Sustainable Dubuque Grant Award RecommendationCity of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 13.
Copyrighted
November 17, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Sustainable Dubuque Grant Award Recommendation
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approve the
recommendations of the Resilient Community Advisory
Commission regarding the Round 32 funding of the
Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant program.
RESOLUTION Awarding Sustainable Dubuque Grant To
Dubuque Rescue Mission
RESOLUTION Awarding Sustainable Dubuque Grant To
National Mississippi River Museum And Aquarium
RESOLUTION Awarding Sustainable Dubuque Grant To
Prescott Elementary School
RESOLUTION Awarding Sustainable Dubuque Grant To
Dubuque Area Library Info Consortium
RESOLUTION Awarding Sustainable Dubuque Grant To
Dubuque Colleges Sustainability Coalition
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s)
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. SD Community Grant Recommendation CC_10032025
3. Resolution —Dubuque Rescue Mission Garden_10102025
4. Resolution_NMRMA_10102025
5. Resolution —Prescott Elementary School.DCSD_10102025
6. Resolution —Dubuque Area Library Info Consortium _10102025
7. Resolution —Dubuque Colleges Sustainability Coalition_UD_10102025
IIT-
The
The
Page 196 of 750
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Dubuque
AIFAWIN CRY
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
SUBJECT: Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant Award Recommendation
DATE: November 13, 2025
Director of Sustainability Gina Bell is recommending City Council approve the
recommendations of the Resilient Community Advisory Commission regarding the
Round 32 funding of the Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant program.
The following applications are recommended for funding:
ORGANIZATION
National Mississippi River
Museum and Aquarium
Dubuque Area Library Info
Consortium
Dubuque Rescue Mission Garden
Prescott Elementary
Dubuque Colleges Sustainability
Coalition
PROJECT AWARD
Wetland Invasives Removal $2,500.00
Dubuque County Reads $2,500.00
Sustain (Mission Garden) $2,500.00
Pocket Prairie $750.00
Climate Festival on Campus $2,125.00
TOTAL $10,375.00
The total recommended funding for this round is $10,375. In accordance with guidance
from the State Auditor, each grant includes a resolution to state public purpose.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
11�1'elkla k�k
Vic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
M. Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Gina Bell, Director of Sustainability
Page 197 of 750
THE CU46ajE
DB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gina Bell, Director of Sustainability
SUBJECT: Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant Award Recommendation
DATE: November 10, 2025
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memo is to present the recommendations of the Resilient
Community Advisory Commission (RCAC) for Round 32 of the Sustainable Dubuque
Community Grant applications.
BACKGROUND
Dubuque
MI-AmericaCity
2007-2012-2013
2017*2019
In 2013, the City Council approved the Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant program
to catalyze community leaders in the Sustainable Dubuque initiative. The grants are
competitively available to any residents, non -profits or businesses who propose a
project that addresses at least one of the twelve sustainability principles and includes
an element of community engagement or education in their project.
$25,000 was allocated for grant disbursement in FY26. Eleven (11) eligible applications
were received in this first round (October 2025) with a total funding request of
$23,548. All commissioners were invited to submit their individuals scores and
comments.
DISCUSSION
The following applications are recommended for funding:
ORGANIZATION
PROJECT
AWARD
National Mississippi River Museum and
Aquarium
Wetland Invasives Removal
$2,500.00
Dubuque Area Library Information
Consortium
Dubuque County Reads
$2,500.00
Dubuque Rescue Mission Garden
Sustain (Mission Garden)
$2,500.00
Prescott Elementary
Pocket Prairie
$750.00
Dubuque Colleges Sustainability
Coalition
Climate Festival on Campus
$2,125.00
TOTAL
$10, 3 75.00
Page 198 of 750
There have been concerns about Sustainable Dubuque grants being used outside of the
city limits and this recommendation includes funding for the Dubuque County Reads
project. The request for $2500 for books, events, and stickers with QR codes leading to
a webpage specifically dedicated to sustainability practices and native wisdom algin
with the grant. After the Resilient Community Advisory Commission made its
recommendation, I spoke with program staff, and they assured me they have additional
funds to use for county events and books, and that this funding would be used to
support books given away at the Carnegie Stout Public Library (limited to City of
Dubuque residents) and for events taking place within the city limits (panel discussion
and author speaking event). The Resilient Community Advisory Commission scored this
application very high and want to fund this important work as they see it in alignment
with the grant's goals and the 12 Sustainability Principles.
The total recommended funding for this round is $10,375, leaving $14,625 to grant
during the next round. Unsuccessful applications may receive feedback if requested
that could strengthen their application, and they could resubmit during the next round.
