning among
children under the age of six years is so low that it is no longer reported. Homes built prior to 1978 are
likely to contain lead -based paint, and lead -based paint hazards are the leading cause of childhood lead
poisoning. In 2009, the Iowa General Assembly passed a law requiring all children to have proof of a
blood lead test prior to entering kindergarten.
Further complicating Iowan's ability to help their children, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
eliminated a $594,000.00 grant which the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has historically
received annually. This resulted in a 25% reduction in funds going to local health departments for lead
poisoning surveillance activities, and, more importantly, essentially eliminated the technical capacity of
the state level especially for data compilation and analysis. As IDPH keeps less than 5.0% of state funds
allocated to the lead poisoning preventing program, staff time will now be used for enforcement
activities related to contractors and inspectors, rather than the tracking and treatment of poisoned
children and maintaining accurate data.
REQUESTED ACTION
Appropriate adequate funds to allow the Iowa Department of Public health to continue its
crucial role as a technical advisor and data manager to local childhood lead poisoning
prevention programs (CLPPP) and increase funding levels for local CLPPP programs.
k. HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS
A decade ago, the Legislature charged the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture with preparing a
local food and farm plan containing policy and funding recommendations for supporting and expanding
local food systems and for assessing and overcoming obstacles necessary to increase locally grown food
production. The Healthy Local Foods principle of Dubuque's sustainability model aims to provide
benefits of wholesome food from local producers, distributors, farms, gardens and hunters to all. The
City and its partners engaged in the Healthy Local Foods initiative have participated in the forming of the
Local Food & Farm Plan. In order for local institutions and consumers to increase their purchase and
consumption of local foods, barriers must be overcome that enable more produce and meat to be
produced, processed, and sold locally. Various studies have shown the value of a strong local food
system as an economic development tool.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support and help facilitate food donation and food rescue programs.
• Promote and facilitate grocery store investment in food deserts.
• Facilitate and fund Farm to School and Farm to Institution health food initiatives.
• Incentivize regenerative soil management practices for agriculture, school and community
gardens to protect Iowa's major industry and environmentally sensitive areas.
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