Workforce Housing BrochureCity of Dubuque
City Council
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September 2, 2025
CONSENT ITEMS # 13.
Workforce Housing Brochure
City Manager providing a copy of a brochure highlighting
workforce housing.
Receive and File
1. Workforce Housing in Dubuque - August 2025
Page 170 of 629
WORKFORCE HOUSING
FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE r
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THE CN�abE
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
What is "workforce housing?" * RIVERFRONT LIVING
Workforce housing is generally defined as housing for which the occupant 1 COMING SOON!
is paying no more than 30% of their gross income for housing costs,
including utilities. The Union at the Marina is a $55.1 million
workforce housing community project
How does workforce housing support the under construction at 2660 Kerper Blvd. in
community? Dubuque.
The property was purchased and being
Supports Workforce Retention and Attraction
developed by The Annex Group as part
Workforce housing allows essential workers just starting their careers —such
of a development agreement with the
as teachers, nurses, public safety personnel, retail workers, and service
City of Dubuque after the property was
employees —to live in the community they serve. Without affordable
vacant for over 10 years. This is The Annex
housing, these workers may be forced to live farther away, leading to longer
Group's fifth development project in Iowa.
commutes, increased absenteeism, and difficulty filling local job vacancies.
Union at the Marina will feature two, four -
Boosts Local Spending
story buildings with a total of 201 units:
When residents spend less on housing, they have more disposable income
85 one -bedroom units,
to spend at local businesses, which strengthens the city's economy. This
79 two -bedroom units, and
increases sales tax revenues and supports small businesses that are often
37 three -bedroom units.
the backbone of smaller communities.
Amenities will include a playground,
Encourages Economic Development
community center, fitness center,
Local businesses considering expansion or new businesses coming to a
picnic area, dog -walking area, and
community assess the availability of workforce housing. A lack of it can be
on -site property management. The
a barrier to retaining existing employees or attracting new employees, as it
apartments are adjacent to Sutton
impacts both their current and future workforce.
Pool and AY McDonald Park, on a Jule
bus route providing easy access to
Workforce Housing Improves Quality of Life
groceries and healthcare, within walking
Stable workforce housing improves health outcomes, educational
distance of hundreds of good -paying job
performance, and employment stability.
opportunities, and have beautiful views
of the Mississippi River.
Promotes Neighborhood and Community Stability
Workforce housing also creates an opportunity for elderly people living
Construction is expected to be
in nearby neighborhoods to consider selling their homes and still have
completed by fall of 2026.
an affordable place to live in the neighborhood being close to their
lifelong friends, children, and grandchildren. Workforce housing supports
See page 2 for additional details and
homeownership and long-term renting, which helps build stable
income limits.
neighborhoods, and increases civic engagement. Page 171 of 629
Why is workforce housing needed?
A 2022 workforce housing study commissioned by Greater Dubuque Development Corporation showed Dubuque needed at least
1,100 housing units by 2030 to support the workforce expansion needs of existing businesses. The City Council approved expanded
financial incentives in 2022 to support more housing development.
Who is eligible for workforce housing?
Examples of professions that may qualify for workforce housing based on their starting income:
• Teachers
• Nurses, CNAs, and healthcare support staff
• Police Officers and Firefighters
• Retail and service workers
• Childcare workers
• Construction laborers
• Hospitality and food service employees
• Entry-level office/administrative staff
Workforce housing can also be an opportunity for seniors and empty nesters to transition from their homes to an
apartment while staying in their neighborhood, creating first-time home ownership opportunities. It also provides young
people starting their careers with an option to move out of their parents' home.
Income limits for tenants vary by location and are based on Median Family Income estimates and Fair Market Rent area
definitions for each area. The income limits for Union at the Marina are:
Household Size Max. Income based
60% AMI (183 units)
',• •1
on Max. Income based
on 50% AMI (9 units)
• 1
Max. Income based
on 70% AMI (9 units)
1 1
Union at the Marina Unit Floor Plans
1 BR 2BR 3BR
For information on Union at the Marina, visit www.theannexgrp.com/contactus
THE CITY OF
Over the last several years, nearly 400 workforce housing DU
units have been constructed or are currently under B E
construction throughout the community.
Masterpiece on the Mississippi