In accordance with guidance from the State Auditor, each grant includes a resolution tc
state public purpose.
REQUESTED ACTION
I respectfully request City Council approve the recommendations of the RCAC regarding
the Round 32 funding of the Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant program.
Attachments
Resolution —National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium _10102025
Resolution_ Dubuque Area Library Information Consortium _10102025
Resolution_ Dubuque Rescue Mission Garden_10102025
Resolution_ Prescott Elementary_10102025
Resolution_ Dubuque Colleges Sustainability Coalition_10102025
2
Page 199 of 750
Prepared by Crenna Brumwell, Esq., 300 Main St., Ste. 330, Dubuque IA 52001-6944, (563) 583-4113
Return to Gina Bell, 50 W. 13'h St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4120
RESOLUTION NO. 367 - 25
AWARDING SUSTAINABLE DUBUQUE GRANT TO THE DUBUQUE RESCUE
MISSION
WHEREAS, the City Council adopts goals on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, sustainability first appeared as a City Council goal in 2006; and
WHEREAS, in 2010 the City Council adopted the Dubuque Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Inventory, the first step in developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Dubuque;
and
WHEREAS, the inventory measured gases emitted by City operations for the
baseline year 2003, and again for 2007, and predicted future emissions if business as
usual occurred, and provided the City a tool to set emission reduction targets to improve
and maintain healthy air quality; and
WHEREAS, a 2014 update to the GHG inventory revealed that the community
had reduced their GHG emissions 11 % since 2003, and
WHEREAS, the 2019 update to the GHG inventory reported a 27% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 update to the GHG inventory reported a 34% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted "The 50% by 2030 Plan" in 2013, and
updated the plan in 2020, as a non -binding, voluntary effort to identify opportunities to
reduce Dubuque's community greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, The 50% by 2030 Plan is used in the following ways:
o Informing officials during goal -setting and budget decisions,
o Informing businesses and individuals about potential emission and cost -
saving options,
o Showcasing success stories,
o Providing a roadmap that can be added to or adjusted, and
o Exposing from where Dubuque's GHG emissions really come; and
WHEREAS, sustainability has remained a goal; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, "Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural
Resources"; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to Live"; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program is the intersection of the
City's goals related to sustainability, access, viability, partnerships, and the creation of
housing, which is livable, affordable, and sustainable; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program meets the needs of the
Dubuque community's vision for sustainability; and
WHEREAS, efforts which address a Sustainable Dubuque principle and offer a
community engagement activity or community education activity benefit the entirety of the
community and the specifically adopted goals of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the grant recipients shall build a barrel compost system and add drip
irrigation to the garden; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque
to further sustainability efforts in the community for the benefit of all residents and visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The City Council hereby awards a Sustainable Dubuque Grant to the Dubuque
Rescue Mission Garden.
Section 2. The City Manager or his designee shall enter into a grant agreement with
the Dubuque Rescue Mission Garden and shall ensure compliance with the grant
agreement pursuant to Iowa Code and the grant award requirements.
Passed, approved and adopted this 17t" day of November 2025.
Attest:
U2
Adrienne N. Breitfelde�, City Clerk
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Prepared by Crenna Brumwell, Esq., 300 Main St., Ste. 330, Dubuque IA 52001-6944, (563) 583-4113
Return to Gina Bell, 50 W. 1311 St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4120
RESOLUTION NO. 368 - 25
AWARDING SUSTAINABLE DUBUQUE GRANT TO THE NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI
RIVER MUSEUM AND AQUARIUM
WHEREAS, the City Council adopts goals on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, sustainability first appeared as a City Council goal in 2006; and
WHEREAS, in 2010 the City Council adopted the Dubuque Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Inventory, the first step in developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Dubuque;
and
WHEREAS, the inventory measured gases emitted by City operations for the
baseline year 2003, and again for 2007, and predicted future emissions if business as
usual occurred, and provided the City a tool to set emission reduction targets to improve
and maintain healthy air quality; and
WHEREAS, a 2014 update to the GHG inventory revealed that the community
had reduced their GHG emissions 11 % since 2003, and
WHEREAS, the 2019 update to the GHG inventory reported a 27% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 update to the GHG inventory reported a 34% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted "The 50% by 2030 Plan" in 2013, and
updated the plan in 2020, as a non -binding, voluntary effort to identify opportunities to
reduce Dubuque's community greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, The 50% by 2030 Plan is used in the following ways:
o Informing officials during goal -setting and budget decisions,
o Informing businesses and individuals about potential emission and cost -
saving options,
o Showcasing success stories,
o Providing a roadmap that can be added to or adjusted, and
o Exposing from where Dubuque's GHG emissions really come; and
WHEREAS, sustainability has remained a goal; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, "Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural
Resources"; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to Live"; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program is the intersection of the
City's goals related to sustainability, access, viability, partnerships, and the creation of
housing, which is livable, affordable, and sustainable; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program meets the needs of the
Dubuque community's vision for sustainability; and
WHEREAS, efforts which address a Sustainable Dubuque principle and offer a
community engagement activity or community education activity benefit the entirety of the
community and the specifically adopted goals of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the grant recipients shall remove invasive species in museum
wetlands using grazing goats and educate the public about the process through
interpretive panels and educational materials; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque
to further sustainability efforts in the community for the benefit of all residents and visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The City Council hereby awards a Sustainable Dubuque Grant to the National
Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
Section 2. The City Manager or his designee shall enter into a grant agreement with
the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and shall ensure compliance with
the grant agreement pursuant to Iowa Code and the grant award requirements.
