Discounted City Utilities Program and Affordable Connectivity Program Promotional BrochureCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Action Items # 06.
Copyrighted
March 20, 2023
ITEM TITLE: Discounted City Utilities Program and Affordable Connectivity Program
Promotional Brochure
SUMMARY: Video featuring Mayor Cavanagh promoting the Discounted City Utilities
Program shared on the City's social media channels and airing on
CityChannel Dubuque at
https:Hyoutu.be/7x9MaBVzEBg and City Manager providing information on
the two programs designed to assist income qualified residents with monthly
utility payments and internet access.
SUGGESTED Receive and File; View VideoSuggested Disposition:
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Spring 2023 Promotion of Discounted City Utilities Staff Memo
Program and Affordable Connectivity Program
Discounted City Utilities & ACP Flyer Supporting Documentation
THE CITY OF
DUjIBQTE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Spring 2023 Promotion of Discounted City Utilities Program and
Affordable Connectivity Program
DATE: March 14, 2023
Dubuque
WAWca 914
2007-2012-2013
2017*2019
Public Information Officer Randy Gehl is sharing information on the promotion of two
programs designed to assist income qualified residents with monthly utility payments
and internet access: Spring 2023 Promotion of Discounted City Utilities Program and
Affordable Connectivity Program.
Micl�ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brurnwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
THE CITY OF
DUUB--'&--FE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All -America Pf
2007-2012-2013
2017*2019
TO: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
SUBJECT: Spring 2023 Promotion of Discounted City Utilities Program and
Affordable Connectivity Program
DATE: March 14, 2023
INTRODUCTION
The Public Information Office is promoting two programs designed to assist income -
qualified residents with monthly utility payments and internet access.
BACKGROUND
Through the Discounted City Utilities Program, the City offers income -qualified
residential customers a reduction in monthly fees for all four City utilities (water, sanitary
sewer, refuse collection, and storm water) of up to 50% of the base rate. Customers
must submit an application for consideration and applications are renewed on an annual
basis. The program is promoted on the back of all printed City utility bills and is
regularly promoted in the City News newsletter, on CityChannel Dubuque, and social
media.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) program that provides eligible households with a discount on
broadband service and connected devices. The City of Dubuque created a webpage to
help eligible residents find and enroll in the program and has been promoting the
program to residents through City publications and social media since 2021.
Eligible households can receive:
$30 per month discount on wireless internet plans and a free phone
OR $30 per month discount on wired internet service to the home
One-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
Residents may be eligible if someone in the household:
0 Receives SNAP, Medicaid, or other government benefits, or
Meets income guidelines, or
Goes to a school where they receive free or reduced -price lunch and breakfast.
DISCUSSION
A new flyer/handout promoting both programs was developed in early March and was
distributed electronically to all City departments. Staff were asked to share the
publication and information with residents who could benefit as well and partner
organizations and agencies that work with those residents. The Office of Shared
Prosperity and Neighborhood support is sharing the flyer with neighborhood association
contacts and exploring other community distribution options. The flyer is also being
translated into Spanish and Marshallese.
Nearly 21,000 copies of the flyer will be mailed with all printed City utility bills in the May
2023 billing cycle. The flyers are also displayed near the Utility Billing windows in City
Hall. The two discount programs will also be promoted through large advertisements in
the Telegraph Herald and Dubuque Advertiser in late March or early April 2023.
A short video featuring Mayor Cavanagh and promoting the Discounted City Utilities
Program was produced in early March. It was shared on the City's social media
channels and is airing on CityChannel Dubuque. The video can be seen at
https://Voutu.be/7x9MaBVzEBq
RECOMMENDED ACTION
No action is required.
Attachment:
Discounted City Utilities Program and American Connectivity Program Flyer
2
I
THE CITY OF
DUB
�A
Masterpiece on the M
I
Discounted City Utilities Program
The City offers income -qualified residential customers
a reduction in monthly fees for all four City utilities
(water, sanitary sewer, refuse collection, and storm
water) of up to 50% of the base rate. Customers
must submit an application for consideration and
applications are renewed on an annual basis.
Learn more and fill out a short application at:
www.cityofdubuque.org/utilitiesdiscount
or call 563.589.4144
IN
IL
How It Works
ACP gives a discount on your household's monthly internet service. Participating
internet service providers will apply this discount directly to your service plan.
If eligible, your household can receive:
* $30 per month discount on wireless internet plans and a free phone
* OR $30 per month discount on wired internet service to your home
* One-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
A small fee will be required.
Your household may be eligible if someone in the household:
Receives SNAP, Medicaid, or other government benefits, or
Meets income guidelines, or
Goes to a school where they receive free or reduced -price lunch and breakfast.
THE CITY OF
DUt�B E Find out if you qualify and how to
Masterpiece on the Mississippi participat( -A acp.cityofdubuque.org
If you don't have access to a computer or internet to apply, free access is available at Carnegie -Stout Public Library.