2024 Federal Legislative PrioritiesCity of Dubuque Consent Items # 05.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: 2024 Federal Legislative Priorities
SUMMARY:
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
MVM Memo
Copyrighted
December 18, 2023
City Manager recommending adoption of the 2024 Federal Legislative
Priorities.
Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve
2024 Federal Legislative Priorities
Type
City Manager Memo
Supporting Documentation
THE C
DUjIBQTE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: 2024 Federal Legislative Priorities
DATE: December 14, 2023
Dubuque
WAWca 914
ii
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Director of Strategic Partnerships Teri Goodmann worked with the Department
Managers and City of Dubuque strategic partners to develop a set of recommended
2024 Federal Legislative Priorities and is recommending adoption of the attached
priorities.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
CC' Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Justin Thiltgen, Technical Grant Analyst/Assistant
THE CITY OF
DUB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All-Amerim City
\All( )NAI ( M A V A I
1 1
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
2024 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
PRIORITIES
-able of Contents
FEDERAL FOCUS 2022- 2032 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES.................................................................................3
1. INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSPORTATION GRANT PROGRAMS.....................................................................4
a. RAISE GRANT.........................................................................................................................................4
c. SAFE STREETS FOR ALL (SS4A) GRANT...................................................................................................5
d. DOT TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNITY & SYSTEM PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM BUILD GRANT
FOR "IMPROVING THE NORTHWEST ARTERIAL/JOHN DEERE ROAD CORRIDOR FOR FREIGHT
MOBILITY.................................................................................................................................................6
2. INFRASTRUCTURE: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION......................................................................................7
a. BUILD GRANT FOR "IMPROVING THE NORTHWEST ARTERIAL/JOHN DEERE ROAD CORRIDOR FOR
FREIGHTMOBILITY"..................................................................................................................................7
b. EAST -WEST CORRIDOR CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS.............................................................................8
c. 14t" ST RAILROAD OVERPASS..............................................................................................................10
d. 16T" ST CORRIDOR — CHAPLAIN SCHMITT ISLAND — CENTRAL AVE/WHITE ST...................................11
e. NORTHWEST ARTERIAL/HIGHWAY 20 INTERSECTION........................................................................12
f. SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL (US HIGHWAY 52) PEDESTRIAN / BIKE SHARED USE PATH .............................13
g. CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS: US HIGHWAY 20....................................................................................14
f. PUBLIC TRANSIT FUNDING...................................................................................................................14
3. INFRASTRUCTURE: AIR TRANSPORTATION.............................................................................................15
a. FAA REAUTHORIZATION......................................................................................................................15
b. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM...........................................................................................................16
c. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT GRANT (SCASDG)................................................16
4. INFRASTRUCTURE: PASSENGER RAIL......................................................................................................17
5. INFRASTRUCTURE: WATER......................................................................................................................18
a. WASTEWATER & DRINKING WATER...................................................................................................18
b. FLOODWALL IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE.................................................................................18
6. INFRASTRUCTURE: BROADBAND & TELECOM MUICATIONS...................................................................20
a. COMMUNICATIONS............................................................................................................................20
b. BROADBAND DATA ACT......................................................................................................................25
7. INFRASTRUCTURE: PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS..........................................................................26
a. LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND(LWCF).............................................................................26
8. CITY/COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES/PROTECTIVE SERVICES...............................................................27
a. COMBINED COMMUNICATION CENTER..............................................................................................27
b. CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTER GRANTS.....................................................27
c. FIRE STATION CONSTRUCTION GRANTS..............................................................................................27
c. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICES PROGRAM.......................................28
1 1 P a g e
9. HOUSING.................................................................................................................................................29
a. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING........................................................29
b. MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS......................................................................................29
c. AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS....................................................................................30
d. ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS......................................................................................................................30
e. HOMES FOR EVERY LOCAL PROTECTOR, EDUCATOR AND RESPONDER (HELPER) ACT OF 2023........31
10. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT..................................................................................................................32
a. EDA GRANT PROGRAMS......................................................................................................................32
b. FEDERAL HISTORIC TAX CREDITS........................................................................................................32
c. NEW MARKET TAX CREDIT PROGRAM................................................................................................33
d. CHILDCARE..........................................................................................................................................33
e. EPA BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM...........................................................................................................33
f. "BUILD BACK PLANNING GRANT" PROGRAM......................................................................................34
g. ARTS & CULTURE.................................................................................................................................34
11. PUBLIC HEALTH.....................................................................................................................................38
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING...................................................................................................................38
b. ACCESS TO HEATLH CARE -CRESCENT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER...............................................38
c. CLIMATE CHANGE & HEALTH..............................................................................................................39
d. LEAD POISONING................................................................................................................................40
12. PLANNING.............................................................................................................................................41
a. CLIMATE CHANGE...............................................................................................................................41
b. ZONING REFORM................................................................................................................................41
c. INFRASTRUCTURE................................................................................................................................41
d. CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAM......................................................................................42
13. SUSTAINABLE & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES..........................................................................................43
14. INDIAN GAMING REGULATIONS...........................................................................................................45
15. EQUITY..................................................................................................................................................46
a. MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING...............................................................................................46
b. EXPAND THE EARNED INCOME AND CHILD TAX CREDITS..................................................................46
c. INCREASE THE FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE.........................................................................................47
d. LICENSE PEOPLE WHO LEARN TRADES WHILE IN PRISON..................................................................47
e. REAUTHORIZE THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT............................................................................................47
f. TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR EX-OFFENDERS..........................................................................................48
g. FULLY FUND HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM BASED ON ACTUAL NEED..............................48
h. COMPACT IMPACT FAIRNESS ACT I MARSHALLESE & ACCESS TO FEDERAL BENEFITS ......................49
2 1 P a g e
FEDERAL FOCUS 2022- 2032
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
The year 2024 finds the City of Dubuque with a laser focus on the unprecedented grant opportunities
provided by federal government which will continue for another four years.. Since 2021 the City of
Dubuque and Dubuque County have realized over $100 million in recovery funds for both the public and
private sectors. The city's past success is only prologue as efforts continue to secure federal funding for
City Council goals and priorities.
Federal grant programs were established as an intentional effort to move the country out of the economic
downturn brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, Congress passed historic legislation in
2021 and 2022. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) both
passed in 2021. This landmark legislation provides trillions of dollars of recurring grant opportunities over
six years for local governments. In 2022 the trifecta was complete with the passage of the Inflation
Reduction Act (IRA) which provides grant opportunities for a decade.
ARPA fund support was unique in that local governments, for the first time, received a direct subsidy from
the federal government to address losses due to the pandemic. ARPA funds targeted personal and public
recovery from health and economic hardships caused by the pandemic, BIL seeks to rebuild American
infrastructure and restore the nation's competitiveness on a global scale. IRA will invest $300 billion in
deficit reduction and $369 billion in climate and energy security over the next ten years. IR=A brings the
city unprecedented opportunities to compete for grants with a focus on mitigation of climate change,
addressing public and private health care, and provide for affordable housing.
3 1 P a g e
1. INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSPORTATION GRANT PROGRAMS
a. RAISE GRANT
REBUILDING AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE WITH SUSTAINABILITY AND EQUITY (RAISE) GRANT, F/K/A BETTER
UTILIZING INVESTMENTS TO LEVERAGE DEVELOPMENT (BUILD) GRANT
The City of Dubuque has already benefited from this signature US Department of Transportation funding
program. A $5.7 million TIGER grant was received in 2010 to support the reconstruction of utilities and
complete streets in the Historic Millwork District. Additionally, Dubuque County in partnership with the
City received a $5.4 million BUILD grant in 2019 to support a series of roadway repairs, intersection
capacity and safety improvements, and a trail extension in the vicinity of the John Deere Dubuque Works
facility.
The City applied for USDOT TIGER Discretionary Grants in both 2014 and 2017 however our application
requests were not selected. City staff were advised by grant review agency staff that our proposed
infrastructure project grant applications were strong, however the projects were not advanced far enough
in the planning, design, and environmental clearance development phases for selection consideration.
Subsequently, the City applied for a 2021 RAISE Infrastructure Planning Grant which was unsuccessful. A
formal debrief with USDOT staff in March of 2022 identified ways in which the project, the narrative and
additional data could strengthen the application.
As a result, in an effort to be better positioned for future Federal Discretionary Grant opportunities, the
City again applied for a 2022 RAISE Infrastructure Planning Grant to assist with the planning and design of
a multimodal transportation corridor project for proposed improvements to the Elm Street corridor, the
16th Street corridor, and the proposed 14th Street Railroad Overpass bridge project.
The 2022 RAISE Planning Grant application proposed a project entitled "Building Bridges to Employment
and Equity (KE2)". Through the grant, the City of Dubuque requested $2,280,000 in USDOT RAISE
Planning funds to assist with the planning and design of a multimodal transportation corridors which will
connect low-income residents with economic opportunities and key community resources in the Kerper
Boulevard Industrial Park, on Chaplain Schmitt Island, in downtown Dubuque and its Historic Millwork
District, and on the west side of the city via the downtown Intermodal Transportation Center.
In August of 2022, the City was notified by the US Department of Transportation that the Building Bridges
to Employment and Equity (B2E2) application was selected to receive RAISE Planning Grant funding. The
RAISE grant funding is summarized in the following table:
Fund Description
Percentage
Fund Amount
RAISE Infrastructure Planning Grant
52.1%
$ 2,280,000
Local Funds - City
47.9%
$ 2,100,000
Total Project Cost
100%
$ 4,380,000
4 1 P a g e
BUILDING BRIDGES TO EMPLOYMENT AND EQUITY (B2E2)
■ ■ RAISE Planning Grant
PLANNING AND DESIGN FOR MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR
• 14TH STREET RAILROAD OVERPASS BRIDGE
• 16TH STREET CORRIDOR
• ELM STREET CORRIDOR
• KERPER BLVD. CORRIDOR
Fund Description
RAISE Infrastructure Planning Grant
Local Funds - City
Local Funds - DRA Contribution
Total Project Cost
Percentage
Fund Amount
52.1%
$ 2,280,000
$1,350,000
47.9%
$ 750,000
100% 1 $ 4,380,000
• d� ti t
DUB E �I�i •, �.....r� _� � ��\_........,w ���`'
MaeTiece 11wmi.�.qcippi RAISE Grants
eso �
The City recently completed the consultant selection process in accordance with the Iowa Department of
Transportation (Iowa DOT) federal aid consultant selection process. AECOM Technical Services, Inc. was
selected as the first -ranked Consultant and the City is through contract negotiations for Professional
Consultant Services to complete the Engineering Design and NEPA / Environmental Study Phase to
advance development for the B2E2 RAISE Infrastructure Planning Grant project.
The City is currently working with local Iowa DOT and FHWA staff on preparing and executing the funding
agreement for the RAISE Infrastructure Planning Grant.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque would like to thank all of its partners at the federal level for all the support
in the City receiving RAISE Planning Grant in the amount of $ 2,280,000.
Once the planning and design efforts are completed for the Building Bridges to Employment and
Equity (B2E2) project, support the City's future transportation infrastructure application
opportunities, such as RAISE, BUILD, INFRA implementation grants to assist with the construction
of a vehicular and pedestrian overpass on 14th Street and to construct Complete Streets on 16th
and Elm Streets.
c. SAFE STREETS FOR ALL (SS4A) GRANT
In February 2023, the City, East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA), and our regional local
partners were notified of our awarded Safe Streets for All Grant. The SS4A grant will assist with developing
a regional roadway network comprehensive safety action plan. Iowa State University Institute for
Transportation will lead the effort to development of a comprehensive safety action plan for the regional
roadway network to achieve the long-term objective of reducing transportation related injuries and
working towards zero deaths.
5 1 P a g e
It is the objective of the City, ECIA, and partners to complete an Action Plan so that we have identified
potential roadway or intersection improvement projects which will be well positioned to compete for
future SS4A Implementation grant opportunities.
SAFE STREETS FOR ALL (SS4A) GRANT
■ ■ Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
Z E RvN GOAL
A SAFE SYSTEM IS HOW WE GET THERE
FUNDING SUPPORTS LOCAL INITIATIVES TO PREVENT DEATH
AND SERIOUS INJURY ON ROADS AND STREETS, COMMONLY REFERRED
TO AS "VISION ZERO" OR "TOWARD ZERO DEATHS" INITIATIVES
• DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY ACTION PLAN (ACTION PLAN)
• SUPPLEMENTAL PLANNING ACTIVITIES: CONDUCTING PLANNING,
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR PROJECTS AND
STRATEGIES IDENTIFIED IN AN ACTION PLAN
Fund Description
Percentage
Fund Amount
Safe Streets For All (SS4A) Grant
80.0%
$ 200,000
Local Funds - City
12.7%
$ 32,000
Partner Funding - Other
7.2%
$ 18,000
Total Project Cost
100%
$ 250,000
Mccnv or
D-UB-55UE
Masterpiece - theMisdcdppi City°fAsbury
Y-, . n_.
IOWA STATE
Eua UNIVERSITY
PEOSTA
Institute for
Transportation
REQUESTED ACTION
1. The City of Dubuque would like to thank all of its partners at the federal level for all the support
in the City receiving SS4A Grant in the amount of $200,000.
d. DOT TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNITY & SYSTEM PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM BUILD GRANT
FOR "IMPROVING THE NORTHWEST ARTERIAL/JOHN DEERE ROAD CORRIDOR FOR FREIGHT MOBILITY"
Last offered in FY2012, DOT's Transportation, Community & System Preservation (TCSP) grant program
provided $61 million in funding to plan and implement strategies to improve the efficiency of the
transportation system, reduce its environmental impacts, reduce the need for costly future public
infrastructure investments, ensure efficient access to jobs and services, boost smart growth development
patterns, and leverage private investment. As one of the few direct sources of federal transportation
funding available to local governments, the TCSP program should be reintroduced to help meet
community infrastructure needs. The City of Dubuque in 2012 received a $600,000 TCSP grant that helped
in the reconstruction of Elm Street from 9t" to 11t" Streets. This "Complete Street" is adjacent to the Jule
Intermodal Transportation Center. This street is a key part of the overall Historic Millwork District which
has leveraged this federal funding to help stimulate over $100 million in private redevelopment.
REQUESTED ACTION
Reestablish the DOT Transportation, Community & System Preservation grant program to $1
billion annually.
6 1 P a g e
2. INFRASTRUCTURE: SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act is a five-year transportation bill intended to
improve and expand the Nation's surface transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit
systems and rail transportation network. This legislation passed in December 2015 and provides direction
for transportation activities for five years.
The bill reforms and strengthens transportation programs, refocuses national priorities, provides long
term certainty and greater flexibility for states and local governments, streamlines project approval
processes, and maintains strong commitment to safety. Reauthorization of the transportation bill builds
on and strengthens the innovations begun in MAP-21 in areas such as performance -based planning,
safety, design, and freight planning. FAST Act supports policies which expand choices, bolster public
health, and strengthen communities.
An extension of the FAST Act passed in 2020 expired in October of 2021. A multi -year surface
transportation bill is needed to assure funding for future planning and construction of transportation
projects. Support is needed for the Transportation Alternatives Program including the Recreational Trails
Program and Safe Routes to Schools. Combined these programs provide for bike and pedestrian projects
and safety in our local community. The federal fuel tax was last raised in October of 1993 and is not
indexed to inflation, which increased by 77 percent from 1993 until 2020. A long-term fix is also needed
for the Highway Trust Fund.
a. BUILD GRANT FOR "IMPROVING THE NORTHWEST ARTERIAL/JOHN DEERE ROAD CORRIDOR FOR
FREIGHT MOBILITY"
Dubuque County was awarded a federal BUILD Grant in the amount of $5,452,023 for "Improving the
Northwest Arterial/John Deere Road Corridor for Freight Mobility" and making capacity and safety
improvements to John Deere Road. The Northwest Arterial - State of Good Repair Project was added to
the BUILD Grant project because it is a critical freight route that connects to South John Deere Road. The
Northwest Arterial - State of Good Repair Project will also provide the non-federal local match to the
Dubuque County BUILD Grant.
The Northwest Arterial project was originally anticipated to be completed by the Iowa DOT, however as
part of the executed Transfer of Jurisdiction Agreement (TOJ), the City agreed to be the lead local agency
responsible for completing the Northwest Arterial - State of Good Repair improvements.
Effective January 29, 2021, the TOJ of the Northwest Arterial was completed from the State of Iowa to the
City as part of the Southwest Arterial project. As part of the roadway transfer, the Iowa DOT has issued a
state of good repair payment to the City in the amount of $5,672,000 to complete pavement rehabilitation
and reconstruction of the Northwest Arterial from US20 to Central Ave / IA3.
Due to the federal funds associated with the BUILD Grant, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is
the lead regulatory agency and responsible for administering the project in coordination with the Iowa
DOT. As a result of the Northwest Arterial being incorporated into the BUILD Grant, the FHWA required
that both the Dubuque County John Deere Road Project and the City's Northwest Arterial Project be "tied"
together through the Iowa DOT's Office of Contracts bid letting process. Additionally, since the BUILD
Grant was awarded to Dubuque County, this required the County to be the lead Contracting Authority for
both Projects.
7 1 P a g e
Bids were received on the project by the Iowa Department of Transportation on April 19, 2022 in Ames.
Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc., of Alburnett, IA submitted the low bid in the amount of $14,416,742.87 for
the overall project which includes the City Northwest Arterial Project and the County John Deere Build
Grant projects. A summary of the project cost breakdown is as follows:
Bid Summary
Total Bid
City - Northwest Arterial - State of Good Repair Project
$ 8,541,861.54
Dubuque County - John Deere Road Build Project
5,874,881.33
Bid Total - Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc.
$ 14,416,742.87
Work on both the Dubuque County John Deere Road Project and the City's Northwest Arterial Project
began in June of 2022 and will be completed in the fall of 2023.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque would like to thank all of its partners at the federal, state and local level for
supporting the BUILD Grant to allow for capacity and safety improvements to John Deere Road and the
Northwest Arterial freight corridors.
b. EAST -WEST CORRIDOR CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS
The US Highway 20 corridor is the primary east -west route in the City of Dubuque and future traffic
volume projections indicate US Highway 20 alone will not provide sufficient capacity for east -west travel
in the City. Capacity along alternate east -west corridors will need to be improved to provide connectivity
between the western growth areas and the downtown urban core.
In August 2017, the City Council listed the East-West Corridor Capacity Improvement Implementation as
a "Top -Priority" in its 2017-2019 Goals and Priorities and directed City staff to begin implementation plans
for the recommendations contained in the East-West Corridor Connectivity Report. The adopted East-
West Corridor Connectivity Study report acts as the City's Master Plan for both short-term and long-term
capacity improvements or corridor modifications to support growing east -west traffic flow in the City. The
study includes recommended improvements supporting complete streets concepts, multi -modal
transportation, vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and recreational improvements.
In an effort to advance this top priority, the City has already completed the following improvements:
Project
Year
Cost
Property Acquisition
2016
$ 853,300
Grandview - Delhi Roundabout
2016
$ 827,000
Loras - Grandview Traffic Signals
2017
$ 370,300
University - Grandview Roundabout
2018
$1,200,000
Total Improvements To -Date
$3,250,300
8 1 P a g e
DuB F East/West Corridor Capacity Improvements
n'ik k71h, ae.14 difelaµyi
r J /► —
f
-
Grandview;Loras Traffic Signallmprovements
Completed: 2017 ,
I it
y yyyy
Mill
Ap University, Lora&, Asbury, y � � II►w
Pennsylvania Overlap Section +y
Proposed Roundabouts
Preliminary Uesignf
Environmental Study: 2018 GrandviemUniversi:y
Roundabout
Proposed Build: 2018
t -
` GrandvieWDelhVGraae
Roundabout
Completed- 2016
The section of University Avenue, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Loras Boulevard, referred to as the
"Overlap Section" was recommended for converting the three intersections along University Avenue to
roundabouts.
In July 2018, the City applied for an $18.1 million U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing
Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant request to assist in funding both multi -modal and
capacity improvements within the identified East-West Corridors. Staff was notified in December 2018
that the City was not selected to receive a BUILD grant.
Following the BUILD grant announcement, the City has an opportunity to move forward and advance the
development of East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements utilizing the new Iowa DOT Federal Aid SWAP
Policy. Effective October 2018, the new Federal Aid SWAP Policy allows federal funds normally allocated
to cities or counties to be replaced with State of Iowa Primary Road funds on a dollar -for -dollar basis. The
goal of the new policy is to increase efficiencies and help local governments reduce the level federal
oversight, regulations, and requirements. Additionally, the use of Primary Road funds will be reimbursed
9 1 P a g e
at 100% of eligible costs which eliminates the requirement for local governments to provide a 20% local
match.
In January 2019, the City began the process to de -federalize the East-West Corridor project by paying back
the federal funds previously used for property acquisition. On August 19th, 2019, the City received the
FHWA final closure acceptance for the defederalization of funds related to the East - West Corridor
project.
With the project defederalization is completed, in December 2020, the SWAP Funding Agreement was
executed with the Iowa DOT which will allow the City to utilize both local City funding and SWAP funding
to begin the preliminary engineering and environmental study phase for intersection capacity
improvements along the University Avenue, Loras Boulevard to Pennsylvania Avenue "Overlap Section".
In December of 2021, the Mayor and City Council approved the selection of HDR, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska
as the Consultant to complete the Preliminary Engineering Design and Environmental Clearance Phase to
advance the development of East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements along University Avenue.
In March of 2022, with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding allocation to the State of
Iowa, the Iowa DOT announced the increase in new federal funds will require additional Primary Road
Funds (PRF) to be used as the State's local match, which will impact the Iowa DOT's ability to provide
SWAP funds for Local Public Agency (LPA) projects. With the reduced Federal -aid SWAP capacity, the Iowa
DOT has informed LPAs that all programs will transition from Federal -aid SWAP to Federal -aid starting in
February 2023 for Cities.
Since the East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements are a multi -year, multi -phased project, which
transitioned from Federal -aid SWAP (100% funding) to Federal -aid (80%/20% funding), in March 2023,
the City was required to identify, and the Mayor and City Council approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2024-
2028 adopted budget, the allocation of an additional $2.5 million as the City's 20% local match.
As a result of the funding shift to Federal Aid, this requires the environmental study phase to be elevated
to a Federal NEPA level clearance. Due to the additional level of work to meet the NEPA level regulatory
requirements, this added time required to complete the environmental clearance phase by 12 months
and added an additional cost to the Consultant design services contract. Once the preliminary engineering
and environmental (NEPA) clearance are completed over the next year, corridor impacts will be identified,
and property acquisition could begin. Subject to availability of local match funding, property acquisition
could take approximately 2 years to complete. Once property acquisition is completed within the Overlap
Section, and subject to availability of local match funding, construction to convert the three intersections
along University Avenue to roundabouts could begin and would take approximately 2-3 years to complete.
c. 141" ST RAILROAD OVERPASS
The Canadian Pacific (CP) Railroad travels through the urban core of the city with numerous at -grade
crossings on local city streets in the downtown area. With approximately 15-20 trains passing through
Dubuque on a daily basis, pedestrians, vehicles, commercial traffic, and emergency responders have
interrupted access the northeast segment of the city. This cuts off the most economically sheltered area
of our community from job and shopping opportunities. Rail transport through Dubuque will continue to
negatively impact existing at -grade crossings which could potentially be blocked more frequently and for
101 Page
longer periods of time. The City of Dubuque's East — West Corridor flow would also be negatively
impacted.
In August of 2022, the City was notified by the US Department of Transportation that the Building Bridges
to Employment and Equity (B2E2) application was selected to receive RAISE Planning Grant funding in the
amount of $2,280,000, which will include the planning and design for a proposed 14th Street Railroad
Overpass bridge.
A 14th Street Railroad Overpass Bridge would provide an unimpeded elevated crossing over the existing
at -grade railroad track crossing and thus provide unimpeded access to the Kerper Boulevard, the
redeveloped 16' Street Corridor, tourism and recreational amenities on Chaplain Schmitt Island, Highway
61/151 into Wisconsin, the Washington and North End neighborhoods, the Historic Millwork District and
downtown.
Once the planning and design efforts are completed for the Building Bridges to Employment and Equity
(B2E2) project, the City's will apply for future transportation infrastructure program opportunities, such
as RAISE, BUILD, INFRA implementation grants for the construction of a 14th Street Railroad Overpass
vehicular and pedestrian bridge.
d. 16T" ST CORRIDOR — CHAPLAIN SCHMITT ISLAND — CENTRAL AVE/WHITE ST
For the past nearly three decades, Dubuque has engaged in long-term planning and implementation
efforts aimed at removing blight, reclaiming abandoned spaces, and redeveloping the City's six -and -a -
half -mile riverfront. These efforts have resulted in the redevelopment and success of the Port of Dubuque,
Dubuque's Main Street and downtown, and the Historic Millwork District. With the completion of the Bee
Branch flood mitigation project, the City continues its focus on redevelopment, turning to the North End
neighborhoods, Kerper Blvd and Chaplain Schmitt Island.
Completion of the Bee Branch project provides flood protection to some of Dubuque's oldest and most
vulnerable neighborhoods. Building on this significant $218 million infrastructure investment are several
initiatives led by the City and its partners. These include the City of Dubuque Housing department's
CHANGE program which focuses on improving affordable housing stock and neighborhoods on the North
End. The City's creation of the Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support aims to rebuild job
opportunity and entrepreneurship. The Chaplain Schmitt Island Placemaking and Implementation Plan
has already prompted an enhanced Veterans' Memorial and reflection pond and will continue to
redevelop this tourist amenity through hike/bike trails and additional retail, recreational and
entertainment venues for residents and citizens alike, creating another destination attraction on
Dubuque's riverfront. Partners at the Dream Center and Steeple Square provide educational programing
and event space for residents and other nonprofit organizations of the North End and learning space for
students in Dubuque.
None of these initiatives and projects can be successful without connectivity of transportation and
broadband infrastructure. Connecting Dubuque's riverfront, downtown and Historic Millwork District with
its Intermodal Transportation Center to the North End will require transportation improvements along
the 16th Street Corridor, onto and throughout the Chaplain Schmitt Island and to Central Avenue and
White Streets.
111 Page
The 16th Street Corridor approaching the Chaplain Schmitt Island includes the former Dubuque Packing
Company site which is envisioned to be redeveloped. Potential retail and mixed -use space are planned
and could serve as a regional retail magnet. The 16th Street Corridor transportation access to this space is
constrained. Current transportation routes do not meet the needs of the planned mixed -use activities.
Planning envisions the development of a Complete Street along the 16th Street Corridor with roundabout
access to the former "Pack" site at Sycamore and Marsh Streets, continuing on to a roundabout at Kerper
Blvd and 16th Street and finally the construction of a roundabout on Chaplain Schmitt Island.
Transportation infrastructure would also include construction of a separate bike/pedestrian bridge across
the Peosta Channel, and creation of a mixed -use trail connecting Chaplain Schmitt Island with the City's
transit hub (Intermodal Transportation Center) to better support the movement of workers, tourists, and
freight.
In August of 2022, the City was notified by the US Department of Transportation that the Building Bridges
to Employment and Equity (B2E2) application was selected to receive RAISE Planning Grant funding in the
amount of $2,280,000, which will include the planning and design of a multimodal transportation corridor
and Complete Street improvements to the Elm Street corridor, and the 16th Street corridor.
Once the planning and design efforts are completed for the Building Bridges to Employment and Equity
(B2E2) project, the City's will apply for future transportation infrastructure program opportunities, such
as RAISE, BUILD, INFRA implementation grants for the construction of Complete Street improvements to
the Elm Street corridor, and the 16th Street corridor.
Central Avenue and White Streets corridors are poised for improvements in the coming years. Planning is
underway for streetscape and potential building improvements.
REQUESTED ACTION
Dubuque has multiple transportation improvements envisioned in order to continue the
community's work enhancing tourism destinations on the riverfront and expanding economic
development on the North End and Central Avenue/White Street Corridor. Increased federal
funding for existing transportation programs that support all modes of transportation including
the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Transportation
Discretionary Grant program, Transportation Alternatives (Trails, Safe Routes to School), Surface
Transportation Block Grant Program and Small Starts are requested.
e. NORTHWEST ARTERIAL/HIGHWAY 20 INTERSECTION
The City of Dubuque supports the implementation of capacity improvements along the Highway 20
corridor and the Northwest Arterial intersection. This intersection is experiencing operational challenges
which will only be compounded now that the Southwest Arterial/ USS2 is completed, and commercial
traffic is rerouted from the downtown urban core. The recommended capacity improvements will allow
traffic to travel along Highway 20 more efficiently and safely, from the Northwest Arterial to the
Southwest Arterial/ US52 interchange. The Iowa DOT has completed a capacity improvements study and
has identified the preferred roadway corridor and intersection improvement. The Iowa DOT is currently
evaluating alternatives for both funding and phasing the implementation of capacity improvements.
121Page
REQUESTED ACTION
Continue to support the Iowa DOT efforts to implement improvements along the Highway 20
corridor and the Northwest Arterial intersection for safe and efficient travel to the Southwest
Arterial/ US52 interchange.
SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL (US HIGHWAY 52) PEDESTRIAN / BIKE SHARED USE PATH
After nearly 30 plus years in the making, it is with great appreciation in celebrating the completion of the
Southwest Arterial / US Highway 52 project, which was opening to vehicular traffic on August 17, 2020.
The final cost projection for the fully completed 4-lane freeway is approximately $160 Million. This historic
milestone achievement would not have been possible without the strong collaborative partnerships with
the Iowa department of Transportation and Dubuque County.
Future Initiatives
As part of the 4-lane highway construction, grading was also completed for a future bike pedestrian shared
use path from US Highway 20 to US Highway 61/151. To accommodate the future trail - several of the
bridges along the corridor incorporated a separated shared use on the bridges. A future initiative will be
to pave the 6.1-mile bike pedestrian shared use path which will complete a connection between the
Heritage Trail and the Mines of Spain Recreational Area.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque would like to thank all of its partners at the federal and state level for all the
support in making the Southwest Arterial, our #1 surface transportation project a reality and now
is seeking $6 million to fund paving the bike and pedestrian shared use trail that has been graded
as part of the project.
131 Page
g. CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS: US HIGHWAY 20
Transportation infrastructure connectivity is essential to a vibrant economy and thriving community.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque supports completion of four -lane construction on Highway 20 to Chicago. To
accomplish this project and other significant highway and interstate capacity improvements, the
City supports efforts to identify a long term, sustainable revenue source that keeps the Highway
Trust Fund fully funded to be used for rebuilding and maintaining infrastructure.
f. PUBLIC TRANSIT FUNDING
The new infastructure BIL provides stable formula funding and competitive grant program to address
bus and bus facility needs. The BIL is greatly appreciated for increasing operational needs, but supply
chain issues are still causing a major delay in technology and equipmen leadtimes and cost increases.
The City of Dubuque has received a planning grant to analyze travel patterns in the community and
develop a replicable model for responding to travel demand through planning of transportation
investment that incorporates all modes - car, bus, bike and pedestrian. The goal of this research is to
create a more efficient and cost effective public transit system modeling tool for cities under 100,000
population.
This research effort and integrated approach to addressing community travel needs will provide
opportunities to expand public transit service to our citizens. Without additional operating funding to
support current services and new operating grant opportunities to expand services, implementation of
this project could be limited.
Technical assistance for cities interested in undertaking bus rapid transit projects earlier in the planning
stages would also be appreciated. Currently, most planning must be complete and Small Starts funding
already secured for a city to be eligible for this type of assistance. Operational funding to support
ongoing route analysis and planning at the transit system level would be helpful as well.
Capital funding for vehicles and onboard technology replacement are needed. Many vehicles in Iowa,
and Dubuque specifically, are at or near the end of their useful life. Onboard technology provides
essential data for management and dispatch personnel as well as drivers and passengers, but to upgrade
or replace this technology fleet -wide is costly. Stagnant operational funding and limited capital funding
opportunities make developing responsive, cost-effective public transit opportunities difficult.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support increased funding for operational funds through the 5307 program and pursue additional
grant funding for bus replacement to include four new transit vehicles, specifically two smaller,
heavy duty, thirty-foot GILLIG buses and two mini buses.
141Page
3. INFRASTRUCTURE: AIR TRANSPORTATION
a. FAA REAUTHORIZATION
As the Dubuque Regional Airport works to return daily commercial air service to a major hub as its top
priority, the airport realizes the importance of related programs and services provided with the support
of the federal government.
REQUESTED ACTION
The Dubuque Regional Airport supports the following measures which could assist with the
return of air service and overall sustainability and resilience of the airport.
1. Increasing spending levels through the appropriation process for the Airport
Improvement Program (AIP), Essential Air Service, Contract Tower Program, and other
programs that provide for the safe operation, development, and maintenance of
facilities at airports around the country.
2. Taking immediate congressional action to address the aviation workforce shortage
through multiple programs and initiatives. Aviation workforce shortages are creating a
strain felt across the industry, and is being felt most by the smaller communities who
are struggling to maintain their basic service, Essential Air Service, or have lost
commercial air service altogether.
3. Increase the mandatory retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67 to
provide some immediate, near -term relief to the pilot shortage issue.
4. Allow scheduled Part 135 operation of small regional jet aircraft to serve smaller
markets.
5. Change tax law to allow use of 529 plans to fund technical training,
like flight training and aircraft maintenance technician programs, that
lead to certification required for a career. These training programs
provided the fastest path from school to workforce for careers that
don't require a higher education degree.
6. Increase funding for the FAA's Aviation Workforce grant program.
Act to complete FAA reauthorization to ensure critical infrastructure funding continues
and can further leverage BIL funding provided through FY2026 and beyond.
a. Provide a minimum of $4 billion annually for the Airport Improvement Program
b. Modernize airport entitlements by providing increased funding levels to airports
with more activity ($1.3 million for primary commercial service airports,
$500,000 for commercial -service non -primary airports, $500,000 for regional
airports, $250,000 for local airports, $150,000 for basic airports, and $0 for
unclassified airports, based on NPIAS Airport Categorization.) The proposed
formula change is contingent upon AIP funding of at least $4 billion annually.
c. Eliminate the federal cap on local PFCs. Extend PFC eligibility to include any
lawful capital cost of the airport.
15IPage
8. Protect Monies collected and deposited in the Airport and Airway
Trust Fund from Sequestration or FAA operating uses.
9. Modernization of Essential Air Service to meet today's evolving small
community and industry needs.
10. Passage of liability legislation that holds airports harmless for present and past use of
PFOS and PFAS in Aqueous Film Forming Foam mandated by the FAA.
11. Provide funding for the proper clean up and disposal of AFFF products
manufactured with PFAS, and the transition from current to an
alternative product approved by the FAA.
12. Direct the FAA to clarify future noise policy/standards and seek feedback from airports
and their stakeholders before implementing any changes per the recently conducted
Neighborhood Environmental Survey that could affect airport operations.
13. DBQ supports current TSA screening of airport employees. DBQ requests Congress to
require TSA remain responsible for screening of airport employees instead of the new
requirement for Airport's to conduct employee screening.
b. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM
Safety and common-sense dictates continued funding of the ATC program and the contract tower
program or restoration of FAA staffing of these facilities. A United States Department of Transportation
Office of Inspector General Report Number AV-2013-009, issued on November 5, 2012, found that "a
contract tower cost, on average, about $1.5 million less to operate than a similar FAA tower." The report
further stated, "contract towers had a significantly lower number and rate of safety incidents compared
to similar FAA towers."
REQUESTED ACTION
We urge Congress to fully fund the Contract Tower program in the FY21DOT spending bill.
c. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT GRANT (SCASDG)
The Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) is a grant program designed to help
small communities address air service and airfare issues by increasing competition and improving
community connectivity.
REQUESTED ACTION
Provide an additional $20 million for a revised Small Community Air Service Development
Program. The new initiative should focus on helping small communities that have had air service
reduced or eliminated during the pandemic.
161 Page
4. INFRASTRUCTURE: PASSENGER RAIL
Through the Envision 2010 process, Dubuque residents identified the return of passenger rail to
Dubuque as one of its top ten priorities. Local passenger rail advocates established a passenger rail
citizen group, "Ride the Rail," to engage the public, secure support and promote the return of passenger
rail service between Chicago to Dubuque.
The City has been successful in partnership with DMATS and the local Ride the Rail citizen group in
securing state and local funding for the feasibility study of passenger rail return between Chicago and
Dubuque. Federal funding support for passenger rail projects provides the critical next step for the
return of passenger rail service between Chicago and Dubuque.
REQUESTED ACTION
Encourage Illinois Department of Transportation efforts to obtain federal funding for passenger
rail service from Chicago to Dubuque.
171 Page
5. INFRASTRUCTURE: WATER
a. WASTEWATER & DRINKING WATER
The nation's wastewater and drinking water infrastructure is experiencing an infrastructure need of $655
billion over the next twenty years. We congratulate Congress on the passage of the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Legislation (BIL) which includes $105 billion in water infrastructure funds.
The City of Dubuque has ongoing funding needs for drinking water and clean water infrastructure. The
State Revolving Loan (SRF) program has been very effective in helping the City address water
infrastructure needs.
For every federal dollar of SRF spending, 21.4% is returned to the federal government in the form of
taxes and on average, 16.5 jobs are created for every 1 million spent through SRF; each job is estimated
to bring about $60,000 in labor income. Infrastructure investments create 16 percent more jobs than
equivalent spending on a payroll tax holiday, 40 percent more jobs than an across-the-board tax cut, and
more than five times as many jobs as temporary tax cuts.
Every million dollars of SRF spending results in $2.95 million of input in the U.S. economy. This is a smart
investment complimenting a narrow federal role of ensuring modern, efficient infrastructure. Since this
is a loan program, SRFs leverage resources from all levels of government and the private sector
empowering state and local governments. SRFs are voluntary, thereby reducing regulatory burdens on
businesses.
Dubuque has utilized SRF funds for two major projects, the Bee Branch project and the Water and
Resource Recovery project. Dubuque is poised to now include lead service line replacement funds
through SRF or other federal infrastructure grant funds. The SRF funding source is critical to cities.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque supports the expansion of grant funds and SRF forgivable loans available
through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL) for water infrastructure needs, particularly
the city-wide lead service line replacement program, the Catfish Creek sanitary sewer
improvements, and other priorities.
b. FLOODWALL IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE
The Senator John C. Culver Flood Wall system was built between 1967 and 1974 at a cost of $11 million
dollars. Over the past nearly fifty years it has provided protection valued in the billions of dollars.
Over the past five years, City staff along with US Army Corps of Engineers staff have continued to monitor
the flood resilience of the flood system at Dubuque. It has been determined that a new pumping station
should be constructed to replace the current gates and pumps at the Bee Branch which was originally
constructed prior to the federal flood control project. The City was fortunate to be awarded a $2.5 million
EDA grant to offset some of the $14.5 million in estimated construction costs. The City is also looking to
take advantage of the SRF program to fund a portion of the project cost. It has also been determined
that burying the "I" wall in South Port would strengthen its resilience.
181 Page
REQUESTED ACTION
Continued support for funding for Dubuque's critical flood prevention infrastructure, including
$15 million for new flood wall gates and pump station improvements on Kerper Boulevard at the
16th Street Detention Facility and $14.7 million to bury and strengthen the South Port "I" wall.
191Page
6. INFRASTRUCTURE: BROADBAND & TELECOMMUICATIONS
a. COMMUNICATIONS
As a member of the National League of Cities (NLC), the United States Conference of Mayors, and the
National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), the City of Dubuque joins
these organizations in acknowledging that the historic transformation of our communications
infrastructure is essential to the economic competitiveness of the local governments, states, and the
nation.
Preserve local authority to manage public rights of way for the benefit of everyone.
Cable television and video franchise agreements are an essential part of managing the rights of way and
ensuring appropriate compensation for the benefit of the public. These benefits include not only
monetary payments, but also franchise terms such as support for public, educational, and governmental
(PEG) access, including institutional networks (I -Nets).
Protect local authority to establish taxes that are consistent with local needs and maintain adequate
revenue.
Local governments recognize and support efforts to modernize the collection and administration of local
communications taxes, but in a manner that preserves the ability of local government to impose and
collect taxes to fund vital services for its citizens consistent with local values.
Protect and enhance local ability to provide for homeland and hometown security.
Local government's first responders need fully deployed E911, access to spectrum and funding for
interoperable communications to protect the public.
Recognize local roles in promoting nondiscriminatory access to the full range of communications
services.
Municipalities are helping to bring advanced services to individuals and small businesses. Cities must
have the autonomy necessary to encourage competition and infrastructure deployment that will lower
prices and improve service quality for their citizens.
REQUESTED ACTION
1. Do not nationalize cable and video franchising.
2. Protect local governments' ability to facilitate or offer advanced communications services to
their citizens.
3. Any changes to the collection and administration of communications taxes, including
extensions or modifications of the Internet Tax Freedom Act, must preserve local authority to
collect revenue consistent with local needs.
4. Do not undermine or eliminate support for PEG access and I -Nets. Specifically support
Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act of 2009 (H.R. 3745) by making this a federal
legislative priority.
Local Government Principles for Communications Policy Modernization
We believe that Congress and state and local governments can achieve these goals by embracing the
following principles:
201 Page
• State and Local Authority
The City of Dubuque supports a balanced federalist approach that encourages new
innovation and technology while preserving appropriate authority for state and local
governments to protect their citizens — particularly in relation to public safety and
homeland security, promoting local competition, promoting economic development,
taxation, expansion of access to advanced networks, rights -of -way management, and
consumer protection.
• Public Safety
State and local public safety agencies rely heavily on communications services and
systems to protect public safety. In order for states and localities to carry out this
mission, it is essential that important obligations, such as 911 and CALEA, be applied to
all relevant communications platforms, regardless of technology. States and localities
must also have sufficient spectrum and funding to obtain interference -free,
interoperable emergency communications. In addition, it is important to preserve and
strengthen the ability of state and local government to protect and warn the public
through emergency alert systems.
• Use of public property and right-of-way
State and local governments are the trustees of public property and must retain the
power to manage those assets for the benefit and safety of the community.
• Municipal Broadband
State and local governments can play an important role in making advanced services,
including broadband services, available to their citizens, based on specific local needs
and conditions. Federal policy should promote the rights of local governments that
choose to offer those services directly to their citizens.
• Video Franchising
The federal government should not preempt or restrict local authority to negotiate
mutually beneficial agreements and grant franchises to video providers. Public,
educational, and governmental channels are important tools citizens use to participate.
City of Dubuque Supports:
Legislation that preserves and extends municipal government authority to provide communications
services to their constituents.
Legislation that overturns the FCC cable franchise order and returns to the local franchising scheme set
out in the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984.
The City of Dubuque opposes a wireless tax moratorium.
Ensuring expanded access to multichannel video programming is an important role of local government.
Ensuring digital equity is achieved addressing inequalities of availability, affordability, and accessibility of
technology —specifically high-speed internet.
211 Page
Expanded Access
States and localities support policies and programs that advance access to communications services and
ubiquitous broadband deployment in all areas of the country. Current initiatives that promote universal
and affordable access to communications services include the federal and state universal service funds,
the ERate program, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP,) urban and rural infrastructure support
mechanisms, and obligations ensuring equitable cable and broadband deployment.
ACP
Galvanized by the pressure of COVID-19, a bipartisan Congress created the ACP with $14.2 billion in
funding in November 2021. The program provides eligible households a discount on Internet services of
up to $30 per month —and up to $75 per month on qualifying Tribal lands. It also provides a one-time
discount of up to $100 towards a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating providers.
Since then, the ACP has helped provide Internet to over 20.5 million American families and veterans.
Thanks to the ACP, low-income households can afford the access they need for work, education,
healthcare, and democratic engagement in the digital age. The data shows that we are making real
progress on the affordable access problem that has plagued the U.S. for over a generation. Broadband
connectivity is essential to maximizing educational opportunities, stimulating economic growth,
lowering healthcare costs, investing in a skilled workforce, and connecting individuals with their loved
ones.
The ACP's funding will likely be completely depleted by the middle of next year, relegating those
Americans to second-class status again unless Congress steps up to replenish the fund. In addition to
availability and accessibility, ACP directly addresses the best known factor contributing to the digital
divide —price.
REQUESTED ACTION
Government leadership needs to ensure the ACP's continuation and appreciate the urgency. By
extending ACP funding, Congress can ensure the program continues to provide enduring
opportunities for all Americans.
2.
Taxation
States and localities should retain full flexibility, as does the federal government, to structure their tax
policies in ways that best serves their citizens.
Consumer Protection
States and localities are best positioned to respond effectively to a wide variety of consumer concerns,
including but not limited to complaints related to service quality and affordability, reliability, deceptive
practices, billing practices, privacy, and criminal activity.
Wireless Zoning and Siting
It is essential for local communities to be able to address the expansion of wireless facilities to promote
the deployment of advanced communications while also protecting the interests of citizens in safety,
sound planning, and aesthetic concerns. Cellular carriers have petitioned the FCC to create new,
onerous regulations that would make it more difficult for local governments to carry out their
responsibilities in this area. The Communications Act prohibits such FCC regulation. Congress should
ensure that the balance struck in federal law is not overturned by agency action.
221 Page
In 2019 the City established a Small Cell Aesthetics guideline which outlined permit procedures, design
standards and location preferences. The goal is to encourage preferred locations, collocation, and
maintaining the unique community character and distinct aesthetics using "stealth" techniques and, for
our residents, providing advance notification of pending applications. Congress should support the City's
efforts in establishing and implementing such standards for the welfare of all.
Local government strongly endorses promoting competition for all consumers and treating like services
alike. The elected leaders of our nation's cities and counties stand ready and willing to welcome video
competition in their communities. Centralizing franchising at the federal or state level, however, limits
the benefits of head -to -head video competition to a chosen few, and deprives consumers of important
protections.
The FCC
Although the courts have upheld the transparency rule but vacated the no -blocking and no -unreasonable -
discrimination rules, there is no guarantee from the FCC of net neutrality. The new arrangement stands
to benefit large ISPs immensely while potentially harming small start-ups, entrepreneurs, and consumers
especially in locations where providers are limited.
Although there is a disclosure requirement and providers are prevented from engaging in unfair,
deceptive, and anticompetitive practices, issues will be handled after occurring and providers could
bypass unfair practices in the name of "reasonable, network management."
REQUESTED ACTION
1. States where statewide or state-controlled franchising is currently in place do not see greater
or faster video competition deployment than states where it is not.
2. Franchises do not just provide permission to offer video services. They are the core tools local
government uses to manage streets and sidewalks, provide for public safety, enhance
competition, and collect compensation for private use of public land. Eliminating local
franchises deprives local government of the power to perform basic functions.
3. Competition is for everyone. Current national policy implemented through franchises
encourages competition throughout the country, not just in urban or suburban areas and not
just for the wealthy. In less than ten years, under the current system, broadband service has
been made available to 91 percent of all homes passed by cable.
4. Neither Congress nor the FCC should try to manage local streets and sidewalks from
Washington. National franchising would abrogate a basic tenet of federalism by granting
companies access to locally owned property on federally defined terms.
5. Market factors, not local governments, control the pace of new broadband deployment.
Telephone companies have not yet seriously dedicated resources to negotiate franchises in
many markets. Potential video competitors require relatively few franchises to implement
their announced business plans (for AT&T 1,500-2,000 franchises, for Verizon 100-200
franchises).
231 Page
Tech Entrepreneurship and Competition.
States and localities benefit from, and support, competition and innovation and technology neutrality.
When a fully competitive market does not exist, states and localities must retain the authority to ensure
nondiscriminatory access to essential facilities, to prevent incumbents from using market power to stifle
competition and innovation, and to maintain consumer safeguards when market forces fail.
There are arguments for and against net neutrality. The City of Dubuque supports efforts for Internet to
remain a level playing field for all and the FCC to protect an "open internet." Given Dubuque's focus on
small business and innovation, Dubuque would likely be impacted by the anti -competitive risks that
come with ending net neutrality more than other Iowa communities.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City supports legislation that would restore net neutrality.
Broadband Acceleration Initiative
In 2016 the City of Dubuque launched its Broadband Acceleration Initiative. Operating primarily in
public/private collaborations, the Initiative has been a resounding success by increasing broadband
access, capacity, speeds, and competitors. Every business center has redundant high-speed access and a
five-year fiber -to -the -home build -out is underway. Recently the City has added a strong equity
component to the initiative, beginning with free local Wi-Fi and low-cost access options in our lowest
income census tracks. Universal, affordable, high-speed access is the goal, and we are making progress.
However, that progress is hampered by outdated governmental data, policies, and funding priorities. We
believe that the following Federal
Broadband Initiatives/Efforts are critical to the continued success of Dubuque's Broadband Acceleration
Initiative.
REQUESTED ACTION
1. Continued efforts to produce Immediate and accurate revision of FCC broadband access maps. It
has been acknowledged by industry and both political parties that these maps, which underly
both federal policy and funding decisions on broadband, are outdated, use inaccurate information
and are subject to manipulation by incumbent carriers.
2. Until consensus mapping and data is available, uncouple federal broadband funding decisions
from the current FCC "targeted service area" calculations. As an example, when using ACS census
data, Dubuque shows several lower -income census tracts where 25% to 30% of households
reporting no consistent internet access. However, the "TSA" map by the FCC shows no (zero)
targeted service areas anywhere in the community of Dubuque.
3. Utilize a definition of "served" areas in the realm of broadband connectivity to include the
measures of affordability, availability and accessibility. The problems of available, affordable, and
accessible connectivity, in light of a growing number of devices, and capacity to deliver a
consistent, usable broadband technology in more densely populated areas are significant factors
contributing to the digital inequity that exists among residents.
Provide flexibility for the USDA ReConnect Loan and Grant Fund and other broadband access programs to
allow rural and small urban areas (under 100,000 in population) to collaborate on broadband
infrastructure and costs. These areas are intimately connected via transportation networks, labor -sheds,
241Page
power systems, and the like. The ability to scale rural efforts via collaboration with small urban areas
would accelerate broadband access to both.From a policy perspective, allow municipalities to treat
broadband access as an essential corporate purpose and dissuade state policymakers from creating state
level barriers for municipal action on broadband.
11111 CEVEN 9C_I►9 92_ REM 1
The availability of accurate and readily accessible data, consistent collection methods across all
carriers/providers and data visualization tools provides a potential means of maintaining an open and
fair internet. By guaranteeing comprehensive, quality information on broadband access, bandwidth, and
speeds across all delivery methods, will result in an ability for cities to monitor services in our
communities. The outcome of this initiative results in an ability to identify and respond to
telecommunications equity needs in communities serving those most needing broadband services.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support the FCC must collect and disseminate granular broadband service availability data
(broadband maps) from wired, fixed -wireless, satellite, and mobile broadband providers. To do
this, the FCC is required to establish the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (a dataset of
geocoded information for all broadband service locations, atop which broadband maps are
overlaid) as the vehicle for reporting broadband service availability data. Additionally, the FCC
must put forth specified requirements for service availability data collected from broadband
providers, and it must create a challenge process to enable the submission of independent data
challenging the accuracy of FCC broadband maps within reasonable windows of time.
251 Page
7. INFRASTRUCTURE: PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS
a. LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF)
Land and water conservation fund has been critical to the development of outdoor recreational
opportunities in Dubuque. Past grant awards have funded softball field development for youth and
adults, open space development in the area of historically significant places along the Mississippi River,
and expansion of the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. Each of
these developments has been very important to expansion of outdoor recreation. Continued funding of
this program is critical to Dubuque as a partnering source for enhancing outdoor recreation for our
citizens which increases the health and well-being of the community.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase the overall funding of LWCF and support Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
state assistance program receives 40% of LWCF funding as laid out in the John D. Dingell Jr.
Conservation, Management and Recreation Act.
261 Page
8. CITY/COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES/PROTECTIVE SERVICES
a. COMBINED COMMUNICATION CENTER
The need for a combined 911 Communications Center and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been
brought to the forefront of the public safety committee after multiple recent events. The current
communications center is undersized for the needs of our increased population and calls for service. The
center is unable to expand to meet the increasing demands of the emergency calls and for future
technologies. The recent disasters that occurred in Dubuque County and the State of Iowa brought the
need for a dedicated emergency operations center to the forefront. The city and county now use the
classroom areas of the Dubuque County Firefighters Training Center which is converted as needed to an
EOC operation. An extended flooding event along the Mississippi River or any other long-term disaster
would tax the resources of the city and county and the current set up would hamper our response to
disasters. We are experiencing more major weather events and disasters and we have received eight
presidential disaster declarations in the past 18 years. With the recent Pandemic, the Communications
Center had to spit into two rooms because there was not enough room for the dispatchers to be socially
distant from one another due to the small size of the Center. Several call takers had to be moved to
another room which caused a slowdown in response times due to not being in the same room. The City's
911 center needs to have room available for expansion. A dedicated EOC will allow local government the
ability to enhance response and recovery operations following an event it would also assist us in preparing
for planned events that overtax our response capabilities.
REQUESTED ACTION
Assist the City of Dubuque and Dubuque County in identifying funding support for a combined
911 Center/EOC estimated to cost $16-$19 million dollars.
b. CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTER GRANTS
In weighing opportunities for future expansion of fire units, the City must support vital federal programs
like the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant program. This program can help the City as it seeks to
expand firefighter and paramedic numbers in the future.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support federal efforts to maintain and expand the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant
program, including the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program.
c. FIRE STATION CONSTRUCTION GRANTS
Fire Station Construction Grants Act authorizes $1 billion in fire station construction grants to be
administered by FEMA. Specifically, it directs FEMA to establish a grant program to modify, upgrade, and
construct fire and EMS department facilities. These grants can be used for:
• Building, rebuilding, or renovating fire and EMS department facilities;
• Upgrading existing facilities to install exhaust emission control systems;
• Installing backup power systems;
• Upgrading or replacing environmental control systems, such as HVAC systems;
• Removing or remediating mold;
271 Page
• Constructing or modifying living quarters for use by personnel; and
• Upgrading fire and EMS stations or building new stations to meet modern building codes and
standards as set by the National Fire Protection Association and International Code Council.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support all congressional efforts to introduce and pass the Fire Station Construction Grants Act
to provide funds to the City for the purpose of building new fire and EMS facilities.
c. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICES PROGRAM
The U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Community Relations Services (CRS) office is the only federal
agency dedicated to working with community groups to resolve conflict and prevent hate crimes. DOJ CRS
provides facilitation, mediation, training, and consultation services to improve communities' abilities to
problem solve and build capacity. New resources are necessary to rebuild trust between local police
departments and the communities they serve. CRS could launch a mini -grant program (up to $20,000 per
community) to support facilitated discussions among police departments, civic groups and institutions,
and residents, seeking to foster community policing approaches and address racial injustice concerns.
REQUESTED ACTION
Expand the DOJ's Community Relations Services program to $30 million annually.
281 Page
9. HOUSING
a. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING
The City of Dubuque relies on CDBG money to fund many of its vital programs. Projects that are at least
partially funded by CDBG include rehabilitation of rental and owner -occupied housing, lead paint hazard
abatement, commercial and industrial building rehabilitation and economic development, childcare
referral services, credit repair programs, to support operations of several non -profits providing direct
services to income -eligible individuals and families, as part of the community development/neighborhood
strategy program. CDBG can be used to further weatherization efforts, alternative energy efforts, and
other initiatives proposed as separate increases in the budget. Preparing additional rules and regulation
for new programs, when the outcomes can be met in existing programs causes duplicative administrative
efforts and required funding for those duplicated efforts. Focusing on programs that are established and
produce stated outcomes will help decrease the overall budget of the United States.
The CDBG formula funding has never been adjusted for inflation (since the inception of the program in
1974), even though construction costs, wages, and other program costs have escalated sharply in the past
four decades. Continued funding of CDBG is needed to provide the flexibility for communities to fund a
myriad of activities, fill gaps where needed, and attract additional resources to projects.
At this time, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is funded at $3.3 billion (decreased from
$3.47 in the prior year). CDBG resources create economic opportunity, suitable living environments,
and provide decent housing. Nearly Y2 of the households in the City of Dubuque are considered at or
below moderate income by HUD's standards, meaning CDBG resources impact a significant number of
our local community members. We strongly encourage the consideration to increase CDBG funding in
FY 2024.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque asks our congressional members to support the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and urge you
to appropriate $3.3 billion in formula funding for the program in FY 2024. CDBG has been critical
in meeting the public improvement, public services, economic development, and affordable
housing needs in our community. Further, there is great opportunity for this program to support
the funding needs of the USEPA Lead and Copper Rule and assist with the replacement or
rehabilitation of lead water service lines. The City of Dubuque also requests increased funding for
the administration of the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program.
b. 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.
291Page
REQUESTED ACTION
1. Support the Federal Trade Commission's proposed rulemaking to promulgate a trade
regulation rule entitled "Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees," which would prohibit unfair or
deceptive practices relating to fees for goods or services, specifically, misrepresenting the
total costs of goods and services by omitting mandatory fees from advertised prices and
misrepresenting the nature and purpose of fees. The Commission finds these unfair or
deceptive practices relating to fees to be prevalent based on prior enforcement, the
comments it received in response to an advance notice of proposed rulemaking, and other
information discussed in this proposal. Document: 88 FR 77420, 77420-77485 (66 pages) as
part of 16 CFR 464.
2. Support passage of the introduced bicameral legislation by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez
Masto (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) ,
and Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01) to help preserve and revitalize
manufactured housing communities by making the PRICE program permanent, providing
funding for home improvements and neighborhood upgrades for thousands of Americans
each year.
c. AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
Homelessness is increasing across the nation due to increased untreated mental health issues, lack of
affordable housing, and inflation. Eviction rates in the City of Dubuque are increasing due to the lack of
ability to pay rent. Rents are increasing faster than the cost of living due to a low vacancy rate, which is
seen across the nation due to a shortage of housing units.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support a minimum of $2.1 billion for HUD's homeless assistance grants, including at
least $250 million for the Emergency Solutions Grant program.
Support funding of the National Housing Trust Fund and support a direct allocation to
local governments once the funds reach $1 billion.
d. ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS
ANCHOR institutions, including hospitals and healthcare systems, colleges, universities, and cultural
institutions, are driving economic development, job creation, and private investments in the struggling
communities they serve. Over the past decade, a national ecosystem of professional associations,
foundations, networks, and consultants has evolved to develop and implement anchor institution -
centered approaches to produce targeted community benefits. With this national network of resources
in place, federal investment could play a key role in catalyzing and supporting the power of anchor
institutions to create vibrant communities. America's cities and towns call for the creation of a new
Anchoring Neighborhoods, Communities & Housing to Opportunities for Revitalization (ANCHOR)
Institutions Initiative at HUD that would provide $250,000 strategic planning grants to communities to
boost economic development and revitalization in neighborhoods through collaboration with key local
anchors. These HUD ANCHOR grants would support a local plan and/or pilot program that aligns shared
interests and leverages partners' respective strengths to promote improvement in key impact areas:
301 Page
affordable housing, educational equity, health and wellness, safe and accessible neighborhoods, healthy
nutrition, and workforce development.
REQUESTED ACTION
Create a HUD "ANCHOR Institutions Initiative" $25 million annually.
e. HOMES FOR EVERY LOCAL PROTECTOR, EDUCATOR AND RESPONDER (HELPER) ACT OF
2023
The HELPER Act (S. 1514 / H.R. 3170) seeks to amend the National Housing Act to create a tailored
mortgage insurance program for first responders and teachers. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced
the bipartisan bill in the Senate, and it is co -sponsored by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Sherrod Brown (D-
OH), Raphael G. Warnock (D-GA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard
Blumenthal (D-CT), Rick Scott (R-FL]), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Robert Casey Jr. (D-PA). In the House
of Representatives, the bill was introduced by Representatives John Rutherford (FL-04), Al Lawson (FL-
05), John Katko (NY-24) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and it enjoys support from 68 bipartisan
co-sponsors. The HELPER Act aims to provide favorable mortgage terms and conditions for eligible first
responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians
(EMTs) and teachers. By establishing a dedicated mortgage insurance program, the bill eliminates the
traditional mortgage down payment requirement and monthly mortgage insurance premiums, which
can be substantial barriers to homeownership.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support passage of the HELPER Act (S. 1514 / H.R. 3170)
311 Page
10. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
a. EDA GRANT PROGRAMS
The Economic Development Administration's (EDA) grant programs, which are targeted to Census tracts
and regions with economic distress, areas impacted by company closures, energy sector disruptions or
major disasters, and federal Opportunity Zones, provide matching funding for public infrastructure,
workforce development, entrepreneurship, and economic development projects to leverage private
sector investment and create jobs. Between FY2012-FY2018, EDA invested over $1.9 billion in 4,710
economic development projects, leveraging $15 in private investment plus 1-to-1 local match for every
dollar in EDA funding. A look at 11 years of investments shows that EDA-supported projects generated
over 622,000 jobs and $35 billion in wages and salaries. EDA is funded at approximately $320 million per
year, and Congress provided an additional $1.5 billion to EDA in the CARES Act to support economic
development projects to respond to the COVID downturn. These resources are highly oversubscribed,
forcing the EDA to turn down many meritorious projects. As the nation seeks to rebuild from the COVID
crisis and support business investment and innovation.
REQUESTED ACTION
Boost, broaden, and expedite the review of EDA grants to $500 million annually Congress should
increase annual grant funding to EDA. EDA should also consider new sectors such as tourism,
outdoor recreation, and health as additional program priorities and expedite the processing of
grant applications to be more reactive to critical funding needs.
b. FEDERAL HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
The Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit is the nation's largest federal incentive promoting urban and rural
revitalization through private investment in reusing historic buildings. The credit encourages reinvestment
in downtowns, generates jobs, and is instrumental in preserving the historic places that give cities, towns,
and rural areas their unique character. For every one dollar invested through the Federal Historic
Preservation tax credit, five dollars are leveraged from the private sector. The credit is not paid until all
the restoration work is complete and approved by the US Department of Interior. Dubuque has seen total
improvements valued at $825 million since 1985 in the downtown, on Main Street and on the riverfront.
Of note: The Historic Tax Credit Coalition is working on a legislative proposal to eliminate the basis
reduction requirement for the Historic Tax Credit in its entirety. Experts estimate that making this change
would almost entirely make up for the lost value from the new requirement that the credit be taken over
five years.
REQUESTED ACTION
1. The temporary increase to 30% for the pandemic.
2. The provisions of HTC-GO.
3. Regulatory relief from the NPS on application turnaround, functionally related complexes,
full staffing of the program, more outreach to stakeholders, and looking at updating the
Secretary's standards to modernize them.
4. Regulatory relief from the IRS to help offset the damage done to the market from tax reform
and 50(d) guidance.
S. Consideration of HTC eligibility for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credit if the Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) revises its recent rules.
321 Page
c. NEW MARKET TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
The New Markets Tax Credit program provides a potential financing tool for major economic development
projects in Dubuque including the Historic Millwork District restoration and revitalization and the
Dubuque Pack site redevelopment. Unfortunately, the program has not benefited rural states and
communities in the same manner it has benefited larger metro centers. Expanding and streamlining the
program and helping to ensure it is accessible to smaller communities in rural states would benefit the
City of Dubuque and its partners in the private sector.
Additionally, the flexibility of the program is desirable, but its accompanying complexity increases legal,
accounting, and Community Development Entity (CDE) fees since each project is unique and thus requires
extensive planning and oversight to achieve and maintain program compliance. These increased fees
reduce the amount of equity available for the project, often rather significantly. Finding ways to
streamline the program would benefit projects and communities that make use of this funding tool.
REQUESTED ACTION
Continued support of this important program for urban revitalization and support any
opportunities to simplify the program for the end user.
d. CHILDCARE
Access to quality affordable childcare supports our economy by allowing parents to participate fully in
the workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 67% of children under the age of 6 in
the United States have all available parents in the workforce, and 60% of children under the age of 5
participated in regular weekly care arrangements prior to COVID-19
In general, today's childcare model is not sustainable for either the parent or the childcare provider —
the cost is too high for parents to afford compared to their wages, and simultaneously the wages for the
childcare providers are too low to attract and retain quality employees. Creating supports for both
parents and childcare providers bolsters our workforce and helps our employers retain employees with
children. COVID-19 has exacerbated this issue.
REQUESTED ACTION
1. Increase the amount of pretax dollars that families can place in employer -sponsored
dependent care assistance plans (DCAPs), therefore providing families with more options
and financial tools to keep up with rising childcare costs."
2. Develop legislation/programs to support increased wages and benefits for childcare
providers, including increased funding for Childcare Development Block Grants (CCDBG).
e. EPA BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Brownfield & Land Revitalization program has been a
bipartisan success for 25+ years, created by President Bill Clinton, authorized with the signature of
President George W. Bush, and improved through the BUILD Act enacted by Congress and signed by
President Donald Trump in 2018. This EPA program provides grants to support environmental
investigations, cleanup, reuse planning, and workforce development to revitalize closed factories,
abandoned gas stations, and other contaminated sites. To date the program has helped leverage
180,200 jobs, leveraged $35 billion in investment, cleaned up 2,261 properties, and helped make
331 Page
144,000+ acres ready for reuse. EPA provides approximately $80 million annually in brownfield grants,
but many highly ranked applications do not receive funding.
REQUESTED ACTION
Congress should permanently fund the EPA brownfield program at its 2017 authorized level of
$250 million annually, and focus on economic recovery, resiliency, renewable energy, and
greenspace.
f. "BUILD BACK PLANNING GRANT" PROGRAM
In 2020, cities and counties across the nation faced unprecedented economic instability, social unrest,
public health challenges, and climate impacts, with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt. The year
2021 will mark the start of local efforts to build back. However, COVID-19 and its resulting impacts are
likely to have long-term effects on how communities operate. Communities must reconsider key issues
for progress such as the relationships between housing, mobility, urban space, digital infrastructure, and
public health. Federal agencies must work together to help localities develop forward- looking plans that
support their evolution to the "next normal." Furthermore, planning efforts should ensure that
America's most vulnerable populations (e.g., minorities, working families, low-income households) are
central in local recovery strategies. Community -wealth building approaches must be implemented to
produce broadly shared economic prosperity, racial equity, and environmental sustainability. An
interagency task force, including the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, EPA, the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT),
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS),
and other federal agencies, should launch a Build Back Planning program, modeled after the successful
joint HUD -EPA -DOT "Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Development" launched by the Obama-
Biden Administration in 2009, and its Sustainable Communities Challenge Initiative grant program. The
Build Back Planning Grants would provide at least 50 pilot grants of $500,000 each to align federal
resources behind local efforts to chart their post-COVID future and provide opportunities for low-
income and minority Americans to build wealth.
REQUESTED ACTION
Establish a new intergovernmental agency "Build Back Planning Grant" program $25 million
annually.
g. ARTS & CULTURE
Arts, culture, the creative economy, and related educational opportunities are powerful forces in
our nation's economy. The sector drives tourism and arts -related commerce supports
American workers — from graphic and software designers to scholars, architects, artists,
performers, and curators - while inspiring our communities in entrepreneurial efforts. Arts
and culture institutions and programs allow Americans to dream of fresh possibilities and to
expand their horizons as thinkers and citizens in a world of complex ideas and technologies,
as well as to contribute to the cultural legacy of the nation. Access to creativity, the arts, and
cultural expression is an inherent good; it also can awaken the potential for a better quality
of life and advances efforts to preserve and give voice to diverse cultures. Engagement with
the arts and cultural experiences allows Americans to fully realize their creative and
imaginative potential rooted in cultural heritage as individuals and as communities. This area
341Page
of legislative consideration also includes funding and support for nationwide humanities work
through federal organizations such as the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
which supports the research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.
• In 2022, the arts, culture, and creative economy generated $151.7 billion of economic activity
in 2022-$73.3 billion in spending by arts and culture organizations and an additional $78.4
billion in event -related expenditures by their audiences.
• The United States has exported more arts and cultural goods and services than it imported
since 2006, including during the Great Recession. In 2021, the arts delivered an economic
advantage, generating a $17.8 billion in annual trade surplus.
• The arts and culture sector supported 2.6 million jobs in 2022 and provided $101 billion in
personal income to residents and generated $29.1 billion in tax revenue to local, state, and
federal governments.
• The NEH budget serves as a significant leveraging tool that has helped create an entire
industry of locally based small business and jobs that cannot be outsourced. The NEH
estimates that its 2024 investment in grantees will includes $78.25 million in support of
projects in the humanities and $66 million in awards to NEH's partners.
• $1 of NEA direct funding leveraging up to $9 in private and other public funds and returns
$12.6 billion in federal income taxes.
• A significant percentage of NEA grants go to those who have fewer opportunities to
participate in the arts. 65% NEA direct grants go to small organizations (with operating
budgets of less than $1.75million)..
According to Americans for the Arts' reporting, financial losses as a result of COVID-19 for nonprofit arts
and cultural organizations on a national level are an estimated $17.97 billion, as of July 2021. 99% of
producing and presenting organizations cancelled events —a loss of $557 million admissions and $17.6
billion in audience spending at local businesses (e.g., restaurants, lodging, retail, parking). The total
economic impact of organizational and audience -spending losses is $6.0 billion in lost government
revenue and 1.03 million jobs no longer being supported. Arts organizations, artists, and the broader arts
workforce are vital contributors to the nonprofit sector, are essential to the economy, vitality, and
wellbeing of the communities they serve, and they must be supported by all forms of relief.
The Dubuque City Council prioritizes arts and culture, identifying access to diverse arts and culture
experiences for all as one of eight 2037 goals. In 2015, the Arts & Culture Master Plan was commissioned
and funded, with the resulting plan adopted in 2016. Since 2005, the City has provided over $4.76 million
dollars in financial support to Dubuque arts and cultural organizations through direct grant programs that
support operations and new projects and a rotating public art program. According to a 2022 Arts &
Economic Impact Study conducted by Americans for the Arts, Dubuque's non-profit arts and culture sector
in Dubuque generates $ 70.4 million in annual economic activity, supports 1,527 FTE jobs, generates $6.7
million in local and state tax revenues, and infuses $41.6 million in household incomes to local residents.
351 Page
REQUESTED ACTION
1. Support the administration's FY24 budget request of $215. million for the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
2. Support the administration's FY24 increased funding request of $4 million for the National
Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
3. Support funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) at or above FY23 levels.
4. Support the administration's FY24 increased funding request of $55.5 million for the Institute
of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS).
5. Support increased investment in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA) and its
Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) program.
6. Fully fund the $2.2 billion Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants provisions of
ESSA under Title IV, Part A, as well as to make explicit the opportunity for the arts to help
achieve the equitable access objectives of Title I and the professional development
opportunities for arts educators under Title II.
7. Provide at least $4 million to the Institute of Education Sciences Fast Response Survey System
in Arts Education study and to restore and appropriately fund the arts in the National
Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
8. Support the Artist -Museum Partnership Act (H.R.1793) which would allow artist to take
income tax deductions for the fair market value of their work when they donate it to
charitable collecting institutions and enact 5.618/H.R. 1704 and pass the Legacy IRA Act
(5.243) to expand and strengthen charitable giving to the nonprofit arts sector.
9. Support inclusion and investment in arts in health programs such as the National Initiative for
Arts and Health Across the Military led by Americans for the Arts.
10. Support the collection of federal creative economy legislation under consideration. Through
public policy, these seven bills can collectively achieve a stronger creative sector, which would
drive economic growth and social cohesion, ensuring a better and more creative life for all:
a. CREATIVE: Bill number: H.R. 9175, sponsored by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici
(OR-01) -- The CREATIVE Act expands the National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA)
grantmaking capabilities by providing necessary funding to local arts agencies,
nonprofit arts organizations, and other arts related institutions. Further, the bill
provides funding to underserved and rural populations by reserving a percentage of
NEA grant funding for those respective communities.
b. PLACE: Bill numbers: HR 6569 / 5.3560, sponsored: Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Rep.
Chellie Pingree (D-ME --The Promoting Local Arts and Creative Economy Workforce
Act (PLACE Act) bolsters local creative economies and workers in creative industries.
It amends existing legislation to include the arts, creates new creative economy
grants, and directs funding for creative businesses.
c. CREATE: Bill numbers: HR 6381 / 5.3521, sponsors: Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sen.
John Cornyn (R-TX), Rep. Debbi Dingell (D-MI) -- The bi-partisan Comprehensive
361 Page
Resources for Entrepreneurs in the Arts to Transform the Economy Act (CREATE Act)
aligns policy to serve those that make our creative economy prosper. It expands SBA
and EDA loan programs and integrates creative work into support programs.
d. CERA: Bill numbers: HR 5019 / S. 2858, sponsors: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-
NM), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Sen. Ben Lujan (D-NM) -- The Creative Economy
Revitalization Act (CERA), a bi-partisan workforce bill, authorizes $300m in grants to
pay local creative workers through public creative projects like festivals,
performances, public art, narrative gathering from first responders and marginalized
communities, and arts education work.
e. PATPA: Bill numbers: HR 4750 / S. 2872, sponsors: Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Vern
Buchanan (R-FL), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) -- The
Performing Arts Tax Parity Act (PATPA), a bi-partisan bill in both the House and the
Senate, updates the Qualified Performing Artist tax deduction, modernizing a
provision that has been on the books since it was signed into law in the 1980's so
that middle-class arts workers can deduct common business expenses.
11. Incentivize businesses and local/state governments to put creative workers to work by
funding creative jobs, fellowships, residencies and commissions in Federal Departments;
invest in arts in K-12, higher, and out -of -school education; pass the WORK Now Act (5.740).
12. Support legislation to invest in the country's creative economy and promote economic
inclusion; to recognize artists, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit arts organizations as contributors
to the small business community; improve and revitalize rural, remote, and underserved
areas; and support the creative economy through federal programs and actions. Direct the
SBA and other agencies to ensure existing economic development programs and tools
encompass the creative economy; ensure inclusion of creative fields in vocational education
and training supports; increase comprehensive measurement of the impact of the creative
economy on the overall US economy.
13. Support legislation and programs that improve the health and well-being of the military and
veterans' populations through the arts.
371 Page
11. PUBLIC HEALTH
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING
For over 20 years, local public health agencies have been creating, refining, updating, and utilizing their
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 COVID-
19. These along with re-emerging outbreaks of diseases we thought we had 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 crypto sporidia, 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.
REQUESTED ACTION
1. 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. A robust national disease data collection and analysis system is needed to
prepare for future, outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics.
2. ARPA 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 community
Health Needs Assessments and Health Improvement Plans (CHNA/HIPS) and address the
"social morbidities" of COVID that will be seen for years if not generations to come.
3. Strengthen the Public Health Workforce through increased funding for state and local public
health infrastructure. Specifically, by supporting incentives to diversify the public health
workforce and increase public health and healthcare training and loan forgiveness programs
4. Support the creation of a $4.5 billion mandatory fund for core public health infrastructure
activities at the CDC and state, local, tribal and territorial public health departments. The
Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act would establish this funding to support essential
activities such as: disease surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, all -hazards
preparedness and response; policy development and support; communications; community
partnership development; and organizational competencies. A reliable, long-term funding
stream for these activities is essential for anticipating and responding to future public health
emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
b. ACCESS TO HEATLH CARE -CRESCENT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
Community Health Centers (CHC's) across the country have consistently demonstrated the value of the
care they provide. Community Health Centers are an affordable and accessible source of primary and
preventive health care for nearly 29 million underserved individuals, including 253,000 here in Iowa. In
381 Page
2022, Crescent served 8,216 patients for a total of 29,177 patient visits seeking medical, dental and
behavioral health care.
• Federal grant funding for the Health Center program currently comes from two sources:
a. $1.7 billion in annual discretionary appropriations and
b. $4.0 billion in the Community Health Centers Fund (CHCF).
• The 340B Drug Pricing Program is an essential source of support for Community Health Centers,
allowing them to stretch increasingly scarce federal resources and reinvest in patient care. The
program allows health centers to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced costs. Health
centers pass the savings on to their patients through reduced drug prices and invest additional
savings to expand access and improve health outcomes. The 340b program is not funded by
taxpayers. Drug manufacturers are required to participate if they are in the Medicaid Drug Rebate
Program. Community Health Centers, including Crescent, utilize 5% of the entire 340b program to
provide additional services and support to patients, including clinical pharmacy, care coordination
and lower prescription drug costs.
• NHSC loan repayment and scholar programs are essential recruitment tools for community Health
Centers and must be sustained. In Iowa, more than 50 providers working in CHCs are current
recipients of NHSC support or have completed their obligations and chose to continue practicing
at CHCs.
• The Affordable Care Act allows millions of Americans expanded healthcare coverage, including
coverage of preventative care, a prohibition on discriminating against people with pre-existing
conditions, an extension of dependent coverage for adult children up to age 26 and progress in
closing the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap.
REQUESTED ACTION
1. We ask that Congress act to ensure the future of the National Health Service Corps. Continue
funding for the National Health Service Corps and the Teaching Health Centers Graduate
Medical Education programs, both of which support the primary care workforce necessary to
serve underserved communities with high -quality integrated care AND consider expanding it
to other health care professions i.e., nursing, and those working with special populations.
2. Continue support ensuring access to the 340B program to sustain community health center's
essential model of care, providing enhanced services to patients
3. Uphold the Affordable Care Act and expand access to health coverage and services. Support
for the Prevention and Public Health Fund, the mandatory fund for public health and
prevention activities created by the ACA
c. CLIMATE CHANGE & HEALTH
Climate change and rising temperatures expose more Americans to conditions that result in illness and
death due to respiratory illness, heat -related stress, vector -borne disease, wildfires, and extreme weather
events. Climate change raises temperatures and makes ozone pollution worse, triggering asthma attacks
and permanently damaging and reducing lung function and causing or affecting newly emerging infectious
diseases. These maladies fall most heavily on our most vulnerable communities including children, seniors,
low-income communities, some communities of color and those with chronic disease.
391Page
Efforts to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gases should maximize benefits to health and
ensure pollution is cleaned up in all communities, including those near polluting sources that have
historically borne a disproportionate burden from air pollution.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase funding to CDC's Climate and Health Program and support other efforts to address the
negative public health impacts of climate change, including the Climate Change Health
Protection and Promotion Act. This legislation would require the Department of Health and
Human Services to develop a national strategic plan to address the health impacts of climate
change and would enhance forecasting and modeling, track environmental and disease data and
expand the science base to better understand the relationship between climate change and
health outcomes. We strongly support both Congressional and agency action to address climate
change by cleaning up major sources of pollution in the power, transportation and other
sectors.
d. LEAD POISONING
The toxic legacy of lead still impacts over half a million American children under the age of six every year
—causing irreversible damage and robbing them from reaching their full potential. In Iowa Exposure occurs
through exposures from air, drinking water, food, contaminated soil, and deteriorating paint. An
estimated 1.1 million housing units are among the most at-riskfor causing childhood lead poisoning across
the US. In Dubuque 42% of Housing was built prior to 1960, indicating a large portion of the housing stock
contains lead hazards. Lead poisoning robs children of their ability to thrive and contribute. Young
children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because they absorb 4-5 times as much ingested
lead as adults from a given source. Lead exposure changes the structure and function of children's
developing brains, causing damage that cannot be repaired. Lead exposure leads to poorer academic
performance, behavioral health problems and lifelong diminished opportunity.
Dubuque has made tremendous strides in lowering the incidence of lead poisoning by reducing lead paint
hazards. However, with the revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
blood lead level of concern (5ug/dQ, much more lead hazard reduction and remediation are needed,
including addressing lead in water/lead service lines.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support the Lead -Free Future Act of 2019, (HF 4416) a bill that will set standards and increase
investment to support lead remediation in housing, drinking water, and soil in pre-1978
residential properties in communities across the country.
401 Page
12. PLANNING
a. CLIMATE CHANGE
From disaster recovery and hazard mitigation efforts to reducing emissions from transportation and
buildings, planners across the country are working hard to protect their communities from climate
impacts. But to continue moving the needle on climate action at the local, state, and regional levels,
planners need support from the federal level.
Federal policy plays an instrumental role in providing the tools, data, resources, and incentives to help
plan for reducing emissions, decarbonizing transportation, bolstering community resiliency, and
protecting people from natural hazards.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Introduce legislation with incentives for locally led climate planning
• Establish program and funding guidance for PROTECT, MISSION, and other
transportation resilience and carbon emission programs created in the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law
• Incorporate climate planning in transportation regulations to hit greenhouse gas
emission targets
• Fully implement Justice40 and environmental justice mapping initiatives across covered
transportation, housing, and energy programs
b. ZONING REFORM
Planning -led zoning reform is key to tackling many of the nation's greatest challenges - especially the
housing supply crisis. With the right federal support, zoning reform can increase housing choice, lower
housing costs, bolster local economies, address inequities in our communities, and connect people to
opportunity.
While planners are leading local changes to zoning and working at the state level to enable reform, the
federal government has a pivotal role to play in promoting reform by providing essential data, advancing
legislation that removes barriers to more inclusive zoning, and strengthening the connection between
zoning, housing, and infrastructure investments.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Reintroduce and pass the bipartisan Housing Supply and Affordability Act
• Secure guidance to implement the new YIMBY competitive grant program
• Get to a final Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule that unlocks housing choice and
incentivizes zoning reform
c. INFRASTRUCTURE
The recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) promises to invest in new and better planning that helps
our communities improve safety, increase transportation options, advance equity, and tackle challenges
associated with the climate crisis.
411 Page
With strong regulatory action and guidance driving its implementation, Congress can deliver on the
promise of BIL with planning programs and resources that not only enhance mobility and prosperity, but
also advance long-term sustainability and equity.
REQUESTED ACTION
Ensure Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) programs include both clear rules and funding
guidance. Ensure full funding for Safe Streets for All and other key BIL programs without annual
guaranteed funding. Advance airport land use improvements and establish an urban air mobility
framework that prioritizes local and regional planning through the Federal Aviation
Administration renewal. Secure further guidance and technical assistance on local infrastructure
design and deployment to make electric vehicles a more effective mobility solution.
d. CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAM
The Certified Local Government (CLG) program was established as part of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 to create federal, state, and local governmental partnerships, provide historic
preservation training and technical assistance, and encourage preservation and wise use of historic
resources at the local level.
In Iowa, the Certified Local Government program is one of the historic preservation offerings of the State
Historic Preservation Office, part of the State Historical Society of Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department
of Cultural Affairs. To participate in the CLG program, a local government must have a local historic
preservation program that complies with CLG program requirements. To qualify for or obtain "certified
status", the local government must demonstrate that its local historic preservation program meets certain
standards.
For the local government, its staff and Historic Preservation Commission, there are some direct benefits
of participating in the CLG program. There is free historic preservation training and technical assistance
from the State's historic preservation staff. Participating cities and counties receive a start-up preservation
reference library for use in developing and administering the program. Cities and counties in the CLG
program qualify for a small, competitive, matching CLG grant program that is open only CLG program
participants. These federal pass -through grants can be used to underwrite all historic preservation
activities except rehabilitation.
In Iowa, the CLG program has helped cities and counties to develop their local historic preservation
programs as a tool to help promote downtown revitalization; to protect, stabilize and revive historic
neighborhoods; and to provide an authentic foundation for heritage tourism.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque supports continued federal funding for the Certified Local
Government (CLG) Program.
421 Page
13. SUSTAINABLE & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
The City of Dubuque identified becoming a more sustainable city as one of its top priorities in 2006. Since
then, multiple strategies and practices have been implemented to make Dubuque a more sustainable
community. In 2016, the City was honored to be recognized as one of the White House's 16 Climate Action
Champions. The City is a member of Climate Communities, ICLEI and the Urban Sustainability Directors
Network and joins those organizations in supporting local government action on climate change and
resiliency as essential for America to achieve energy independence, renew economic prosperity and
preserve biodiversity. Federal policies must empower local governments with the tools and resources to
respond to the climate challenge. We request your support in achieving the following goals:
• Invest in local climate capacity through annual federal appropriations such as the Department
of Energy Clean Cities program, the US Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry
program, Storm water and Drinking Water funding, municipal energy efficiency programs and
Green Infrastructure programs.
• Build self-reliant communities that are prepared for climate impacts.
• Support community revitalization by enacting legislation that enables basic sustainability
principles, such as historic preservation, improved energy efficiency, brownfield
redevelopment, and community redevelopment.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Dubuque, like communities across the country, is striving to increase equitable access to affordable
housing for all residents. Excessive energy costs exacerbate the housing cost burden low-income
residents experience. On average, low-income households spend 7.8 percent of annual income on energy
services, compared to 3 percent of income for all households. Recognizing the increasing cost of energy
and the significant impact this required cost has on low- and moderate -income residents, the City
advocates for continued sufficient funding of the Weatherization Assistance Program and that funds be
used to invest in home improvements wherever possible. By investing in improvements rather than
assisting with energy bills, these funds can be used to fix the root of the problem rather than putting a
band -aid on it.
National Energy Planning Policy
The City encourages adoption of a long-term, sustainable national energy policy, addressing decreasing
availability of petroleum, energy self-sufficiency, economic competitiveness, greenhouse gas emissions,
environmental protection, and social equity. This policy should recognize and separate the long-term
development of replacement and alternative energy sources from short-term fluctuations in market
prices for energy. This policy should also recognize the impact that energy -efficient land use patterns,
building design, and transportation modalities have on the demand for energy.
Data and Measurement
The City recognizes the importance of easy, consistent, and affordable access to energy data at the
community level as an integral component of energy, sustainability, healthy communities, and community
planning. We advocate for transparent data processes that allow communities to review utility data while
also ensuring adequate data security and privacy.
431 Page
Energy Impacts
We encourage evaluating the energy related impacts along with other impacts resulting from proposed
plans and development related to the siting of energy generation and transmission facilities in order to
mitigate their adverse impacts on land use, environment, economy, health, quality of life, and national
security.
PACE Financing
We encourage federal and state legislation supporting Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing
so that the costs associated with energy efficiency improvements can be shared by the property owners
who experience the benefits of those improvements.
Environmental Justice
We support state and federal efforts in striving to attain environmental equity and justice with regard to
the siting of energy facilities, resource extraction, energy generation, distribution infrastructure, and
energy -related waste disposal.
Distributed Energy Generation
The City supports distributed energy generation systems that utilize community energy generation and
"smart grid" public infrastructure that supports both conservation and energy efficiency.
Smart Grid Technology
We support modernization of the nation's electrical grid that will allow for the efficient integration of
innovative technologies such as renewable energy systems and electric vehicles and makes it possible to
offer dynamic electricity pricing options that can reduce strain on the grid while benefitting consumers.
Advances in metering technology also create opportunities to provide consumers with access to more
information about their electricity usage and costs, which can inform their decisions about energy
consumption.
Research and Development
The City recognizes that in the short-term, oil, coal, and natural gas will continue to be significant sources
of energy for the United States and other nations until other forms of energy can be developed at a scale
to adequately replace the world's reliance on fossil fuels. Therefore, continued focused research and
development in improving the efficient use of these sources while reducing the environmental costs must
be a high priority for the United States. We support expanded research and development funding and
efforts to create and improve alternative and renewable energy sources and the development of energy
transition scenarios for use by local officials and the general public.
EPA Office of Community Revitalization
EPA has provided localities with targeted technical assistance in the areas of green building, mobility,
equitable development, flood resilience, food security, outdoor recreation, and other smart growth topics
through its Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA/Congress should strengthen the
Building Blocks program by providing direct grants to localities of up to $500,000 to implement specific
strategies identified through the technical and planning assistance. This financial support will enable cities
and counties to protect the environment, improve health, and strengthen their economies.
441Page
14. INDIAN GAMING REGULATIONS
The City is concerned about the uncontrolled growth of Indian Casinos on off premises (reservation)
lands. The City supports legislation that places safeguards on the growth of Indian casinos.
REQUESTED ACTION
1. Rewrite Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which authorizes
reservation shopping. This means that under no circumstances can a tribe that already
has land in trust acquire more land that is not contiguous to its reservation and use it for
gaming. This will put a permanent end to reservation shopping.
2. Give local communities a seat at the table during the process to mitigate impacts of
casinos proposed by newly recognized or restored tribes. This means the tribe and local
community must enter into a memorandum of understanding where the tribe must pay
the community for mitigation of direct effects of the casino on infrastructure and services
like transportation and public safety.
3. Ban any attempts to establish off -reservation casinos outside of the state where the tribe
presently resides.
4. Allow States to regulate Fantasy Sports and internet gambling.
4SIPage
15. EQUITY
The City of Dubuque's Imagine Dubuque Comprehensive Plan is premised in the three legs of sustainabiIity
— having a viable, livable, and equitable community. As the plan notes, "[a]n equitable community is
welcoming, fair, and just with the opportunity for people to have the realistic hope of achieving their
goals." Yet locally, regionally, and nationally we continue to see the continuing effects of historical
discrimination against African Americans and additional communities of color. Across all indicators of
wellbeing— health, education, employment, housing, criminal justice — race can still be used as a predictor
of negative life outcomes in the aggregate. The City is a member of the Government Alliance on Race and
Equity and joins communities across the nation in supporting local government action on advancing
equity, leading with race. Federal policies must empower local governments with the tools and resources
to advance racial equity. We request your support through the following legislative actions.
a. MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING
Mandatory minimum sentences are punishments ordered by judges with terms set by Congress 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 often 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. Judges
are more likely to levy heavier sentences 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).
REQUESTED ACTION
Support striking mandatory minimum sentencing provisions, allowing judges to apply the federal
sentencing guidelines with individualized reviews that take facts into consideration in determining
the appropriate sentence.
b. EXPAND THE EARNED INCOME AND CHILD TAX CREDITS
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) are useful antipoverty measures that still
leave too many people out. In the case of the EITC, the beneficiaries are largely families with dependent
children. Childless adults generally find that their EITC is severely inadequate compared to families with
children; childless adults receive an average of $219 in EITC compared to adults with children who receive
several thousand more depending on the number of qualifying children (Williams, 2019). The result is that
over 5 million Americans are unable to escape poverty or are further impoverished. As for the CTC,
although it was increased by $1000 for each child, the 2017 tax law that changed it excluded tens of
millions of working families getting the full increase (Marr, Huang, & Palacios, 2020). Expanding the EITC
for childless adults would lift an estimated 5 million Americans out of poverty (Marr & Huang, Childless
Adults Are Lone Group Taxed Into Poverty, 2020). Making the CTC fully refundable would have similar
effects for over 27 million children from low-income families (Marr, Hingtgen, Arloc, Windham, & Cox,
2020). For tax year 2021, the EITC has been made more generous on a temporary basis. These changes
should be made permanent and expanded even further.
461 Page
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation to permanently expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or the Child Tax
Credit.
c. INCREASE THE FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE
At $7.25 an hour, the federal minimum wage has not changed since 2009. Because it has not received any
adjustments since that time, the buying power of a minimum wage job has decreased drastically over the
years to the point where the federal minimum wage of $7.25 was worth 10% less in 2014 than it was in
2009 (Cooper, Raising the Minimum Wage to $12 by 2020 Would Lift Wages for 35 Million American
Workers, 2015). The current wage is not enough to support working families. An individual working 40
hours a week would only make $15,000 a year and put them $11,200 below the poverty threshold for a
family of four (Poverty Guidelines, 2020). Raising the minimum wage would lift over 4 million people out
of poverty and would result in tens of millions more getting a wage increase (Cooper, Raisingthe Minimum
Wage to $12 by 2020 Would Lift Wages for 35 Million American Workers, 2015). According to David
Cooper (2019) of the Economic Policy Institute, gradually raising the minimum wage to $15 would increase
the buying power of minimum wage jobs and would lead to greater wage equality between low and
middle wage workers as well as lift wages for 33.5 million workers.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation to gradually raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour or more.
d. LICENSE PEOPLE WHO LEARN TRADES WHILE IN PRISON
Inmates who learn trades in prison often have difficulty in finding employment when they leave, partially
because they have been prevented from getting the licenses, they need to work certain jobs. While
inmates may learn useful skills and receive training in prison programs, they are effectively banned from
getting a license when they leave. This has far-reaching ripple effects on other issues, such as housing, for
ex -offenders. If they are unable to attain steady employment, ex -offenders are much less likely to be able
to access housing services. In turn, this can lead to homelessness and a host of additional economic
implications.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that places restrictions on the use of criminal records to disqualify individuals
from receiving occupational licenses for jobs such as hairdressers, taxi drivers, trades learned in
prison, etc.
e. REAUTHORIZE THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT
In 2013, the Supreme Court gutted Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which mandated that jurisdictions
with histories of discriminatory voter -suppression practices be precleared before they could pass new
voting laws. Much of the court's opinion was premised in the rationale that the mechanisms from the
original Voting Rights Act were outdated, with Justice Roberts noting that "While any racial discrimination
in voting is too much, Congress must ensure that the legislation it passes to remedy that problem speaks
to the current conditions." In the immediate aftermath of the court's decision, 8 states implemented
voter -suppression laws and made it harder for people to vote. By 2016, 17 states had passed some form
of voting restriction. These new restrictions included requiring a photo ID in order to vote, ending same-
471 Page
day registration, shortening early voting, and closing down polling places in minority communities.
Restrictive voting measures at the state level have only increased in the wake of false claims that the 2020
election was marred by widespread voter fraud — claims that have been rejected by numerous courts and
state election officials. See Brennan Center for Justice
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation to amend the Voting Rights Act to modernize the formula that determines
which jurisdictions have shown patterns of discriminatory voter -suppression practices, mandate
that all voting changes must be announced in public half -a -year before an election, expand the
federal government's authority to send observers to the polls, modernize voter registration with
automatic, online, and same -day voter registration, restore voting rights to the previously
incarcerated after they complete their sentence, restrict the ability to purge voters from the rolls,
reform campaign finance transparency and strength FEC oversight, reform redistricting with
independent commissions, standardized criteria and transparency.
f. TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR EX -OFFENDERS
Students with drug convictions will find that they must complete a drug rehabilitation program or pass
random drug tests in order to receive aid from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
(Leonhardt, 2019). Beyond that, students who were convicted of drug possession will be ineligible for aid
for an entire year; an additional drug possession conviction adds another year of ineligibility, and a third
drug possession conviction permanently prevents them from receiving aid through FAFSA. According to
Betsy Pearl of the Center for American Progress, "One -fifth of the incarcerated population —or 456,000
individuals —is serving time for a drug charge. Another 1.15 million people are on probation and parole
for drug -related offenses" (Pearl, 2018). Moreover, black people are more likely to be arrested, convicted,
and serve longer sentences than white people for similar crimes. Marijuana possession charges are
particularly problematic, as black people are almost eight times as likely to be arrested as white people
despite roughly equal usage rates. Removing existing financial aid restrictions on individuals with drug
convictions would make college viable for hundreds of thousands of people.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that repeals provisions that prevent individuals with drug convictions from
receiving financial aid through FAFSA or, at a minimum, support legislation that allows a student
who is convicted of a drug offense involving marijuana possession, without the intent to
distribute, to resume or retain federal student aid eligibility while completing a drug rehabilitation
program.
g. FULLY FUND HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM BASED ON ACTUAL NEED
Ensuring safe, affordable housing is the most cost-effective strategy for reducing childhood poverty,
increasing economic mobility, and lifting people out of poverty. U.S. housing costs have been rising faster
than incomes for some time. According to the Out of Reach Report, affordable rent for a two -bedroom
apartment in Dubuque requires an hourly wage of $15.75 Nearly one-third of all Dubuque households are
cost burdened, with 1 in 4 renters spending more than 50% of their income on housing costs. Families of
color, single mother households, the elderly, and people with disabilities are disproportionately cost
burdened. There are approximately 5300 families who would meet income eligibility for vouchers but
481 Page
currently there is a budget for only about 900 families (16% of those eligible) and only 796 are being
served. This is a national problem with only 23% of eligible renter households actually receiving a voucher.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that fully funds housing choice vouchers at the level of community need.
Alternatively, support a legislative rider to the funding bill that restores Dubuque's funding levels
to those that were in place prior to the reduction in vouchers to 900.
h. COMPACT IMPACT FAIRNESS ACT I MARSHALLESE & ACCESS TO FEDERAL BENEFITS
The State of Iowa has a long history of welcoming refugees and other people who are fleeing violence
and natural disasters. For example, in Dubuque, we have welcomed approximately about 1,400 Pacific
Islanders into our community. In the 1940s and 1950s, the United States tested nuclear weapons on the
Marshall Islands and other islands in the South Pacific, destroying the natural environment and leaving
the people with chronic health problems due to radiation. In 1986, the United States made an
agreement with the Marshall Islands allowing their citizens to relocate to the United States and to have
access to free healthcare through the Medicaid program to make amends for the harm caused by our
nuclear program. Iowa again stood proud and welcomed the Marshallese. Here in Dubuque, we held a
citywide festival celebrating Marshallese culture back in May 2023.
The Marshallese people in Dubuque face challenges, however, including persistent poverty. According to
data from the American Community Survey, 2021 the Pacific Islander population is living 50.9 % below
the poverty level. This is not just because their way of life in their home country was disrupted by
nuclear testing, but also because they have been denied access to federal programs that are effective in
lifting people out of poverty. In 1996, the welfare reform bill known as the Personal Responsibility and
Work Opportunity Act made it so that people who are not citizens, even if they are here legally and pay
taxes just like everyone else, do not have access to federal programs like Medicaid, nutrition assistance,
and Social Security. Medicaid was restored to citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau in
2020, but we still need to make sure they have access to other anti -poverty programs. The Compact
Impact Fairness Act of 2023 would do just that, by making our Marshallese community members eligible
for all of the anti -poverty programs made available by the federal government. We have welcomed the
Marshallese people to Iowa, and it would be unfair to continue to exclude them from those programs
that can lift them out of poverty.
The Compact Impact Fairness Act of 2023 would restore not only SNAP benefits, but also TANF,
Supplemental Security Income, Social Services Block Grants, Education Assistance, and other programs.
Advocating for this legislation would be greatly beneficial for our local populations by giving the
Marshallese access to these programs. It's a drop in the bucket in terms of federal spending but will do so
much good by reducing confusion both for the Marshallese and service providers. It would be a truly
equitable benefit for residents in Dubuque and a number of other cities around Iowa.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support the introduction and passage of the Compact Impact Fairness Act.
491Page