Passed, approved and adopted this 17th day of November 2025.
Attest:
Adrienne N. Breitfeldef, City Clerk
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Prepared by Crenna Brumwell, Esq., 300 Main St., Ste. 330, Dubuque IA 52001-6944, (563) 583-4113
Return to Gina Bell, 50 W. 1311 St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4120
RESOLUTION NO. 369 - 25
AWARDING SUSTAINABLE DUBUQUE GRANT TO PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
WHEREAS, the City Council adopts goals on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, sustainability first appeared as a City Council goal in 2006; and
WHEREAS, in 2010 the City Council adopted the Dubuque Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Inventory, the first step in developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Dubuque;
and
WHEREAS, the inventory measured gases emitted by City operations for the
baseline year 2003, and again for 2007, and predicted future emissions if business as
usual occurred, and provided the City a tool to set emission reduction targets to improve
and maintain healthy air quality; and
WHEREAS, a 2014 update to the GHG inventory revealed that the community
had reduced their GHG emissions 11 % since 2003, and
WHEREAS, the 2019 update to the GHG inventory reported a 27% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 update to the GHG inventory reported a 34% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted "The 50% by 2030 Plan" in 2013, and
updated the plan in 2020, as a non -binding, voluntary effort to identify opportunities to
reduce Dubuque's community greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, The 50% by 2030 Plan is used in the following ways:
o Informing officials during goal -setting and budget decisions,
o Informing businesses and individuals about potential emission and cost -
saving options,
o Showcasing success stories,
o Providing a roadmap that can be added to or adjusted, and
o Exposing from where Dubuque's GHG emissions really come; and
WHEREAS, sustainability has remained a goal; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, "Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural
Resources"; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to Live"; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program is the intersection of the
City's goals related to sustainability, access, viability, partnerships, and the creation of
housing, which is livable, affordable, and sustainable; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program meets the needs of the
Dubuque community's vision for sustainability; and
WHEREAS, efforts which address a Sustainable Dubuque principle and offer a
community engagement activity or community education activity benefit the entirety of the
community and the specifically adopted goals of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the grant recipients shall create a pocket prairie on the school grounds
to invite pollinators and educate students about the importance of native species; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque
to further sustainability efforts in the community for the benefit of all residents and visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The City Council hereby awards a Sustainable Dubuque Grant to Prescott
Elementary School.
Section 2. The City Manager or his designee shall enter into a grant agreement with
Prescott Elementary School and shall ensure compliance with the grant agreement
pursuant to Iowa Code and the grant award requirements.
Passed, approved and adopted this 17th day of November 2025.
