Dubuque Main Street's 40th Anniversary (2025)Copyrighted
February 17, 2025
City of Dubuque PROCLAMATIONS # 2.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Dubuque Main Street's 40th Anniversary (2025)
SUMMARY: On behalf of Dubuque Main Street.
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proclamation
Page 39 of 797
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece mi the Mississippi
WHEREAS, in the early 1980s, due to crippling economic hardship for our two major employers, the
City of Dubuque was experiencing the highest unemployment rate in the country, and the
downtown first -floor vacancy rate had reached 55 percent; and
WHEREAS, in 1985, City officials and Downtown Business leaders became a pilot public/private
partnership in the inaugural Urban Main Street program, introduced by Main Street
America, to seek city center revitalization through a four -point approach consisting of
Historic Preservation Design, Business Improvement, Promotion, and Organization; and
WHEREAS, in 40 years of dedicated work by Dubuque Main Street, as the only continuously running
urban Main Street program in America, and its partners; and through technical assistance,
professional development, incentive programs, cultural events, and a network of peers
through Main Street America and Main Street Iowa, Downtown Dubuque stakeholders
have elevated the District to become a national leader for preserved historic architecture,
adaptive reuse of buildings, and sustainable job growth; and
WHEREAS, this momentum is exemplified by significant achievements, including more than $925
million in private investments, 539 business starts, more than $13.5 million in public
investments, 236,888 recorded volunteer hours, and the creation of over 3,400 net jobs
in the downtown alone, alongside countless grants, awards, and recognitions; and
WHEREAS, over the past four decades, downtown Dubuque has not only become a model of
revitalization but has also flourished as a vibrant hub for cultural activities, community
events, and artistic expression, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, despite these successes, the work of downtown development remains incremental and
requires continuous reimagining and a renewed commitment to sustain and build upon
the progress made.
NOW THEREFORE, I, BRAD M. CAVANAGH, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL, STAFF, AND RESIDENTS OF DUBUQUE, DO HEREBY
PROCLAIM 2025 AS
"DUBUQUE MAIN STREET'S 40T" ANNIVERSARY"
IN THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA AND RECOGNIZE THE ENDURING EFFORTS OF DUBUQUE
MAIN STREET, ITS PARTNERS, AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY IN TRANSFORMING
DOWNTOWN DUBUQUE INTO A THRIVING, HISTORIC, AND CULTURALLY RICH DISTRICT.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the Great Seal of the City of Dubuque to
be affixed this 171" day of February 2025.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest:
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC, City Clerk
Page 40 of 797
2025: Submitted by: Dubuque Main St. Executive Committee. Accepted by Creed Waelchi.
Page 41 of 797