Pan.`Pdpd-%�
Attest:
& S-k-1
Adrienne N. Breitfeld6r, City Clerk
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Prepared by Crenna Brumwell, Esq., 300 Main St., Ste. 330, Dubuque IA 52001-6944, (563) 583-4113
Return to Gina Bell, 50 W. 1311 St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4120
RESOLUTION NO. 370 - 25
AWARDING SUSTAINABLE DUBUQUE GRANT TO THE DUBUQUE AREA LIBRARY
INFO CONSORTIUM
WHEREAS, the City Council adopts goals on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, sustainability first appeared as a City Council goal in 2006; and
WHEREAS, in 2010 the City Council adopted the Dubuque Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Inventory, the first step in developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Dubuque;
and
WHEREAS, the inventory measured gases emitted by City operations for the
baseline year 2003, and again for 2007, and predicted future emissions if business as
usual occurred, and provided the City a tool to set emission reduction targets to improve
and maintain healthy air quality; and
WHEREAS, a 2014 update to the GHG inventory revealed that the community
had reduced their GHG emissions 11 % since 2003, and
WHEREAS, the 2019 update to the GHG inventory reported a 27% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 update to the GHG inventory reported a 34% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted "The 50% by 2030 Plan" in 2013, and
updated the plan in 2020, as a non -binding, voluntary effort to identify opportunities to
reduce Dubuque's community greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, The 50% by 2030 Plan is used in the following ways:
o Informing officials during goal -setting and budget decisions,
o Informing businesses and individuals about potential emission and cost -
saving options,
o Showcasing success stories,
o Providing a roadmap that can be added to or adjusted, and
o Exposing from where Dubuque's GHG emissions really come; and
WHEREAS, sustainability has remained a goal; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, "Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural
Resources"; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to Live"; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program is the intersection of the
City's goals related to sustainability, access, viability, partnerships, and the creation of
housing, which is livable, affordable, and sustainable; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program meets the needs of the
Dubuque community's vision for sustainability; and
WHEREAS, efforts which address a Sustainable Dubuque principle and offer a
community engagement activity or community education activity benefit the entirety of the
community and the specifically adopted goals of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the grant recipients shall purchase books and stickers for the
Dubuque County Reads event for books given to City of Dubuque residents to promote
literacy, community engagement and promote environmental stewardship through the
book choice, The Seed Keeper; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque
to further sustainability efforts in the community for the benefit of all residents and visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The City Council hereby awards a Sustainable Dubuque Grant to the Dubuque
Area Library Info Consortium.
Section 2. The City Manager or his designee shall enter into a grant agreement with
the Dubuque Area Library Info Consortium and shall ensure compliance with the grant
agreement pursuant to Iowa Code and the grant award requirements.
Passed, approved and adopted this 17t" day of November 2025.
rad vanagh, Mayor
Attest:
4-7
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
Prepared by Crenna Brumwell, Esq., 300 Main St., Ste. 330, Dubuque IA 52001-6944, (563) 583-4113
Return to Gina Bell, 50 W. 13'h St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4120
RESOLUTION NO. 371 - 25
AWARDING SUSTAINABLE DUBUQUE GRANT TO DUBUQUE COLLEGES
SUSTAINABILITY COALITION
WHEREAS, the City Council adopts goals on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, sustainability first appeared as a City Council goal in 2006; and
WHEREAS, in 2010 the City Council adopted the Dubuque Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Inventory, the first step in developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Dubuque;
and
WHEREAS, the inventory measured gases emitted by City operations for the
baseline year 2003, and again for 2007, and predicted future emissions if business as
usual occurred, and provided the City a tool to set emission reduction targets to improve
and maintain healthy air quality; and
WHEREAS, a 2014 update to the GHG inventory revealed that the community
had reduced their GHG emissions 11 % since 2003, and
WHEREAS, the 2019 update to the GHG inventory reported a 27% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 update to the GHG inventory reported a 34% reduction in
GHG emissions since 2003; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted "The 50% by 2030 Plan" in 2013, and
updated the plan in 2020, as a non -binding, voluntary effort to identify opportunities to
reduce Dubuque's community greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, The 50% by 2030 Plan is used in the following ways:
o Informing officials during goal -setting and budget decisions,
o Informing businesses and individuals about potential emission and cost -
saving options,
o Showcasing success stories,
o Providing a roadmap that can be added to or adjusted, and
o Exposing from where Dubuque's GHG emissions really come; and
WHEREAS, sustainability has remained a goal; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, "Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural
Resources"; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by
adopting the specific goal, Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to Live"; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program is the intersection of the
City's goals related to sustainability, access, viability, partnerships, and the creation of
housing, which is livable, affordable, and sustainable; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Dubuque Grant program meets the needs of the
Dubuque community's vision for sustainability; and
WHEREAS, efforts which address a Sustainable Dubuque principle and offer a
community engagement activity or community education activity benefit the entirety of the
community and the specifically adopted goals of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the grant recipients shall host a zero -waste Climate Festival to
advance sustainability goals community -wide; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque
to further sustainability efforts in the community for the benefit of all residents and visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The City Council hereby awards a Sustainable Dubuque Grant to Dubuque
Colleges Sustainability Coalition.
Section 2. The City Manager or his designee shall enter into a grant agreement with
Dubuque Colleges Sustainability Coalition and shall ensure compliance with the grant
agreement pursuant to Iowa Code and the grant award requirements.
Passed, approved and adopted this 17th day of November 2025.
Attest: !
Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk