2026 State Legislative PrioritiesCity of Dubuque
City Council
ITEM TITLE:
SUMMARY:
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
Copyrighted
December 15, 2025
CONSENT ITEMS # 8.
2026 State Legislative Priorities
City Manager recommending adoption of the 2026 State
Legislative Priorities
Receive and File; Approve
2. 2026 State Legislative Priorities [DRAFT]
3. Redlined 2025-2026 State legislative priorities comparison document
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THE CITY OF
DUBE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: 2026 State Legislative Priorities
DATE: December 10, 2025
Dubuque
AI WIN av
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Department Managers and City of Dubuque strategic partners worked with Consultant
Teri Goodmann to develop a set of recommended 2026 State Legislative Priorities and
is recommending adoption of the attached priorities.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
adoption of the 2026 State Legislative Priorities.
v
MicliaeI C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Consultant
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THE C:
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
AII•Ameria Cib
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
2026 STATE LEGISLATIVE
PRIORITIES
Page 148 of 1019
Table of Contents
STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES — 91st IOWA ASSEMBLY............................................................................4
1. TAX RELATED POLICIES..............................................................................................................................5
a. LOCAL TAX LEVY AUTHORITY................................................................................................................ 5
b. LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX.....................................................................................................................5
c. ASSESSOR'S BILL....................................................................................................................................5
d. STATE MANDATES.................................................................................................................................6
2. DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT.................................................................................................................7
a. SUPPORT COMMERCIAL AIR SERVICE FOR DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT.........................................7
b. AIRPORT VERTICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING SOURCE...................................................................7
3. PUBLIC MEETING NOTICES........................................................................................................................8
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT......................................................................................................................9
a. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)........................................................................................................9
b. EMINENT DOMAIN..............................................................................................................................11
c. STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS.............................................................................................................11
d. QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS...........................................................................12
e. CHILDCARE..........................................................................................................................................12
f. LAND BANK POLICY..............................................................................................................................13
g. BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION..............................................................................................................13
5. HUMAN RIGHTS......................................................................................................................................15
a. MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING...............................................................................................15
b. FUNDING FOR YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIPS.........................................................................15
c. SUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOR) OWNED SMALL
BUSINESSES.............................................................................................................................................16
d. DECRIMINALIZATION OR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA USE & POSSESSION..................................16
e. SUPPORT COURT FINE & FEE REFORM...............................................................................................16
6. TRANSPORTATION..................................................................................................................................18
a. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING..............................................................................................................18
b. RAILROAD SAFETY AND DELAYS..........................................................................................................18
c. IOWA'S ROAD USE TAX FUND (RUTF).................................................................................................19
d. PASSENGER RAIL.................................................................................................................................19
7. HOUSING.................................................................................................................................................20
a. SMART GROWTH WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM............................................................20
b. WORKFORCE HOUSING TAX CREDITS.................................................................................................21
8. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION................................................................................................................22
a. BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE.........................................................................................................22
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9. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY..........................................................................23
a. FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM..........................................................................................................23
b. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER..........................................23
10. PUBLIC SAFETY......................................................................................................................................24
a. END THE ILEA MORITORIUM ON CHANGES........................................................................................24
b. FIREARMS & VIOLENT CRIME..............................................................................................................24
c. MENTAL HEALTH/EMT TEAMS TO SUPPORT POLICE & COMMUNITY SAFETY...................................24
d. HATE CRIME STATUTE.........................................................................................................................25
e. FULL FUNDING FOR JUDICIAL BRANCH SERVICES...............................................................................25
f. REVIEW OF THE MFPRSI PENSION.......................................................................................................26
g. SNOW REMOVAL OPERATOR ADDITION TO IOWA CODE 321.267A..................................................26
h. REVIEW OF LAW ENFORCEMENT HIRING PROCESSES (CIVIL SERVICE & CODE REQUIREMENTS)
.....26
11. LIBRARY SERVICES.................................................................................................................................27
a. ENRICH IOWA......................................................................................................................................27
b. HOMETOWN GOVERNANCE FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES..........................................................................27
12. HUMAN RESOURCES.............................................................................................................................28
a. MUNICIPAL FIRE & POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF IOWA...............................................................28
b. 411 SUBROGATION.............................................................................................................................28
c. CONTINUATION OF GROUP INSURANCE.............................................................................................29
d. SF 383 — PBM REFROM AND ITS IMPACT ON COSTS..........................................................................29
13. IOWA CODE CHANGES..........................................................................................................................
31
a. MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS......................................................................................31
b. AUTHORITY TO PETITION FOR TITLE TO ABANDONED LOTS..............................................................
31
c. UNDERAGE & BINGE DRINKING..........................................................................................................31
d. "GOOD MORAL CHARACTER" LANGUAGE..........................................................................................32
e. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT....................................................................................................................32
f. CLOSED SESSION RECORDS..................................................................................................................32
g. SIDEWALK LIABILITY............................................................................................................................32
h. CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS....................................................................................................................33
14. PLANNING & ZONING............................................................................................................................34
a. EXPAND CITIES' EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION ............................................................................34
b. SMART PLANNING PRINCIPLES...........................................................................................................34
c. LIVABLE COMMUNITIES......................................................................................................................34
d. HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM (HSPG).................................................................35
e. PROPERTY OWNERS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS...................................................35
f. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE STAFF...................................................................................35
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g. TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE........................................................................................35
h. LOCAL CONTROL OF PLANNING ISSUES..............................................................................................36
i. HOUSING..............................................................................................................................................36
j. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CLIMATE, AND CONSERVATION......................................................36
k. RECREATION AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS..........................................................................................36
I. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.................................................................................................................36
15. PARKS & RECREATION...........................................................................................................................38
a. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION (REAP).......................................................................38
b. MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATION AREA.......................................................................................38
c. NATURAL RESOURCES & OUTDOOR RECREATION TRUST FUND........................................................39
d. STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM...........................................................................................41
16. ARTS & CULTURE...................................................................................................................................42
a. ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING................................................................................................................42
17. SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY..............................................................................................................45
a. CLEAN ENERGY & INDEPENDENCE......................................................................................................45
b. WATER QUALITY & COMMUNITY RESILIENCE....................................................................................45
18. PUBLIC HEALTH.....................................................................................................................................46
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING...................................................................................................................46
b. BRAIN HEALTH....................................................................................................................................46
c. CHILDREN'S BRAIN HEALTH PRIORITIES..............................................................................................46
d. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS..........................................................................................................47
e. RECRUIT & RETAIN A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE............................................................48
f. OPIOID EPIDEMIC.................................................................................................................................48
g. NOTICE OF VIOLATION........................................................................................................................49
h. CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING...........................................................................................................49
i. HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS.......................................................................................................................49
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STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES — 91st IOWA ASSEMBLY
The State of Iowa continues to focus on reduction of property taxes at the local
level. The City of Dubuque opposes strict caps on local property taxes which
would have the unintended consequence of threatening essential services that
rely heavily on these revenues.
The City of Dubuque has consistently supported alternative revenue sources for
local governments that would assist cities in achieving revenue goals that provide
for safe and protected communities, vibrant economic development, strong
neighborhoods, and other community amenities particularly parks and libraries.
The City opposes and asks for a reduction in unfunded mandates from State of
Iowa.
The City also asks that the City of Dubuque, the Iowa League of Cities and the
Metropolitan Coalition be part of any conversation on property tax reform.
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1. TAX RELATED POLICIES
a. LOCAL TAX LEVY AUTHORITY
The Dubuque City Council and staff have worked diligently and responsibly to provide excellent
stewardship of public tax dollars. The City of Dubuque has consistently had the lowest or one of the
lowest tax levies of the eleven largest cities in Iowa. Dubuque has demonstrated a high level of success
in local and regional economic growth and corresponding population growth. Usurping control of local
government's ability to determine the tax levy rate with "one size fits all" legislation does not support
the goals of Dubuque or the State Legislature, nor do we believe it will yield a successful and
prosperous future for Iowa.
REQUESTED ACTION
We urge our state elected officials who wish to further restrict local control of the property tax
levy to consider the outcomes and respect the authority and ability of local governments to
determine what is best for their communities in each unique circumstance.
Minimally we ask that there be:
• Improvements made to the Iowa property tax notice form to make it more
understandable to residents and factually accurate.
• No hard caps on total revenues that cities can derive.
• No hard caps on overall/total city levy rate.
• "Net New" outside of any growth limitations - don't penalize growth.
• Approve or expand alternative revenue sources to give local governments flexibility to
provide the service level expected of their residents and businesses.
The property tax system is complex and we urge officials to act thoughtfully to fully understand the
impacts of changes made to the system.
b. LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX
The City of Dubuque does not support legislation that would authorize the State of Iowa to raise the
state sales tax by eliminating the local option sales tax (LOST) with a promise to local governments that
the State would redistribute an undetermined "backfill" amount for an unspecified period.
REQUESTED ACTION
As state legislators consider LOST legislation, we ask that they work to reduce financial harm to
local governments and ensure that state sales tax and local option sales tax are collected on
every purchase done over the internet
c. ASSESSOR'S BILL
Property tax experts or representatives are now part of the tax appeal process. A tax representative can
file an appeal for a large commercial property under a contingency basis, receiving their pay based on a
percentage of the property tax savings they can achieve for their client. In many of these cases little or
no money is expended by the taxpayer. The representative files a protest with the Board of Review and
supplies little or no information to the Board. The Board may deny the protest, but the tax
representative will file a protest to either District Court or the Property Assessment Appeal Board. At
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this point the tax representative may produce more information, or they may try to negotiate a
settlement. On the assessor's side it may be very costly to hire appraisals and fight this out in Court. A
single appraisal for a large Commercial or Industrial property will easily exceed $5000.
Also, many appeals to the Board of Review are filed at the last minute with a statement such as
information to be presented at the hearing. Many appellants never provide the information or provide it
very late in the Board of Review session, so the Board is unable to reach a well-founded conclusion.
REQUESTED ACTION
Request the Iowa Legislature to limit appeals to District Court and the Property Assessment
Appeal Board to matters and information that were presented before the local Board of Review.
d. STATE MANDATES
Cities are often faced with implementing mandates from the state and federal governments without
receiving the necessary funds for implementation.
REQUESTED ACTION
Enact legislation that exempts local government from providing any new service or engaging in
any new activities mandated by the state if the state does not provide full funding for the
mandated additional staff, equipment, and infrastructure.
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2. DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT
a. SUPPORT COMMERCIAL AIR SERVICE FOR DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT
The loss of commercial air service in Dubuque has created significant negative impacts on the regional
economy. Return of commercial air service is a top priority of the community and the region. The City
and its partners seek the support of partners at all levels of state government to return this essential
transportation connectivity to Dubuque and the region.
REQUESTED ACTION
Provide funding and advocacy to expand commercial air service for Dubuque Regional Airport.
b. AIRPORT VERTICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING SOURCE
Infrastructure needs at Iowa's general aviation and commercial service airports remain high. DBQ is
advocating for legislative efforts to update the sources of funding for the Airport Improvement Program
to include use taxes collected on aircraft sales. This would add to aircraft registration fees and aviation
fuel taxes already directed to the program and helps close the gap on needed airport projects that help
support Iowa's economy.
REQUESTED ACTION
Beginning with the 2027 fiscal year, use tax on aircraft sales revenue be deposited in the State
Aviation Fund that funds aviation safety, planning and development projects.
328.56 State aviation fund.
A state aviation fund is created under the authority of the department. The fund shall
consist of moneys deposited in the fund pursuant to sections 328.36, 423.5 and 452A.82
and other moneys appropriated to the fund.
Moneys in the state aviation fund are appropriated to the department of transportation for
use by the department for airport engineering studies, construction or improvements, and
the windsock program for public airports and marketing at commercial service airports. In
awarding moneys, the department shall give preference to projects that demonstrate a
collaborative effort between airports.
328.36 Deposit and use of revenues.
All moneys received by the department pursuant to sections 328.21, 423.5 and 328.29
and shall be deposited into the state aviation fund created in section 328.56.
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3. PUBLIC MEETING NOTICES
Iowa Code Section 362.3 mandates that all publications required by the Code must be published in a
newspaper. These notices cover a range of municipal actions, including public hearing announcements,
ordinance publications, City Council meeting minutes, and expenditure disclosures. These statutory
requirements impose a financial burden on cities, which are responsible for covering the associated
publication costs. Over the past ten fiscal years, the City of Dubuque has incurred an average annual
expense of $14,500 solely for publishing meeting minutes and ordinances. Costs associated with public
hearing notices span multiple departments and are charged to various project codes, making
comprehensive tracking of these expenses infeasible. However, it is important to note that the total
annual expenditure for all required notices is substantially higher than the amount reported for minutes
and ordinances alone.
Another significant challenge is the continued reduction in print publication schedules by newspapers.
The newspaper currently used by the City of Dubuque for public notices now prints only three times per
week. This limited schedule requires the City to engage in more advance planning and coordination to
ensure notices are published within required timeframes. As a result, it can slow down municipal
processes and hinder the City's ability to act efficiently on time -sensitive matters.
Allowing public notices to be published online would reduce publication costs for the City and enable
real-time posting of notices in a format that is more accessible to the broader public. This flexibility
would support more efficient communication and streamline municipal operations by removing delays
associated with print publication schedules.
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend Iowa Code Section 362.3 to authorize the electronic publication of required public
notices.
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4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The role of city government in economic development is crucial. Economic activity requires roads,
streets, airports, water and sanitation. New jobs necessitate more and better workforce housing as well
as quality, affordable childcare. Growing businesses seek quality of life amenities for employees and
families, such as parks, recreation, bike trails, art, museums, and libraries. Protection and safety of
property and life must be assured. A community must value fair access and be welcoming to all. This
can only be accomplished with the strong support of an effective city government in partnership with
local private sector and non-profit leaders and state and federal government officials.
a. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)
The Iowa Code provides that cities can use TIF for certain public and private economic development
purposes once an urban renewal plan is approved and an urban renewal district established. The ability
to use TIF to assist private economic development projects in urban renewal districts is an essential
ingredient of the City of Dubuque's nationally recognized success, providing financing and incentives for
private investment.
The City of Dubuque has prioritized the redevelopment of our urban core; cities need tools like TIF to
accomplish this. The Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF allows cities across the state to reclaim their
urban cores, restore otherwise abandoned historic properties, and create more sustainable
communities. TIF is one of the most important economic development tools available to cities.
Since 2010, there have been a total of 91 development projects that have utilized TIF in Dubuque. These
projects have received an estimated $73,200,606 in direct TIF incentives. These projects have leveraged
$836,296,204 in capital investment throughout the greater downtown and Industrial parks and resulted
in the retention of 4,204 jobs in Dubuque and the creation of 866 jobs. This does not include many of
the jobs added to the downtown employment base where there was no direct TIF agreement with the
employer but rather the projects were facilitated by loan pools and other methods benefiting from the
Downtown TIF district.
This has all worked because responsible elected officials, who while acting in an entrepreneurial fashion
to encourage community growth, have used TIF, the City's only meaningful local economic incentive, in
a strategic fashion.
Dubuque has leveraged TIF to achieve consistent, significant job growth and maintain a strong,
diversified local economy. Over the years (since around 2001), it has facilitated the purchase and
development of over 1,000 acres of land in our industrial parks and Port of Dubuque, the attraction and
expansion of 91 businesses, and created or retained 9,456 jobs.
Dubuque has been the recipient of numerous awards from organizations as diverse as the EPA, the
Human Rights Campaign, the National Civic League, the International Economic Development Council,
Forbes, SmartAsset.com, and the White House for its strong resilient economy, variety of amenities, and
inclusivity.
Since TIF is really the only economic development financing tool available to Iowa cities, Dubuque often
uses TIF as the local match required when partnering with the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
This was certainly the case with over 200 retained and 200 created jobs at Hormel, and more recently
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the attraction of 270 high quality jobs at Simmons Pet Food. Without the flexibility this tool provides,
Dubuque would not have this kind of success in job creation and retention.
A very important priority of the City of Dubuque, the Historic Millwork District, benefited initially with a
$105 million investment of private and public dollars, rebuilding much of the street network,
underground utilities, creating parking and renovating the Caradco Building (Schmid Innovation Center)
into 72 apartments, and 35,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Two additional buildings
requiring approximately $40 million in investment, with 92 additional apartments and tens of thousands
of square feet of commercial industrial space were renovated and came online in 2015. In 2021, Dupaco
Community Credit Union completed the $30+ million rehabilitation of a five -story building to house its
corporate headquarters. And 2023 saw the completion of another 48 apartments with a private
investment of over $10 million. Ultimately, the entire Historic Millwork District will easily exceed $200
million in investment leveraging new business creation and much needed workforce housing for
Dubuque. This Historic Millwork District slum and blight subarea TIF was established in 2008. Legislative
proposals which place restrictions on Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF Districts would rapidly dissolve
the City's financial investment in this priority proiect for the City of Dubuque which will require likely
decades of investment in order to reach its potential.
The City of Dubuque opposes TIF reform that would prohibit the use of TIF revenue on public buildings,
which would stop the creation of parking ramps (vital to the economic viability of downtown businesses)
and City efforts to restore the Historic Federal Building, an iconic anchor building in the downtown
allowed to go into disrepair by the Federal Government. In addition, the City of Dubuque would oppose
the removal of current levy amounts from available funds to support projects. Removing the school levy,
for instance, from the available increment essentially cuts the incentive in half.
The City of Dubuque has supported legislation requiring increased transparency, fastidious data
collection and antipiracy Retiring TIF - New Tax Money to Taxing Bodies in
language for TIF reform, but Fiscal Year 2019
cannot support reform that $900.000
limits or sunsets the City's use $800.000 $795,174
of slum and blight and $700,000
$600,000 $579,086
economic development TIFs. ■
$500,000
$400.000 $337,144
Even in these areas, the $300,000 $234,752
language should be narrowly $200,000 $170,958
532
crafted so as not to stifle $100,000 $99,$58,478
economic and community $_ in
Tech Park South 7201g ,264 $9854 DICW -Subarea 9 377
development activities by .ocso .city .county .Nicc mOther
cities. No language should be
included that could limit or destroy job creation and economic development potential that exists in
current TIF laws.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to maintain Tax Increment Financing as an economic development financing
tool. Oppose restrictions on use of TIF for public infrastructure and oppose the "sunsetting" of
TIF districts.
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b. EMINENT DOMAIN
During 2006, the Legislature approved changes to the Eminent Domain Law. Included in the changes,
and of particular concern, is the requirement that seventy-five percent or more of the area included in
the urban renewal plan must consist of property in a slum or blighted condition at the time the plan was
established in order for the entire project or acquisition plan area to be subject to condemnation by the
municipality. We believe that a 51% threshold is more reasonable. Furthermore, the new language
provides that the project or acquisition plan area shall only include the adjacent and contiguous parcels
necessary for the completion of planned activities for a specific business or housing project. This
language would be limiting for downtown development projects that may be larger in scope than just
the parcels that meet the definition of slum and blight. Lastly, the burden for the use of eminent domain
for airport project is increased by the requirement that the Board of Supervisors must hold a public
hearing and pass a resolution unless the airport improvement is FAA -required. This creates additional
layers of burden on a municipality.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to amend sections of the Eminent Domain Law to allow for changes as proposed
by the Iowa League of Cities and noted above.
c. STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
The Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit was passed in May 2000 to promote investment in our historic
resources in communities, codified in Section 404A.4. Rehabilitation of these resources contributes to
the economic viability as well as the strength of our communities. The secondary impacts of this historic
tax credit on our communities are countless. The program provides a tax credit of 25% of the qualified
rehabilitation expenses for qualified projects. Thus, each credit represents an investment in our
community of at least four times the amount of the credit. Additional revenues are generated through
increased property taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes.
The cap for the program is currently set at $45 million per year.
Between the beginning of the program in 2000 and now, Dubuque has completed over four dozen
projects using the State Historic Tax Credit program. These projects leverage over 3 times the amount of
SHTCs invested in the project from other funding sources.
These projects have added well over 3,000 permanent jobs to our economy, not including the
construction jobs to complete the large projects. These 3,000 people would equate to a $120 million
annual payroll.
Critical workforce housing needs in the City of Dubuque make state historic tax credits and other
financial incentives a top priority as the City works to promote redevelopment and reinvestment in our
urban core.
In the 2022 Legislative session, the refundability of the historic tax credit was scaled back so that by
2027, the credit will be only 75% refundable. It ratchets down 5% a year beginning with projects
completed in 2023.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Join with local governments across the state and private sector partners through membership in
Smart Growth Development Coalition to:
• Restore the State Historic Tax Credit to 100% refundable.
• If restoration is not possible, advance and pass SF 653 to maintain 100% refundability for
historic tax credits issued before July 1, 2023. This protection honors the State's original
commitments, prevents destabilizing project shortfalls, and keeps vital downtown, Main
Street, and heritage -based redevelopment projects moving forward as planned.
• Increase staffing levels of State departments that review tax credit applications.
• Increase the State capped dollar amount.
d. QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS
Successful quality of life programs needs continued funding, such as Enhance Iowa, REAP, CAT funds,
Iowa Great Places, the Iowa Main Street program funds, and tax credits for historic preservation. Having
a variety of recreational, historic, cultural, and outdoor amenities in a community attracts and retains
families and a solid workforce. The listed programs allow the City and its partners to create those
amenities.
REQUESTED ACTION
Protect and enhance economic development tools enabling cities in Iowa to promote economic
improvement throughout the state through investment in our recreational and outdoor
amenities, cultural offerings, and historic rehabilitation of our unique downtowns.
e. CHILDCARE
In many Iowa communities, childcare has become unaffordable, inaccessible, or nonexistent. As a result,
working parents miss work, drop shifts, are less engaged on the job, switch employers, or leave the
workforce altogether. Childcare is an essential and under -emphasized tool for our state to develop,
grow, and sustain a reliable workforce.
Research consistently shows that increasing workers' access to affordable, high quality
childcare options aren't simply a benefit for parents; it improves the economy. Providing access to
quality affordable childcare positively impacts the bottom line of Iowa companies and is critical to
sustaining a strong workforce and economy.
The City has benefitted from and is grateful for the State of Iowa support through state sponsored child
care facility grants and wage support grants for childcare staff.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Increase CCA eligibility further — build on the 155% FPL increase and expand entrance
income limit to at least 200-250% FPL, phased in over several years, to make care
affordable for more working families.
Lock in and expand funding for workforce supports — ensure stable, multi -year funding for
WAGE$, TEACH Early Childhood° IOWA, and other wage/education-support programs so
providers can count on predictability.
Continue raising provider reimbursement to match market -rate costs, tying CCA payments
to up-to-date market surveys to help centers remain financially sustainable.
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• Advance structural tax or policy incentives for child-care businesses — including fair
property -tax treatment, tax credits, and other incentives for employers investing in child
care infrastructure and capacity.
• Strengthen employer -driven child-care solutions — leverage the new Statewide Child Care
Solutions Fund with matching incentives, encouraging employers to invest in local child care
capacity and workforce sustainability.
• Simplify and broaden assistance eligibility and access — reduce work -hour requirements
(e.g., from 32 to 28 hours) and expand eligibility criteria so more working families can
benefit.
f. LAND BANK POLICY
In order to return blighted and abandoned properties to productive use quickly, states have passed
legislation that streamlines the tax foreclosure process by giving ownership of these tax reverted
properties to a nonprofit land bank therefore obtaining them earlier in the tax foreclosure auction
process. Further legislative reform in these states has redirected money collected from unpaid and
delinquent property taxes toward land banks for purposes of funding the land banks and for the
purchase of tax reverted properties. The City of Dubuque in collaboration with its regional partners will
explore the formation of a land bank that would purchase tax reverted properties through the tax
foreclosure process. The land bank would maintain these properties until purchase by a responsibility
buyer, ensuring the properties return to productive use.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support Land Bank legislation and work with State partners to approve redirection of monies
collected from unpaid and delinquent property to a regional landbank for funding and for the
purchase of additional tax reverted properties.
g. BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION
A brownfield site is a property that has real or perceived contamination which prevents its
redevelopment. In order to return brownfield properties to their best and highest use, various
remediation strategies can be employed. Depending on the level of contamination and the intended
future use of the property, these strategies can be more or less invasive and consequently more or less
expensive. Current code language leaves room for interpretation of the required remediation and can
cause the cost of property redevelopment to rise to a level that inhibits projects from moving forward.
This increased cost affects both the public and private sector as they prepare land for redevelopment.
An example is that "tipping fees" at the landfill for contaminated soil can be double the fee for other
materials.
Addressing known releases in an affected area may take a variety of forms dependent on the goals for
reaching the highest productive use of an affected area, including but not limited to remedies such as:
active remediation; passive remediation; restrictive covenants; and DNR approved capping.
Contaminant -specific fate and transport, toxicity, and volatility should be evaluated against exposure
pathways that exist prior to and after implementation of a remedy when determining remedy efficacy
and approval.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Amend Chapter 137 to expressly authorize remediation options that reduce redevelopment
costs without compromising public health or safety. Specifically, permit the use of engineered
"capping" (or other containment) of shallow soils — when that cap is integrated into the
redevelopment design (e.g., cap plus cover, paving, landscaping, or slab) — as a recognized
remediation strategy for brownfield sites.
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5. HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights in the United States are facing significant challenges that demand urgent
attention. Despite longstanding commitments to fair access for all communities, structural
issues continue to shape outcomes in education, housing programs, healthcare, and criminal
justice, disproportionately affecting underrepresented communities. These failings undermine
the dignity and freedoms of millions. Fixing them is essential not only to uphold the principles
enshrined in the Constitution but also to ensure that every person can live with safety,
opportunity, and respect. Addressing these injustices is not optional, it's a moral imperative for
a truly fair and just society. We request your support through the following legislative actions.
a. MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING
Mandatory minimum sentences are punishments ordered by judges with minimum
incarceration terms set by the legislature. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws effectively strip
judges of their authority to take the circumstances of a crime into account and shift power to
prosecutors, allowing prosecutors to use the threat of bringing charges under these mandatory
minimum sentences laws to convince defendants to plead guilty in order to receive a reduced
sentence. In 2021, Iowa's incarceration rate was 550 individuals per 100,000 population,
compared to the federal level of 614. This means that our incarceration rates stand out not only
nationally, but internationally as well with the next highest incarceration rate being the United
Kingdom at only 144 per 100,000 of the population.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support striking mandatory minimum sentencing provisions, allowing judges to apply sentencing
guidelines in a way that takes facts into consideration so that sentences fit the crime.
b. FUNDING FOR YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIPS
In 2022, nearly half of all civilian jobs required prior work experience. Youth who face
employment barriers such as growing up in a low-income household, living with a disability, or
having limited English proficiency need access to resources that help them gain essential skills
and experience so they can secure employment, support themselves, and work toward their
career goals. (Center for American Progress, 2023.) Internships provide experience, training,
and build connections that can help youth and young adults achieve professional success.
About 12% of youth and young adults in 2021 were neither in school nor working (Annie E.
Casey Foundation 2024). More than half of these young people, known as "opportunity youth,"
were actively seeking positions but were held back by a lack of experience, among other
factors. Subsidizing employment programs supports both businesses and young people. Unpaid
internships largely go to those who can afford them, with students from high -income
households being more likely to participate than students from low-income households. The
effect of paid versus unpaid internships disproportionately disadvantages youth and young
adults from underserved communities.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that provides funding specifically targeted towards creating paid internships
along with targeted recruitment of applicants of color.
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c. SUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOR) OWNED
SMALL BUSINESSES
With only one minority -owned business for every 43 residents, Iowa's ratio is the lowest in the nation
(Clark, 2014). Iowa's black population is one of the most underserved small business markets in the
nation, representing a mere .8 percent of Iowa's business population compared to 7.1 percent nationally
(Armstrong, 2016). Disproportionately, businesses owned by people of color have not had access to the
funding provided by certain federal and state programs. People of color who own small businesses are
less likely to have strong relationships with their financial institutions, and many immigrants and
refugees who own small businesses are less likely to have access to information they need (Thrane,
2020). The largest minority business development program in the state — the Targeted Small Business
(TSB) program — has received severely limited promotion since 2012 (Augustine, 2014). Consistent
funding for and promotion of the TSB program would make it easier for more minority business owners
to access and learn about resources they could use to support their businesses.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that provides targeted funding for women and BIPOC owned small
businesses.
d. DECRIMINALIZATION OR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA USE & POSSESSION
Under both federal law and Iowa state law, recreational use of marijuana is illegal. Iowa has some of the
harshest penalties for first -offense marijuana possession in the nation, with possession of any amount of
marijuana being a misdemeanor with up to 6 months of incarceration and having a maximum fine of
$1000. These penalties are far more likely to harm people of color. With black people being almost eight
times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession (despite the fact that both
use marijuana at roughly equal rates), Iowa is surpassed only by Montana, Kentucky, Illinois, and West
Virginia in terms of racial disparities in arrests for marijuana possession (Edwards, et al., 2020).
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that legalizes marijuana or, at a minimum, decriminalizes marijuana use and
possession.
e. SUPPORT COURT FINE & FEE REFORM
Court -imposed fines and fees often hinder financial stability for low- to moderate -income individuals
and families and create unintended consequences. Several provisions of Iowa law exacerbate these
issues:
Eligibility & Affordability Barriers: Iowa Court Rules Chapter 26 requires a minimum of $300 in court
debt before individuals qualify for payment plans or community service alternatives. Payment plans
must include monthly payments of at least $50. Credit for community service is undervalued, with
individuals receiving credit at the state's minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour, drastically less than the
value of a volunteer hour (approximately $33 as of April 2024) and even lower than the hourly -wage
equivalent of someone just barely meeting the federal poverty threshold while working a full-time job
(approximately $7.52 per hour as of December 2025).
Impact on Employment and Mobility: Unpaid court debt can lead to vehicle registration holds and
license suspensions, even for non -vehicular offenses. This can result in even more legal problems for
individuals who must drive to maintain employment, further eroding their financial stability and
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compounding the cycle of poverty and criminalization. Unpaid court debt can also result in
garnishments, wage assignments, income tax offsets, and professional licensure suspensions.
Community Service Management: Tracking of community service requirements is often left to
individual prosecutors and their offices, resulting in inconsistent reporting requirements and
enforcement. A statewide, court -managed community service program would provide a consistent and
equitable alternative for individuals seeking to resolve court debt. Centralized oversight by the courts
would improve tracking, reduce administrative burdens on local agencies, and help maintain program
sustainability. Such a system would also reinforce the rehabilitative intent of community service,
offering a meaningful path toward debt resolution without exacerbating financial hardship.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Remove the $300 threshold for payment plan eligibility.
• Remove the $300 threshold for community service eligibility.
• Eliminate the $50 minimum monthly payment requirement.
• Align community service valuation with the current volunteer hour rate.
• Establish and fund a statewide, court -managed community service tracking system.
• End vehicle registration holds and license suspensions for non -vehicular court debt.
• Oppose any effort to further restrict or eliminate ability -to -pay determinations.
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6. TRANSPORTATION
a. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Dubuque is the regional economic center for the Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin tri-state area. With local
international companies and businesses such as the John Deere Dubuque Works, Nordstrom
Distribution Center, Mc Graw Hill Publishing Company, AY McDonald Manufacturing, Kendall/Hunt
Publishing, Simmons Pet Food and Hormel Food Corporation, a 21st century transportation
infrastructure system is essential. In order to continue the consistent and strong economic growth and
job creation in the tri-state area, critical transportation infrastructure requires increased state and
federal funding.
Transportation projects and improvements in Dubuque include:
• Completion of the Southwest Arterial shared -use bike and pedestrian trail
• Design, right-of-way property acquisition and construction of East-West corridor capacity
improvements
• Safety improvements and enhancements of the twelve (12) existing at -grade railroad
crossings in Downtown Dubuque
• Intersection capacity and safety improvements at the Northwest Arterial and Highway 20
intersection
REQUESTED ACTION
In order to increase transportation revenue for these and other important transportation
projects the City requests support of the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission to
maintain its current programmed funding and increased opportunities for funding to ensure
implementation of priority transportation projects.
b. RAILROAD SAFETY AND DELAYS
Downtown railroad tracks cleave the community, separating poorer neighborhoods from employment
and recreational opportunities. Already, 8-10 trains park in downtown Dubuque for 20-30 minutes each
as they pass through the community, causing traffic to and from the Kerper Boulevard Industrial Park
and Chaplain Schmitt Island to be delayed for long periods of time. Cumulative Railroad crossing delays
of up to 90 minutes daily (including during peak times) impair the efficient movement of people and
goods and impose additional costs on businesses. This transportation barrier will grow larger with the
merger of the Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads, as train traffic will nearly double to
18 trains per day that are forecasted to pass through Dubuque by 2027. The additional train traffic will
cripple the downtown traffic network, causing significant delays and safety related concerns in response
times for first responders.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City would like to thank the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission in support of
the City's application and award of the $25M RAISE Capital grant to construct a vehicular and
pedestrian grade separated railroad overpass at 14th Street. The City also requests the support
of the Iowa DOT Commission for at -grade railroad crossing safety improvement funding. The
City also requests the Iowa DOT Commission consideration of including in their 5-year program,
funding for intersection capacity and safety improvements enhancements at the Northwest
Arterial and Highway 20 intersection
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c. IOWA'S ROAD USE TAX FUND (RUTF)
According to Iowa Code, road use tax funds (RUTF) are studied every five years in order to identify
alternative revenue options that could support and enhance the fund as traditional transportation
modes evolve and older funding streams diminish.
Local governments recognize that local transportation systems carry great importance not only for
public safety and quality of life, but also for mobility, commerce, community vitality and economic
development. The transportation system is in demand 24 hours a day, regardless of its road and bridge
conditions or other factors. When existing funding sources are inadequate to address failing or
deteriorating infrastructure needs, local governments are faced with aging and limited infrastructure as
well as safety concerns.
While the State of Iowa's gas tax increase in 2015 increased current and near -future Road Use Tax Fund
revenues, consideration needs to be given to future road funding needs and mechanisms as Iowa's
drivers purchase fewer gallons of conventional vehicle fuels.
REQUESTED ACTION
Investigate alternative funding mechanisms to increase funding for Iowa's transportation
infrastructure. Study to include possible additional revenues from agricultural, energy, and other
sectors that have heavy traffic and load impacts on Iowa's transportation systems.
d. PASSENGER RAIL
Through the Envision 2010 process, the Citizens of Dubuque have established a Passenger Rail
Committee to support and promote the return of passenger rail service from Chicago to Dubuque.
There is a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Illinois to implement passenger rail service
between Chicago and Dubuque. Currently funding provides for connection from Chicago to Rockford,
Illinois. The City has been successful in partnership with DMATS and the local Ride the Rail citizen group
in securing funding for the feasibility study of passenger rail return from Rockford to Dubuque.
REQUESTED ACTION
Continue to support the return of passenger rail from Chicago to Dubuque, with local and
regional partners.
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7. HOUSING
a. SMART GROWTH WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM
Creation of the Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant program under the discretionary policy of the
Iowa Finance Authority provides greater opportunity for the City of Dubuque and its partners to stabilize
the community and will prioritize environmentally sustainable development and will promote economic
development. This grant program was established in the 2010 legislative session. The program,
however, lacks funding.
Definition
Smart Growth practices are settlement patterns that avert urban sprawl by encouraging more compact
development, greater transit use, and enhanced environmental protection. Workforce housing is
normally defined as housing affordable to households earning between 80 percent and 120 percent area
median income (AMI). Affordable, in the housing industry, means a household pays no more than 30
percent of its annual income on housing. Smart Growth Workforce housing is the combination of these
concepts — the development of sustainable, transit -oriented housing that is affordable for our
workforce.
What can our workforce households afford to pay for housing? "The National Housing Act of 1937"
created the public housing program... [wherein] a tenant's income could not exceed five to six times the
rent; and by 1940 income limits gave way to the maximum rent standard in which rent could not exceed
20 percent of income — in practice, the same as the predecessor income limit standard. Over the
decades, that percentage has risen, so that by 1981 the threshold was set at 30 percent of income.
Households that spend over 30 percent of income on housing are considered cost burdened. Why the
increase? Was it truly deemed a more appropriate benchmark? Or was it simply in response to an
increase in housing costs and the government's inability to subsidize housing for an ever-growing
number of struggling households?
Over the past decade, rising housing costs have outpaced the average salary across the United States —
in some areas by two- to five -fold. Many workers in urban areas have dealt with this discrepancy by
living far from their downtown jobs or by living in housing they can't afford. Unfortunately, the former
solution is offset by an increase in transportation costs. And what is the price we pay for the latter
solution? "Families who pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing are considered cost
burdened and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and
medical care." In fact, a full 37% of homeowners and 50% of renters today are cost burdened.
Fortunately, housing costs in smaller urban and rural areas are often within closer reach for workforce
households. However, in areas where vacancy rates are low — calling for the production of new units —
development of quality housing is financially impossible, as operational income on the properties is not
enough to cover interest payments on the project mortgage. Low local rent levels, although beneficial
for tenants, preclude developers from creating new units, despite a community's housing shortage. For
this reason, many developers have turned to the LIHTC program to make their projects financially
feasible, whether or not this fulfills the community's particular housing demand.
Meanwhile, the recent economic downturn and housing market woes have combined to create a new
class of workers, forced into the rental market because they do not qualify for a mortgage. Displaced
workers with homes that won't sell, families who've had their homes foreclosed, young professionals
with student loans, and households that might otherwise be able to afford mortgage payments if only
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they could come up with the higher requisite down payment demanded in a tight lending climate — all of
these are moving into the rental market. This creates a rather sudden increase in the demand for rental
residential units for households that are neither wealthy, nor are they eligible for low-income housing.
The creation of affordable housing options for our workforce allows communities to attract and retain
quality employers. If the only housing that developers can afford to produce is intended for low-income
or wealthy households, we should not be surprised to see such a disparity in our communities' income
levels. To have a healthy mix of incomes, we must have housing options available for all income levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Fund the Iowa Finance Authority Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant program.
• Allow access to funds from the National Housing Trust Fund for the rehabilitation of
dilapidated and long -vacant properties, despite having a prior residential use.
b. WORKFORCE HOUSING TAX CREDITS
The "sun -setting" of the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Enterprise Zone program in 2014
resulted in the creation of two new tax credit opportunities under the High -Quality Jobs Program: one
for economic development and the second for workforce housing. The City of Dubuque supported this
policy decision in the 2014 legislative session; however, some refinement of the workforce housing tax
credit program was necessary in order to meet the demand identified by the State of Iowa. The City of
Dubuque appreciates the Legislature's leadership in separating the Workforce Housing Tax Credit
program from the broader economic -development tax -credit cap. This change appropriately recognizes
workforce housing as a statewide housing necessity, not a business -development incentive
REQUESTED ACTION
• Increase the Workforce Housing Tax Credit program's annual allocation to better match
demand and allow communities to accelerate housing supply for workers, employers, and
local economies.
• Update per -unit cost caps and eligible expense definitions so the program can support
projects despite rising construction, labor, and financing costs.
• Continue improving application review timelines to help projects proceed more quickly and
reduce financing costs driven by delays.
• Provide additional flexibility for adaptive reuse, rehabilitation, and infill projects, which
often face higher upfront costs but add density and revitalize existing neighborhoods.
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8. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
a. BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
Dubuque supports state efforts to expand broadband in the state. Like water, sewer, energy and roads,
affordable, available and accessible broadband 100/20 (defined as 100Mb download and 20 Mb upload)
service with capacity to support 1 Gigabit (1000/1000) symmetrical service or greater is necessary to
support the quality of life of our families and the competitiveness of our businesses. State policy should
support and incent public/private collaborations to accelerate broadband access and services. State
policy should support innovations in new technologies and flexibility in existing systems like the Iowa
Communication Network (ICN). State policy should fund innovative approaches by local communities to
bring broadband speed and services to under -served and hard to serve populations. State policy should
not hamper local municipalities from directly addressing the issue and providing service to citizens
where appropriate. Also, while we support the concept of improved efficiency and transparency in the
regulatory process to encourage private broadband investment, we ask that care be taken with State
policy to assure there is sufficient flexibility for local government to be able to respond to local
complexities and needs with permitting, licensing, and regulatory decisions. Preservation of the use of
the public right of way for utilities provides benefits to all right of way users. Reasonable regulations
that provide for efficient use of sometimes very limited public right-of-way space is a wise investment
that pay dividends in the future to all taxpayers. When the first utility into a location inefficiently installs
their utilities, it drives up future installation costs for utilities that follow behind. The additional incurred
costs by the following utilities are then passed on to rate payers. Individual residents and commercial
property owners can also incur additional costs installing private service laterals when utility conflicts
exist in front of their private property. Lastly, if the State chooses to "target" its broadband efforts,
those targets should not be based on artificial distinctions of "urban versus rural" or "small versus
large", and "served versus unserved" mapping that heavily relies on advertised speeds but rather on key
consideration of available, affordable, and accessible broadband access in a specific location versus
larger community -wide areas. A Broadband issue in our community is the consequence of existing
broadband infrastructure that is deficient relative to both the last mile and middle mile transport
facilities used in underserved populations. The current infrastructure is out -of -sync with both the
greater population densities and the collective broadband needs of the residents and businesses within
areas of the community.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Continue to support policy and funding for expansion and universal access to broadband in
the State of Iowa with emphasis on support for wireline (fiber) technologies supporting
middle and last mile solutions. We continue to support Home Rule around location and
policy regarding broadband resources.
• Redefine "rural" and create an equitable formula for the distribution of broadband grant
funding and other broadband funds throughout the state of Iowa.
• Update broadband availability maps with data reflecting address -based test data from
neutral non -vendor sources versus FCC Form 477 carrier reported maximum advertised
"available" internet speeds removing barriers for challenging the accuracy of the maps.
• Foundational digital skills are now necessary for every occupation in the US, yet roughly
one-third of unemployed individuals in the US lack these foundational skills and cannot
compete for 75.2% of the current job openings. It is vital to invest in new digital literacy
upskilling grants to expand access to high -quality digital skills instruction that meets industry
and workforce needs.
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9. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY
a. FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM
Federal Emergency Management Administration has asserted that for everyone dollar expended in
disaster mitigation programs/projects, taxpayers save four dollars in recovery costs. The newly
established State Flood Mitigation program is designed to leverage local and federal dollars with state
financial assistance and is funded up to $600 million over the next twenty years. This amount will most
likely be insufficient in addressing the flood mitigation infrastructure demands of Iowa cities.
REQUESTED ACTION
We urge legislators to continue to appropriate funds annually to the flood mitigation account in
order to support local governments faced with high costs of these public infrastructure flood
mitigation programs in order to protect the lives and property of Iowa citizens.
b. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Dubuque County has experienced eleven presidential disaster declarations since 1999. Increased
frequency and impacts of disasters on the City of Dubuque has created the need for expanded facilities.
The City of Dubuque and Dubuque County partnered to create a combined E911 Center which offers
expanded space and best possible working environment. Regionalization of the E911 Center could
provide multiple counties emergency call service with greater efficiency and at a lower cost. Support for
regionalization consolidation of E911 centers will provide maximum assistance for Iowa citizens with
increased cost efficiency and savings.
The next phase of the City and County of Dubuque partnership is to combine the emergency call center
with the emergency operations center to provide maximum efficiency in the delivery of emergency
services. Combining emergency operations and communications will deliver services more effectively
and efficiency for the citizens of Dubuque and Dubuque County.
The State of Iowa has partnered with many larger city and county government to assist in funding
combined emergency communications centers and emergency operations centers. Although some local
funding has been allocated from the City and County to relocate the E911 Cetner, there will still be a
need for additional funds to co -locate the Emergency Operations Center with the E911 Center.
In 2024 the HSEMD incurred more E911 expenses than revenues. The department was not able to go to
the legislature to increase the E911 surcharge and instead are currently billing local county E911 boards
to make up the difference. As a result, the state is incurring costs for E911 services that are being
passed on to local governments E911 boards resulting in deficits for local county E911 boards.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Work with area legislators to explore opportunities for partnership and funding for a
combined Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center. Specifically in
support of legislation authorizing a county EMA levy to cover combined capital and
operating costs for combined emergency operations and communication centers.
• Support increasing 911 Surcharge funding percentage to get the 911 Funds back into the
local's hands to assist local 911 Service Boards to maintain 911 systems and support paying
for the State HSEMD for state department expenses.
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10. PUBLIC SAFETY
a. END THE ILEA MORITORIUM ON CHANGES
Currently the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy has a moratorium on changes due to a Governor's
Executive Order. By having a moratorium, the ILEA leadership is hampered on making changes that best
suit the needs of all agencies within the State of Iowa. For example: training is conducted at the most
basic level to accommodate those agencies who do not have or have very limited field training
programs. This does not take into account agencies that use ILEA certified instructors and certified field
training officers to conduct robust field training programs, essentially re-creating the training given at
ILEA.
REQUESTED ACTION
Allow ILEA to conduct administrative changes as needed (Governor's Executive Order prohibits),
to allow for different academy options as needed. Identifying that not all agencies have the
same training requirements.
b. FIREARMS & VIOLENT CRIME
On January 24, 2017, Dubuque Chief of Police Mark Dalsing and Davenport Chief Paul Sikorski, along
with the County Attorneys from Polk and Blackhawk Counties, and the Mayor of Des Moines, testified
before the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee to request the State take a harder look at firearms and
violent crime issues across the state.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Requirements for high, cash -only bonds for crimes involving firearms or violent crime.
• Review of existing codes to determine if penalties are sufficient (as compared to federal
penalties).
• Exploration of new codes to address additional unauthorized persons possessing firearms
(as compared to federal codes).
• Exploration of limitations on plea bargains for cases involving firearms or violent crime.
• Review of sentencing guidelines for gun crimes, including mandatory minimums.
• Analytical research into the individuals involved in gun crime and violent crime for
commonalities and cause and effect variables so effective treatment can take place.
c. MENTAL HEALTH/EMT TEAMS TO SUPPORT POLICE & COMMUNITY SAFETY
State leadership and funding is required to establish and support alternative teams of local community
service providers to work with local police professionals to address public safety. Police professionals
are called upon more frequently to serve as first responders, mediator, mental health counselor, and
social worker.
REQUESTED ACTION
Create a state task force to study replicable models that could address the need for support
teams for local police. Identify funding sources for mental health professionals, medical
professionals and social workers who would staff this expansion of community service to
residents.
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d. HATE CRIME STATUTE
According to FBI Hate Crime Statistics, hate crimes against people based on gender identity are on the
rise. The 2019 data indicates that 2.7% of reported hate crimes were committed against people based
on gender identity. This compares to 2.2% of reported hate crimes in 2018, 1.6% in 2017, 2.0% in 2016,
1.7% in 2015, 1.8% in 2014, and .5% in 2013 (the first year that hate crimes based on gender identity
were reported). Note that not all jurisdictions report hate crime statistics to the FBI and jurisdictions like
Iowa would report zero based on gender identity because state law omits gender identity from the hate
crime statute.
As of September 2021, 22 states plus the District of Columbia and two territories have hate crime laws
that include gender identity. Iowa is one of 11 states whose hate crime law includes sexual orientation
but does not include gender identity.
http://www.Igbtmap.org/equality-maps/hate crime laws.
A 2016 murder in Burlington garnered national attention when local law enforcement officials could not
charge the homicide as a hate crime based on the lack of including of gender identity in the statute.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/26/us/transgender-iowa-murder-trial-kedarie-gohnson.html.
In addition, we continue to hear concerns from community members of color that they find themselves
in situations where someone is trying to instigate a fight using racial slurs. When the situation in fact
escalates to a fight, both parties are typically charged with disorderly conduct. Enhancing the disorderly
conduct penalty for a person who uses slurs or other indicia of bias to select their victim and instigate a
fight may deter the use of these "fighting words" which are tantamount to a breach of the peace and
enhance community safety and security for community members of color.
The American Psychological Association, which takes a public health approach to violence prevention,
notes that dehumanization of unfamiliar groups and targeted aggression that is behind hate violence
can result in more dramatic psychological effects on victims as compared to crimes that are not
motivated by bias. In addition, hate crimes tend to decrease feelings of safety and security in the
community for members who share the victim's group status.
http://www.apa.org/advocacy/interpersonal-violence/hate-crimes.aspx
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend hate crimes statute to include gender identity and to add disorderly conduct Iowa Code
723.4 as a crime subject to penalty enhancement.
e. FULL FUNDING FOR JUDICIAL BRANCH SERVICES
Public safety and basic tenet of judicial process depends upon a robust fully funded judiciary which
provides for its citizen clients: access, timely processing, staffing and services. Critical funding must be
provided for all judicial services including juvenile court offices and services, drug court, and judicial
access.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation which provides full funding for the requested budget of the State of Iowa's
judicial branch. To do otherwise jeopardizes work being done with youth and is a compromise to
public safety.
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f. REVIEW OF THE MFPRSI PENSION.
In recent years the State of Iowa has allowed for modifications to the IPERS law enforcement pension.
Particularly carving out an "early out" option for Sheriff's and Deputies. This request is for the legislative
branch to include MFPRSI in pension talks when other pensions are being adjusted.
REQUESTED ACTION
Review recent changes to the IPERS and State Patrol pensions that make their pensions more
lucrative. Such as the option of early retirement (with penalty).
g. SNOW REMOVAL OPERATOR ADDITION TO IOWA CODE 321.267A.
For years, emergency responders and law enforcement officers involved in accidents in the line of duty
have had the benefit of Iowa Code Section 321.267A. Upon completion of the proper DOT form by the
employee's supervisor, the work -related accident did not count against their driving record.
REQUESTED ACTION
Our ask is that this benefit be extended to government employees operating snow -removal
equipment in anticipation of, or in response to, winter precipitation events. These workers are
out in the most stressful and worst conditions and deserve this protection as they ensure police
and ambulance drivers can respond to emergencies and the public can safely travel.
h. REVIEW OF LAW ENFORCEMENT HIRING PROCESSES (CIVIL SERVICE & CODE REQUIREMENTS)
Current hiring practices for law enforcement in Iowa require a Civil Service test. The test is a basic skills
test and is governed by Civil Service Commissions with guidance from State Code Chapter 400. The
testing is set by the state and has not been updated in a very long time. Additionally, if asked, there is no
context or background as to why a civil service list needs to be established for hiring. The current civil
service law hinders "real time" hiring practices and hinders ongoing hiring practices. Additionally, hiring
practices such as very restrictive eye sight requirements, is antiquated and needs to be evaluated for
modern eye care standards.
REQUESTED ACTION
Review legislative restrictions allowing for more options for training of new officers to receive
certification. Current practice hinders "real time" hiring due to limited academies.
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11. LIBRARY SERVICES
a. ENRICH IOWA
Enrich Iowa is a state aid program for Iowa's libraries. Until recently, Iowa was one of eight states
without direct state aid to libraries. Current state funding is at $1 million statewide versus the
recommended $3 million for full funding. If Enrich Iowa were fully funded, the Carnegie -Stout Public
Library could realize a significant increase annually in state aid.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to increase funding for the Enrich Iowa program.
b. HOMETOWN GOVERNANCE FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Local autonomy of Iowa's libraries is a long -held value of the State. Most of Iowa's public library boards
have the type of authority referred to as "administrative authority." This authority is granted to public
libraries in Iowa by virtue of two documents, namely the Code of Iowa Chapter 392.5 and the local
library ordinance.
REQUESTED ACTION
Preserve hometown governance of Iowa's public by maintaining support for the autonomy of public
library boards to create and adopt appropriate local policies.
c. ENSURE ACCESS FOR ALL
Providing all information resources directly or indirectly by the library, in a variety of needful formats or
methods, to all library users is a foundation tenet of librarianship. Access to all creates and informed
citizenry and directly benefits the quality of life for all in the state.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support broadband development funding and program initiatives to digital inclusion, access,
and affordability.
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12. HUMAN RESOURCES
a. MUNICIPAL FIRE & POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF IOWA
Police and firefighter pensions are funded through the Municipal Fire & Police Retirement System of
Iowa (MFPRSI). Employees contribute a fixed 9.4 percent of their salary, while their employers
contribute at a variable rate, with a statutory minimum of 17 percent.
The city contribution rate is set by the nine -member MFPRSI board to meet actuarial requirements. The
board includes four members representing police and firefighters, four members representing cities,
and one private citizen — all serving four-year terms.
The employer contribution rate was 17 percent from fiscal years 1997 through 2003. As a result of
market crashes after the September 11, 2001, attacks, it was gradually raised to 28.21 percent in Fiscal
Year 2006 before again dropping to the statutory minimum in Fiscal Year 2010. Since then, it increased
to 19.90 percent in Fiscal Year 2011, 24.76 in Fiscal Year 2012, 26.12 percent in Fiscal Year 2013, 30.12
percent in Fiscal Year 2014, 30.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2015, 27.77 percent in Fiscal Year 2016, 25.92
percent in Fiscal year 2017, 25.68 percent in Fiscal Year 2018, 26.02 percent in Fiscal Year 2019 and
24.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2020.
The problem with MFPRSI is largely about the variability of the contribution rate. Cities' IPERS
contribution rates since 1994 have never been below 5.75 percent and never been above the current
9.44 percent — a difference of 64 percent. With MFPRSI during the same period, however, the difference
between the statutory minimum and the maximum (30.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2015) is almost 79
percent.
Another small but contributing factor is the state's decision to phase out payments to MFPRSI.
At one time, the state contributed 3.79 percent of payroll to the system — an amount that would be
more than $9 million now. Then the contribution level became a flat $2.7 million — and it's dwindled
since then. The state used to contribute $1.5 million a year and now they contribute zero.
In a larger context, the public -safety -pension issues relates to local control. Cities cannot bargain with
police and firefighter unions on pensions, yet they have to fund them at state -mandated levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
The State of Iowa shall fund their obligated percentage for their share (3.79%). If the State elects
not to fund their obligated percentage, consideration must be given to parity among the sister
systems (IPERS and State Patrol System) and any residual impacts on failure of the state to fund
their share which may include changing legislation to lift the cap for employee contribution and
reducing enhanced benefits for new benefits for new employees into the MFPRSI system, which
will result in non -parity.
b. 411 SUBROGATION
Currently in Chapter 411, cities are not allowed to seek reimbursement from Third Parties for costs
incurred for Police and Fire injury and illness claims. As such, a Police or Fire employee may collect
against the City for an injury or illness claim and collect a second time for the same incident against a
Third Party. If the employee is successful in getting payment from the Third Party, the City is currently
not able to obtain reimbursement (subrogate) from the Third -Party payment.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Amend Chapter 411 to allow cities to seek reimbursement from third parties for costs incurred
for Police and Fire injury and illness claims.
c. CONTINUATION OF GROUP INSURANCE
Iowa Code Section 509A.13 states:
"If a governing body, a County Board of Supervisors, or a City Council has procured for its employees
accident, health, or hospitalization insurance, or a medical service plan, or has contracted with a Health
Maintenance Organization authorized to do business in the state, the governing body, County Board of
Supervisors or City Council shall allow its employees who retired before obtaining sixty-five years of age
to continue participation in the group plan or under the group contract at the employee's own expense
until the employee obtains sixty-five years of age."
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has issued an Accounting Standard Statement
75, related to other post -employment benefits. This statement requires public employers sponsoring
and subsidizing retiree health care benefit plans to recognize the cost of such benefits on an accrual
basis. This post employment benefit is provided in the form of an implicit rate subsidy where pre -age 65
retirees receive health insurance coverage by paying a combined retiree/active rate for the self -insured
medical and prescription drug plan. This creates a liability that must be reflected on the year-end
financial statements. We are not required to fund this obligation; however, the total obligation appears
in our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
REQUESTED ACTION
Repeal Iowa Code 509A.13, Continuation of Group Insurance and address consequences of
SF383 as provided for below
d. SF 383 — PBM REFROM AND ITS IMPACT ON COSTS
We appreciate the intent behind SF 383, passed during the 2025 legislative season, and share
the goal of supporting Iowa's independent and rural pharmacies. However, as currently
implemented, this law is among the most restrictive PBM reform measures in the country, and
it is producing significant unintended consequences for taxpayers, employers, and employees.
Iowa's law limits employer flexibility more than states like Minnesota or Wisconsin, which allow
cost -saving measures while still supporting rural pharmacies.
Key Concerns
• Cost Impact: SF 383 will increase costs to the state employee health plan by $7.8 million
annually and add approximately $340 million in costs to private -sector health plans
statewide, raising costs by about $169 per insured Iowan per year.
• Local Impact: For the City of Dubuque, these changes are projected to add $400,000 to
our health plan expenses in 2026.
• Broad Restrictions: The law prohibits cost -saving tools, mandates a $10.68 dispensing
fee per prescription, and restricts employers from guiding employees toward lower -cost
options. These provisions significantly limit flexibility in plan design and increase costs
for working families.
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Iowa Association of Business and Industries' Position
As the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) stated:
"ABI members and Iowa businesses support policies that improve access to care. But this
legislation simply shifts hundreds of millions of dollars in new costs to employers and working
families." ABI and other business leaders have urged lawmakers to consider a more targeted
approach that supports small, independent pharmacies without imposing massive cost
increases on Iowans.
Additional Risks
• ERISA Preemption: SF 383 imposes mandates on employer -sponsored health plans that
may conflict with federal ERISA standards, creating litigation risk and compliance
uncertainty.
• Pending Lawsuits: Similar PBM laws in other states have faced legal challenges,
resulting in costly litigation and delayed implementation. Iowa could face similar
challenges if the law remains unchanged.
REQUESTED ACTION
We respectfully ask the Iowa Legislature to revisit SF 383 and consider amendments
that:
• Maintain support for rural and independent pharmacies.
• Reduce unnecessary cost burdens on taxpayers and employers.
• Align Iowa's PBM regulations with federal standards to avoid ERISA conflicts and
litigation risks.
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13. IOWA CODE CHANGES
a. MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS
Legislation on 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. Iowa laws
have not been updated to reflect this important and highly consequential change.
Mobile home communities can be a viable choice for families in need of affordable housing. Iowa lacks
affordable housing and must create affordable housing opportunities across the state. Therefore, review
and reform of current law is vital. Specific recommendations include basic fairness considerations such
as justification and notice requirements for lot rent increases and good cause for refusal to continue a
lease, with clarification that legitimate business reasons can satisfy these requirements.
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.
In addition, it is important that the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division have the ability to
enforce against predatory practices.
REQUESTED ACTION
Advancing the goal of affordable housing for all Iowans requires a comprehensive review and
reform of the State code related to mobile home community protections is necessary to protect
Iowa citizens.
b. AUTHORITY TO PETITION FOR TITLE TO ABANDONED LOTS
A gap has been identified in Iowa Code, Chapter 657A; while cities can petition for title to abandoned
residential, commercial, and industrial properties with buildings, cities have no authority under
657A.10B to petition for title to abandoned lots. Abandoned lots can be time consuming and expensive
for cities to maintain.
REQUESTED ACTION
Include abandoned lots in Iowa Code, Chapter 657A and allow cities to petition for title to
abandoned lots as well as abandoned residential, commercial, and industrial properties with
buildings.
c. UNDERAGE & BINGE DRINKING
Current legislation provides for a penalty to be placed upon the establishment that serves minors.
However, only a simple misdemeanor penalty is placed upon the underage person attempting to
purchase alcoholic beverages. This does not discourage this problem, which is particularly prevalent in
college -age students. In an effort to combat underage consumption and "Binge Drinking" by our college
age population, we would ask legislative consideration to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty
found in Iowa Code Chapter 321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Pass legislation to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty found in Iowa Code Chapter
321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
d. "GOOD MORAL CHARACTER" LANGUAGE
One of the criteria for the issuance of a State of Iowa liquor license is determined by "Person of Good
Moral Character" as defined in State of Iowa Code 123.3 (26)(d). The State fails to consider the local
municipality's interpretation of "Person of Good Moral Character" prior to issuing a liquor license.
REQUESTED ACTION
Urge legislators to eliminate "good moral character" language and replace it with objective
standards.
e. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
The City supports efforts by city attorneys to create legislation that would allow the city to regulate
adult entertainment. Draft legislation would provide that cities and counties would regulate
establishments that offer, allow or permit nude or semi-nude dancing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation drafted by city attorneys of Iowa giving the City authority to regulate adult
entertainment establishments.
f. CLOSED SESSION RECORDS
State of Iowa Code 21.5(5)(b)(1) requires governmental bodies to seal the detailed minutes and audio
recordings of closed sessions. By requiring that these records be sealed, the statute mandates that these
records be preserved in hard copy form. Allowing governmental bodies to maintain these records
electronically would be more efficient and cost-effective. With advancements in modern technology,
there are numerous secure methods to restrict access to electronic records, ensuring their
confidentiality and integrity while streamlining the storage process and reducing physical storage needs.
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend State of Iowa Code 21.5(5)(b)(1) to allow closed session minutes and audio recordings to
be exclusively maintained in electronic format.
g. SIDEWALK LIABILITY
Amend Iowa Code 364.12 to address the recent court decision on sidewalk liability.
REQUESTED ACTION
The abutting property owner must maintain the area from the back of the curb to the right of
way line and must keep such area in a safe condition free from defects, debris, nuisances,
obstructions or any other hazard. The abutting property owner is liable for damages caused by
failure to maintain such area. Notwithstanding the obligations imposed hereunder, the property
owner may not remove diseased trees or dead wood or plant, trim, remove or treat any tree or
plant material on public right of way without first obtaining a permit from the city forester.
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h. CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS
Public records shall be kept confidential unless otherwise ordered by a court, by the lawful custodian of
the records, or by another person duly authorized to release such information:
A crisis intervention report generated by a law enforcement agency regarding a person
experiencing a mental health crisis, substance -related disorder crisis, or housing crisis, when the
report is generated for the specific purpose of providing crisis intervention information to assist
peace officers under any of the following circumstances:
(1) De-escalating conflicts.
(2) Referring a person experiencing a mental health crisis, substance -related disorder
crisis, or housing crisis to a mental health treatment provider, substance -related
disorder treatment provider, homeless service provider, or any other appropriate
service provider.
b. A crisis intervention report generated for the purposes of this subsection shall be made
available to the person who is the subject of the report upon the request of the person who is
the subject of the report, and may be provided to a mental health treatment provider,
substance -related disorder treatment provider, homeless service provider, or any other
appropriate service provider in connection with a referral for services.
c. Crisis intervention reports generated for the purposes of this subsection are not peace
officers' investigative reports under subsection 5.
d. Notwithstanding other provisions of this subsection, the date, time, specific location, and
immediate facts and circumstances surrounding a crime or incident shall not be kept
confidential under this subsection, except where disclosure would pose a clear and present
danger to the safety of the person subject to the crisis intervention report or the safety of
others.
e. For the purposes of this subsection:
(1) "Crisis intervention report" or "report" means a report generated by a law
enforcement agency to record the following information relevant to assess the nature of
a crisis:
(a) Any biological or chemical causes of the crisis.
(b) Any observed demeanors and behaviors of the person experiencing the
crisis.
(c) Persons notified in relation to the crisis.
(d) Whether suicide or injuries occurred in relation to the crisis and the extent of
those injuries.
(e) Whether weapons were involved in the crisis and a description of the
weapon.
(f) The disposition of the crisis intervention and any crime committed.
(2) "Housing crisis" means a situation where a person is experiencing homelessness, a
lack of adequate or safe housing, or is in imminent danger of homelessness or lack of
adequate or safe housing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Adopt language to amend Section 22.7 to reflect the above content.
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14. PLANNING & ZONING
a. EXPAND CITIES' EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
Cities have extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for up to two miles from their corporate limits for
subdivision review and approval only if the County has zoning for the rural areas. Extending the cities'
ETJ to include review and approval of zoning changes would facilitate planned and managed growth.
Legislation should provide incentives for governments to voluntarily plan together and identify
recommended land use impact to be considered during the planning process. Support legislation that
expands land management practices such as ETJ of cities to include review and approval of zoning
changes.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation enabling cooperative planning and effective land management practices.
b. SMART PLANNING PRINCIPLES
State agencies, local governments, and other public entities shall consider and may apply the following
principles during deliberation of all appropriate planning, zoning, development, and resource
management decisions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support comprehensive planning and the Smart Planning Principles outlined in Iowa Code,
including funding incentives for communities to adopt them, and oppose any legislation to
remove or weaken the practice of sound planning in Iowa's communities.
c. LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
A livable community is one that is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing and
transportation options, and offers supportive community features and services.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Supports state policies that seek to improve quality of life by promoting development of
safe, accessible, and vibrant environments. Policies should address neighborhood
redevelopment, sustainable land use, mixed use developments, multigenerational and
affordable housing, multi -modal transportation, and efforts to help residents age in place.
• Support legislation to enable land development trusts and similar community -based
programs to address blight and disinvestment.
• Support legislation that promotes a culture of equity and inclusion that helps to transform
Iowa into a place that honors our diversity as a strength.
• Supports increased investment in affordable housing programs, including the State Housing
Trust Fund, Workforce Housing Tax Credits, and other programs that provide quality housing
for low- and moderate -income families, reduce barriers to homeownership, and support the
modification of homes to help people age in place.
• Support funding to help local communities plan for their housing needs.
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d. HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM (HSPG)
The State of Iowa needs to restore funding to the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program (HSPG). This
program was the only "brick & mortar" fund to encourage cultural growth and development throughout
the state of Iowa. The Historic Site Preservation Grant provided funds to acquire, repair, rehabilitate,
and develop historic sites that preserve, interpret, or promote Iowa's cultural heritage. Projects funded
by this program had to promote an understanding of the record of human experience within Iowa.
All HSPG projects were limited to work on "vertical infrastructure," which is defined in Iowa Code
Chapter 8.57 as "land acquisition for construction, major rehabilitation of buildings, all appurtenant
structures, utilities, and site developments."
The maximum allowable grant request was $100,000. The minimum allowable grant request was
$40,000. Projects required dollar -for -dollar cash match.
REQUESTED ACTION
Restore State funding for the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program (HSPG).
e. PROPERTY OWNERS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS
Section 303.34 of the Iowa Code requires that "At least one resident of each designated area of
historical significance shall be appointed to the commission." This requirement is problematic for the
City of Dubuque's Old Main Historic District, which is primarily commercial. It would be beneficial for the
City in the recruitment and retention of commissioners to be able to appoint property owners to
represent historic districts. Furthermore, since historic preservation regulations apply to the
rehabilitation, renovation, and restoration of property, allowing property owners to serve on the
commission would be appropriate.
REQUESTED ACTION
Enact legislation allowing property owners in addition to residents to represent the historic
districts on the Historic Preservation Commission.
f. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE STAFF
With pending approval for federal dollars for infrastructure and other projects, there will be greater
demand for Section 106 Reviews as part of environment review compliance.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase SHPO staff to review Section 106 reviews in a timely manner.
g. TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
As the continual development and optimization of local- and state-owned transportation roadways
increase accessibility to local amenities we encourage the continued collaborative partnership to make
our roadways as safe as possible and the creation of opportunities for alternative modes of transit.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support investment in healthy modes of non -motorized transportation, including expanding
funding for local communities to plan for trails and bicycle routes.
• Support efforts to fund and encourage use of public transit.
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• Supports efficient and environmentally friendly renovation of existing infrastructure,
particularly roads, bridges, utility systems, and electronic vehicle facilities.
h. LOCAL CONTROL OF PLANNING ISSUES
Local planners possess a deeper understanding of the challenges facing their communities, enabling
local jurisdictions to maintain control over planning decisions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Oppose legislation with unfunded mandates and bills that limit the flexibility necessary to
implement priorities important to each individual jurisdiction
i. HOUSING
Recent housing studies at the state and local levels have highlighted a pressing need for the
development of additional housing units, particularly those that provide affordable options.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support increase investment in affordable housing programs, including the State Housing
Trust Fund, Workforce Housing Tax Credits, and other programs that provide quality housing
for low- and moderate -income families, reduce barriers to homeownership, and support the
modification of homes to help people age in place.
Support funding to help local communities plan for housing needs, including reform of local
zoning regulations.
j. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CLIMATE, AND CONSERVATION
With increasing storm -related events impacting our state and communities, we must prioritize programs
that prevent or mitigate environmental impacts and protect our natural resources.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support funding and programs that facilitate and encourage nutrient reduction in Iowa's
water bodies and watershed -level planning that addresses urban and rural water quality,
flood mitigation, and water recreation.
• Support state policies that encourage and incentivize use of sustainable energy from
renewable sources.
k. RECREATION AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Recognizing the value of recreational and cultural programs is essential for enhancing the quality of life
in our state and communities, as they play a crucial role in attracting and retaining residents who seek a
vibrant and engaging environment.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support programs and funding or incentives that provide a higher quality of life to attract and
retain residents. This includes support and additional funding for like Enhance Iowa program,
historic preservation, and cultural programs such as Great Places.
I. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Recognizing that tax increment financing is an important tool for local governments (rural and urban)
and supports the flexibility provided under current law.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation, policies, programs and funding that allow communities to encourage
sustainable development and remove blight, such as brownfield/grayfield tax credits and other
funding programs, and to attract and sustain quality jobs that provide livable and equitable
wages.
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15. PARKS & RECREATION
a. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION (REAP)
REAP is a program in the State of Iowa that invests in, as its name implies, the enhancement and
protection of the state's natural and cultural resources. The long-standing REAP funding formula
provides money for projects through state agency budgets and in the form of grants.
REAP is funded from the state's Environment First Fund (Iowa gaming receipts) and from the sale of the
natural resource license plate. The program is authorized to receive $20 million per year until 2026, but
the state legislature sets the amount of REAP funding every year. This year the average REAP
appropriation is $12 million.
REAP has been used extensively in Dubuque for land acquisition and trails. Most recently it was used to
acquire an adjoining property to the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and extension of the
Northwest Arterial Trail which directly connects to the Heritage Trail as well as environmental
restoration of Eagle Point Park and Four Mounds Park and most recently expansion of Four Mounds
Park. All benefit tourism and connecting people to the outdoors with active recreation. The workforce
for jobs in need of filling in our area are clamoring for more parks and trails amenities. This includes
Iowans as well as persons moving from other states that have these amenities. If we wish a workforce
for our future, we must invest in these areas. Since 1998 Dubuque County has received over $7.72
million in REAP allocations for 228 projects for city parks and open space grants, conservation education,
county conservation grants and allocations, historic resource development grants, land management,
roadside vegetation, and soil and water enhancement.
Dubuque is in the large size city category. That means that the maximum grant ask of $200,000. This cap
has been the same since at least 1998. Construction costs have risen dramatically during the last 25
years, especially the last 3. Holding REAP static reduces the positive results REAP has had on our state
parks, heritage, and environmental efforts.
REQUESTED ACTION
Request that the Iowa Legislature work to increase REAP to full funding of $20 million as
authorized and create more permanent year after year funding.
b. MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATION AREA
A Unique State Park with National Park Credentials
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area includes 1400 acres of woodlands, prairie, and bluff lands that
overlook the Mississippi River along a 3-mile shoreline. It is a regional destination where visitors and
residents reconnect with the natural, cultural, and ecological aspects of the park through interactive and
comprehensive outdoor and indoor learning opportunities. This state park is a National Historic
Landmark, a state preserve and sits along the Mississippi flyway. Trails connect visitors to a farm site,
forests, prairies, archeological sites, and wetlands. It also boasts some of the most diverse ecological
habitats ranging from bluff lands that overlook the river to tall grass prairies, forested woodlands, and
wetland.
This National Historic Landmark contains thousands of years of human history dating from the early
Mississippian period through the early twentieth century. Mounds, village sites, rock shelters, trading
post sites, and campsites dot the landscape. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is a Silos and
Smokestacks National Heritage Area Site.
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State Support for Investment and Operation
The IDNR, the city, the Friend of the Mines of Spain, and Dubuque County Conservation have an
excellent track record as partners. This partnership success can continue with the increased and stable
funding for the operation, maintenance, and staffing of the Mines of Spain. Success, we believe, will be
reached with asset management funding from secure State funding sources to enable us to fully use the
expanded Interpretive Center and park area. With stable State funding, Park staff can maintain the
Mines of Spain as the local, regional, state, and national treasure it is and should remain. The outcome is
a place for expanded education, increased experiences for the visitor and heritage tourism to attract
more visitors to the state. Without this increased/stable funding the ability to use and appreciate these
facilities/land are seriously threatened; past investments are at risk for being wasted.
The usage of Mines of Spain State Recreation Area remains very high, with the majority of visitors
coming from outside Dubuque coming from the larger tri-state region. The increased usage creates
additional need for maintenance staffing and support thus state help is needed for increased funding for
the operations and staffing of Mines of Spain Recreation Area and state parks across Iowa. Invasive
species need to be managed, which takes the time of staff and/or contractors to ensure the protection
of this treasured and very special natural resource.
Local Response to State Needs
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center are a unique
collaboration between the State of Iowa, Dubuque County Conservation, Friends of the Mines of Spain
and the City of Dubuque. When more space was needed at the Interpretive Center, the Friends of the
Mines of Spain (FOMOS) planned and coordinated an expansion that more than doubled the original
space for educational purposes, raised $1.8 million in private, local, state and federal funds with the
expanded center serving over 250,000 visitors annually.
The award -winning LEED-certified Interpretive Center welcomes visitors to one of the region's best -
conserved natural and cultural resources, where people can explore the history and natural riches of the
park.
Working with the IDNR, the City of Dubuque, the FOMOS, private donors and the Iowa Natural Heritage
Foundation raised over $1.98 million to acquire and developed a 52-acre addition adjacent to the
Interpretive Center. The partnership continues to mature each year.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increased state supported funding for the physical assets in the Mines of Spain Recreation Area
as well as park staffing especially due to the active local partners of Dubuque County
Conservation, the Friends of Mines of Spain, and the City of Dubuque.
c. NATURAL RESOURCES & OUTDOOR RECREATION TRUST FUND
The Iowa Legislature has a great opportunity to fulfill its promise to Iowans to protect Iowa's land and
water by passing a measure that funds the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, also
called Iowa's Water and Land Legacy.
In 2010, 63% of Iowa voters supported creation of the Fund to provide reliable and dedicated funding
for the protection of water quality, conservation of agricultural soils and improvement of natural areas
such as fish and wildlife habitat. However, no money will go into it unless the Legislature raises the sales
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tax. If raised, the first three -eighths of the tax will go toward the Trust Fund. It is reported that this
would generate about $249 million a year.
The majority of the Trust fund dollars can go toward water quality improvement projects including lake
restoration, soil and water protection, and enhanced flood protection efforts. The Trust fund
emphasizes sustainable agriculture and will aid farmers and landowners in adopting voluntary
conservation practices outlined in the Nutrient Reduction Strategy. These efforts will positively affect
cities downstream in watersheds.
Investing in Iowa's natural resources ensures that our communities benefit from ecotourism and Iowa
companies can recruit and retain a quality workforce. In Iowa, outdoor recreation accounts for $8.7
billion in consumer spending, 83,000 jobs and $649 million in state and local tax revenue.
Rural Iowa as well as metro areas will benefit from the economic capital growth, tourism sales and
conservation benefits the Trust fund will provide. IEDA reports that access to natural landscapes and
outdoor recreation are among the top factors that influenced an individual's decision of where to live.
Quality of life initiatives will encourage people to choose thriving rural and urban communities to live,
work and raise families.
The preservation and investments to protect Iowa's green spaces, water, and air quality can be keys to
improving the physical and brain health of current and future Iowans. Children's risk for obesity can
increase by as much as 50% if they don't' have nearby parks, sidewalks and other green spaces or
recreational amenities.
Recreational amenities and quality of life opportunities are critical to recruiting and retaining a highly
educated and motivated workforce. The trust will invest in Iowa's water quality, economic development,
rural and urban revitalization, and public health. The Trust makes this investment and provides a legacy
for generations to come.
REQUESTED ACTION
Pass legislation to increase the state sales tax from 6 percent to 6 and 3/8 percent with the 3/8
of one percent to be deposited in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund
that the voters of Iowa supported and approved with a significant majority. The distribution
formula in the current law was derived from years of study and building support among many
groups of Iowans, voted on, and should be maintained.
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d. STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
The state recreational trails program (SRT) provides funds to establish recreational trails throughout
Iowa for the use, enjoyment and participation of the public. The program is restricted to the acquisition,
construction or improvement of recreational trails open for public use or trails which will be dedicated
to public use upon completion.
The citizens of Dubuque have benefitted from this grant program to establish trails in our community
connecting recreational resources as well as providing trail transportation corridors for bikes and
pedestrians. Trails continue to grow in popularity and are an economic engine for the state for
workforce attraction as well as tourism.
In the last five years the Iowa Department of Transportation program has had funding of $1.5, $1, $1.5,
$2.5, and, $3.5 million to award with requests each year ranging from $38.3 million to $113.8 million in
the lowest year. The need far outweighs the funding available.
REQUESTED ACTION
Authorize additional funding each year at a stable level appropriate to the needs for the State.
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16. ARTS & CULTURE
a. ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING
Vibrant and livable communities in Iowa are those that support and invest in arts, culture, and
humanities initiatives and programs as tools for economic and community development. Equitable
access to and representation in arts and cultural programs improves the quality of life for all Iowans and
stimulates economic activity, helping to attract and retain a diverse workforce which is essential to
Iowa's economic vitality and competitive edge. Arts and culture as a stand-alone industry is a bustling
sector, supporting a wide variety of education, entertainment, recreational, and skilled -trades jobs while
providing essential revenue streams for local travel and hospitality businesses and generating significant
contributes to federal, state, and local governments. Iowa's arts and culture sector is a necessary
element of the state's overall COVID-19 recovery strategy and a long-term asset for the state's overall
growth and vitality in the 21st century.
Community -created
Solidarity Mural at
Dubuque's Five Flags Civic
Center. Designed by local
artist Shelby Fry. Painted
by 75+volunteers, June
2020. Photograph by Bob
Felderman.
Nationally, the arts culture sector and creative economy is a $1.2 trillion industry which equates to 4.4%
of the nation's GDP — a larger share of the economy than transportation and utilities. This represents
$29.1 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue generated by the nonprofit arts and culture sector
alone. In Iowa, the arts and culture sector contribute an estimated $4.5 billion to the state's economy,
representing 2.3% of the state's GDP and 43,000 jobs.
According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Iowa ranked 46th in the nation for per capita
spending on state arts agencies for FY 2025 with the per capita spending at $0.35. FY2026 Preliminary
Projections rank Iowa at 35th per capita spending at $0.68.The National average per capita arts spending
in the US for FY 2025 is $2.02. 4 of 5 neighboring states rank higher and invest more in their creative
sector than Iowa does. In FY26, it is projected that Minnesota will rank highest in the nation at $7.85
per capita, Missouri 3rd at $ 3.51, Illinois 19th at $1.92, and Nebraska 25th at $1.33. These projected
FY2026 appropriations include line -item funds designated by the legislature to pass through the state
arts agency to other entities.
In 2022, Dubuque participated in one of the most comprehensive economic impact studies of the
nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. The Arts & Economic Prosperity
VI study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for
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advancing the arts and arts education. The results showed that Dubuque's nonprofit arts and culture
sector generates $70.4 million in annual economic activity, supporting 1,527 full-time equivalent jobs
and generating $6.7 million in local and state government revenues and $41.6 million in household
income to local residents.
The Dubuque City Council prioritized arts and culture investment to foster equitable access and
representation in a thriving arts and culture community. 'Diverse arts, culture, parks, and recreation
experiences and activities' is one of eight City of Dubuque 2037 Goals.
Since 2004, the Dubuque's City Council has taken actions such as establishing an Arts and Cultural Affairs
Advisory Committee, dedicating $35,000 annually in special project grants, and establishing a Downtown
Cultural Corridor managed by Dubuque Main Street. Additional investments include an operating
support grant program for local arts and culture non -profits which has grown from $200,000 in FY06 to
$250,000 in FY21.
We enjoy an annual rotating public sculpture program, seeded as a ten-year $300,000 CIP in FY2006 and
now funding through the City's general fund at $38,000 annually. A part-time, now full-time staff
position of Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator was added in FY09 and continues as a key member of the
City's Economic Development Department team. To date, the City of Dubuque has provided $4.83
million in direct funding for arts and culture since the establishment of the City's Arts and Cultural
Affairs Advisory Commission in 2004. City funding alone is insufficient for local arts and culture sectors
and creative economies to flourish, especially in rural communities where municipal funding for the arts
rarely exists and even in communities like Dubuque where the arts are invested in as a key tool for
community success.
In 2014, the City recognized the need for master arts planning to advance its' reputation as a regional
creative and cultural hub. The resulting Arts and Culture Master Plan was adopted by City Council in
2016 and serves as a guide to assist the City in strategic resource management, to sustain arts and
culture as an integral part of the community's social and cultural vibrancy. The plan engages the
community in the implementation of the plan, reflecting the community's vision to utilize arts and
culture to enhance our sense of place, contribute to Dubuque's economic vitality, create, and support
an environment where art and culture thrive, and enrich Dubuque culturally, aesthetically,
educationally, and economically.
The support of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (IDCA), its various divisions, and their
subsequent grant programs, is vital to the arts and culture organizations and creative workers in
Dubuque. Dubuque does not currently offer grant programs for individual artists or for -profit culture
entities; the Iowa Arts Council (IAC) Project Grants and Iowa Artist Fellowship Program provide critical
opportunities for creative culture bearers to create their work and engage their communities. IAC's
other grant programs including School Arts Experience, Cultural Heritage Project Grants, Cultural
Leadership Partner Operating Support Grants, Arts Build Communities Grant, and others provide
essential support for educational opportunities, community enrichment, and economic development
arts -based projects that would not take place without sustained or increased funding from Iowa's
legislative appropriation to its state arts agency.
We take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank IDCA for serving as a key resource for local arts
agencies, organizations, and artists across the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They have
provided prompt and thoughtful support of the sector, efficiently creating one-time grant programs to
put CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funds to work on the ground in local communities.
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REQUESTED ACTION
• Continue to regard and fund the arts and culture sector as an essential Iowa industry
attracting and retaining Iowa's workforce, inspiring business development, supporting
economically viable jobs, generating state and local government revenue, and as a
cornerstone of the state's tourism economy.
• Support and fund programs at or above FY25 levels through the Iowa Department of
Cultural Affairs (Iowa Arts Council, State Historical Society of Iowa, Produce Iowa, and
Humanities Iowa) to continue recognizing and promoting Iowa's cultural heritage as key in
COVID-19 recovery strategy for all Iowa communities.
• Provide funding for appropriate staffing levels at the Department of Cultural Affairs to
increase service and support of the arts and culture community throughout all parts of the
state.
• Explore and implement funding mechanisms to raise the ranking of Iowa from 35th in the
nation per capita through the state's arts agency as reported by the National Assembly of
State Arts Agencies Legislative appropriations including line items.
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17. SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY
a. CLEAN ENERGY & INDEPENDENCE
Iowa is one of the nation's leaders in renewable energy. While traditionally this has focused on wind
energy, the solar industry has been growing. Clean energy jobs in Iowa have increased each of the past 5
years, outpacing the general job market. Iowa's renewable energy record is a selling point in business
recruiting, and the tax credit spurred investment in communities across the state. Renewable energy
projects support Iowa's energy independence and keep rates low with minimal impact to our air and
water quality.
REQUESTED ACTION
The state should consider an energy policy that works with local governments and utilities
to 1) provide energy efficiency assistance, especially to low-income families, 2) remove
barriers to widespread decentralized renewable energy use, 3) stabilize renewable energy
incentives, and 4) protect net metering and third -party power purchase agreements and
support other opportunities to make renewable energy more cost-effective and accessible.
The City supports state legislation to permit Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, in
Iowa. PACE financing offers an innovative way for property owners to pay for energy
efficiency upgrades with strong ROls that create jobs for Iowans. PACE programs can now be
used in over 37 states and has provided millions of dollars to improve buildings according to
the US Green Building Council. Long-term financing linked to properties incent investment in
energy -efficiency and renewable energy projects with long-term ROls and promote
equitable sharing of costs and savings among current and future owners and tenants. In
addition, the state should offer tax credits from building above the adopted energy code
(such as PHIUS, DOE Net Zero, etc.) and offer tax credits for efficiency upgrades to low-
income occupied homes and rental units.
The City supports policies that incentivize electric vehicles (EVs) and allow for development
of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Additionally, the State needs to include
Dubuque's highways (20 and 151) as qualified corridors for all funding sources.
Iowa is one of the national leaders in renewable energy. While traditionally this has focused
on wind energy, the solar industry has been growing. In 2022, clean energy jobs in Iowa
increased 3.5%, and clean transportation is the state's fastest growing job sector. Iowa's
renewable energy record is a selling point in business recruiting and the tax credit spurred a
lot of investment in communities across the state. The state needs to reinstate the Iowa
Solar Tax Credit and increase the allotment to $10 million annually.
b. WATER QUALITY & COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
Iowa's water quality continues to diminish, putting residents and industry at risk. Cancer rates continue
to increase, many linked to environmental factors, and community health and longevity are at stake.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Restore water quality information system to preserve and maintain water sensors so we
have the data on water quality across the state to use to inform policy decisions.
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18. PUBLIC HEALTH
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING
IARPA and CARES money was a one-time and specifically for COVID relief. Local public health agencies
(LPHAs) need dedicated, reliable, and flexible funding to deliver on their CHNA/HIPS and address the
knock -on "social morbidities" of COVID that will be seen for years if not generations to come.
For over 20 years, local public health agencies have been creating, refining, updating, and adding 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'd 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, Legionella, 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.
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. Effective
public health services depend on sustained and flexible funding that can be used to respond to
community needs.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase and protect core funding for vital public health agencies and programs and strengthen
Iowa's and the nation's public health infrastructure. Create sustainable funding for public health
emergency planning and response. Improve tools and technology to prevent, detect, respond
and predict disease and injury.
b. BRAIN HEALTH
City of Dubuque Public Health and Safety officials and staff recognize the law enforcement issues serving
individuals with brain and behavioral health issues.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support integrated co-occurring policy and funding.
• Workforce development and recruitment.
c. CHILDREN'S BRAIN HEALTH PRIORITIES
Citizen input describing the experience of navigating the brain health resources for children in Iowa
describes a system that is fraught with challenges. These challenges frequently preclude successful
outcomes.
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Children's brain health protocols need to be tailored and age appropriate and not modeled after adult
systems. Barriers to care, lack of services, scarcity of providers, and lack of professional services in
schools and day care all mitigate against good brain health solutions.
The Children's Behavioral Health Systems state board identified the following priorities:
• Ensure stable and adequate funding of the children's system.
• Continue service growth to all areas of the state including but not limited to core and core plus
services.
• Address challenges impacting the behavioral health workforce, including implementing
strategies to enhance the current behavioral health workforce.
• Implement universal behavioral health screenings with informed consent by children's parent or
guardian.
• Continue to develop and implement statewide data collection pertaining to children with a
serious emotional disturbance.
• Provide funding to eliminate the children's mental health waiver waitlist.
• Conduct statewide resource mapping for children's services.
• Explore and correct gaps in services.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support the policy makers priorities of the Children's Behavioral Health Systems state board.
d. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Iowa's Community Health Centers (CHCs) have 52% of their patients covered by Medicaid, which is 16%
of the state's total Medicaid population. As unique primary health care providers that conveniently offer
medical, oral health and behavioral health services under one roof, CHCs frequently see patients who
have scheduled appointments for more than one type of visit on the same day (for example, a patient
will schedule a yearly medical exam and a dental cleaning on the same day). Unfortunately, current Iowa
Medicaid reimbursement policy does not allow CHCs to be reimbursed for more than one visit if they
occur on the same day.
Protecting Access to Affordable Medications
The 340B Drug Pricing Program allows for patients of community health centers and other covered
entities to receive access to affordable, often life-saving prescription drugs. Maintaining the integrity of
the 340B Program is critical for ensuring patients, particularly those in rural and other areas where
access to care is scarce, can access affordable prescription drugs. As one of the few programs that is
proven to help Iowans access affordable medications, we need to safeguard the original intent of 340B.
Expanding Access To Comprehensive Care
Allow a CHCs who currently have waiting lists for behavioral health and/or dental services. Investing in
CHC infrastructure will expand access in Iowa, particularly in rural areas or where access to healthcare's
particularly dire. These investments would support expansion of services and physical locations,
improvements to technology, and allowing CHCs to remain viable employers and producers of economic
activity in their communities. Investing in this model will reduce healthcare costs, keep patients from
accessing more costly care such as emergency rooms and generate economic growth through expanded
job opportunities, construction, etc.
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State -level legislation would protect the original intent of the program and provide a stopgap to ensure
safety net providers like CHCs can continue to use the program and patients can access affordable
medications while Congress works on more comprehensive reform.
REQUESTED ACTION
Protect access to the 340B Program to sustain community health centers' essential model of
care, lower prescription drug costs for patients, and improve health outcomes.
e. RECRUIT & RETAIN A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE
One of the largest factors limiting a community health center's ability to provide patients quality care is
recruiting and retaining quality providers.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support Iowa community health center's workforce to address shortages throughout the state,
including investments in recruitment and retention strategies, training, and loan repayment
with a focus on dentists, dental assistants, medical assistants, nurse, hygienists, and other
support staff.
f. OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Opioid use and overdose deaths represent a public health crisis requiring innovating, evidence -based
responses with community involvement. Opioid overdose mortality represents a major and preventable
threat to public health. Deaths from unintentional drug poisoning have reached crisis levels in the
United States and in Iowa. Last year in Dubuque, we had nine opioid-related overdose deaths, and three
have occurred already this year. Other communities in Iowa are also experiencing the devastating
effects of illicit opioids.
A growing body of evidence and experience supports innovating community -level approaches to
preventing opioid overdose deaths in the broader context of efforts to reduce the risk of overdose
through primary prevention of opioid misuse. Numerous pilot programs and evaluations have
demonstrated the feasibility and viability of providing opioid education to the community, to health care
providers, including Nalaxone administration, use, and education on the opioid Prescription Monitoring
Program, and harm reduction strategies.
The Dubuque community has been monitoring the increasing opioid crisis and we are very concerned
about the growing impact on our community. A local, community -based opioid response team has
assembled and is meeting regularly. To date, they have educated 566 community and health
professionals, along with 187 law enforcement personnel, on Nalaxone administration and promoted
community -based organizations to educate the community on the opioid misuse problem. Much of the
task force work has become a model for the state and country.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Establish drug specialty courts in statute for each judicial district, funded with standing
appropriations to the Judicial Branch and Department of Corrections.
• Maintain coverage for vulnerable populations and ensure immediate health benefit
coverage to Medicaid and insurance -eligible offenders when released from incarceration,
including coverage of naltrexone prescriptions for addicted offenders.
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• Explore and pilot the use of research -based harm -reduction strategies such as needle
exchange programs while providing education to law enforcement, the community, and
healthcare providers.
• Peer to Peer support. Recognize and support the importance of informal, peer supports
such as narcotics anonymous, I Hate Heroine, CRUSH etc. This includes expanding education,
increasing inclusivity and financial supports needed to expand reach and efforts.
g. NOTICE OF VIOLATION
Currently, a notice of code violation must be sent via certified mail to a property owner if the City
performs the required mitigation of the problem and assesses the cost to the property owner. We
suggest that a notice be sent via regular mail to the property owner. Oftentimes, it is difficult for people
to collect or pickup certified mail, particularly if they are not home at time of delivery. Certified also
adds a significant cost ($2.87) to the mailing of each notice.
REQUESTED ACTION
Change Iowa Code Section 364.12 (h) to allow mailing via regular mail.
h. CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING
Childhood lead poisoning is endemic to Iowa. Of Iowa children born in 2016, 90% were tested at least
once before the age of six years, and 5.8% of these children were above the blood lead level of concern
established by CDC. 5% of children tested in Dubuque County were above the CDC level of concern.
Because of decreased federal funding for lead poisoning prevention, Iowa has fewer funds to pass on to
communities for local lead poisoning prevention public health efforts. Because of limited local public
health capacity, we rely on the Iowa HHS to provide guidance for medical case management of lead
poisoned children, data collection and database maintenance and analysis, along with educational
resources and guidance.
REQUESTED ACTION
Appropriate adequate funds to allow the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
to continue its crucial role as a technical advisor and data manager to local childhood lead
poisoning prevention programs (CLPPP) and increase funding levels for local CLPPP programs.
i. HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS
A decade ago, the Legislature charged the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture with preparing a
local food and farm plan containing policy and funding recommendations for supporting and expanding
local food systems and for assessing and overcoming obstacles necessary to increase locally grown food
production. The Healthy Local Foods principle of Dubuque's sustainability model aims to provide
benefits of wholesome food from local producers, distributors, farms, gardens, and hunters to all. The
City and its partners engaged in the Healthy Local Foods initiative have participated in the forming of the
Local Food & Farm Plan. In order for local institutions and consumers to increase their purchase and
consumption of local foods, barriers must be overcome that enable more produce and meat to be
produced, processed, and sold locally. Various studies have shown the value of a strong local food
system as an economic development tool.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support and help facilitate food donation and food rescue programs.
• Promote and facilitate grocery store investment in food deserts.
• Facilitate and fund Farm to School and Farm to Institution health food initiatives.
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• Incentivize regenerative soil management practices for agriculture, school and community
gardens to protect Iowa's major industry and environmentally sensitive areas.
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THE C:
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
AII•Ameria Cib
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
2l)Q.,2)52026 STATE
LEGISLATI
VE
PRIORITIES
Page 199 of 1019
Table of ConteSTATE I ntsTIVE
1:. TAX RELATED POLICIES..............................................................................................................................5
a. LOCAL TAX LEVY AI T-WORITV..................................................................5
1- P-rnlQPTIQN SALES TAX S
6 ASSES-SO°rS- $111=....................................................................................................................................S
e. STATE MANDATES .................................................................................................................................6
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................................................7
a. TAX!NOR€M€NT FINANCING (TIP) .......................................................... :7
- EMINENT DOMAIN 9
E. STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS ........................................................
d. QUALITY OF LIFE Q CO
MMUNITYENHANCEMENTS ...........................................................................18
e. CHILDCARE ..........................................................................................................................................19-
f. 1-14^ID BANK POLICY ii
gBRn�n�P1-r-) REnnEDInTION i2
EQI IITV 13
a�cMANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING ...............................................................................................I-R
a. MANDATORY 1 vl[
RACE €4UITY IMPACT STAT€M€�5...............................................................................................1
E. FUNDING FOR VnI ITH /VCII I^IG ADULT INTERNSHIPS �..................................... i3
d SUPPORT FOR WOMEN ND RIDnr (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE nF GQ nR) C)WNFD SMA I
BUSINESSES............................................................................................................................................. A
DECRIM'NAI IZAT'C)N OR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA USE & POSSESSION 14
C. �CGI[11 VIIIVTTCI>=TTI Iv1V vl[ I�..................................
F cl IDDnRT COURT FINE & F€€ REFORM ................................................14
4. TRANSPORTATION.................................................................................................................................. i7
a TRANSPORTATION FUNDING i7
-h RAI�nAD SAFETY AND DELAYS i7
A�T/"Cr pT'CP T 1TTr�P T..........................................................................................................
ROAD USE TAX FUND (RI ITF)............................................................. ig
RAIL................................................................................................................................. i g
5 DI B Q IC REGIONAL AIRPORT 1:9
a. SWDPQD - C-OMMERGIALA!R SERVICE FOR n�IJQIJ€ REG10N,AL A!RDODT 19
h. AIRPORT VERTICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING SOURCE UPDATE
PBAT€................................................... 1_9
r FEDERALLY MANDATED 9_Q
G. FEDERALLY IVITTIVBAT€B AIRPORTS FIREFIGHTING ..............................................................................
n IR PQ RT$SERVICE PROVIDER AGREEMENTS i
e. AIRPORT t7t^IraD USE FOR -ENERGY QjECTS. 2H
6. HOUSING 2i
a. STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE ADOPTION �/rUPDATES TO BUILDING CODES ........................................ 21:
1IPage
Page 200 of 1019
1 I 1 ! ! ! ! _ 1 ! 1 1 • ! ! 1 1 /
1 • • _ \ 1 • ■
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0 • 117
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;�NVIRO MENTAL PROTECTION CLIMATE, AND CONSERVATION 39
�IzlvvlDD�cvlalvl ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, � vl......................................................
Y. IREG- i€ATInI nTlvl" AND -CULTURAL PROrv-GRAA"CMS.............................................. 39
TECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ........................................................ 3
14. PARKS & RECREATION ...........................................................................................................................40
a. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION (REAP) .......................................................................40
h .MIIAV F OF SPAIN STATE RECREATION AREA .......................................................................................40
G. ArTvRrC RESGpRCCc 4. nwl ITnnOR RECREATION TRUST FUND........................................................41
G
d- STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM 43
15. ARTS & CULTURE ...................................................................................................................................44
a. ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING..........................................................44
16. SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY ..............................................................................................................47
ENERGY EFFICIENCY 8c ALT€RNATIV€ENERGY ....................................................................................47 Q. ENERGY CI 1 Ic
17. PUBLIC HEALTH .....................................................................................................................................49
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING ...................................................................................................................49
b. BRAIN HEALTH ....................................................................................................................................49
e. Cull DREN'S BRAIN HEALTH PRIORITIES 49
d. COMMUNITY NITY HEAjH CENTERS . €A
o. RECRUIT Q RETAIN rQvrCIICI1€D HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE ............................................................si
n. AI�cC O�OLATIOAI 52
TCHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING 2
� HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS....................................................................................................................... 52
STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES — 91st IOWA ASSEMBLY............................................................................7
1. TAX RELATED POLICIES..............................................................................................................................
a. LOCAL TAX LEVY AUTHORITY................................................................................................................9
b. LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX.....................................................................................................................9
c. ASSESSOR'S BILL....................................................................................................................................9
d. STATE MANDATES...............................................................................................................................10
2. DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT...............................................................................................................11
a. SUPPORT COMMERCIAL AIR SERVICE FOR DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT.......................................11
b. AIRPORT VERTICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING SOURCE.................................................................11
3. PUBLIC MEETING NOTICES......................................................................................................................12
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT....................................................................................................................13
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a. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)......................................................................................................13
b. EMINENT DOMAIN..............................................................................................................................15
c. STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS.............................................................................................................15
d. QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS...........................................................................16
e. CHILDCARE..........................................................................................................................................16
f. LAND BANK POLICY..............................................................................................................................18
g. BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION..............................................................................................................18
5. HUMAN RIGHTS......................................................................................................................................20
a. MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING...............................................................................................20
b. FUNDING FOR YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIPS.........................................................................20
c. SUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOR) OWNED SMALL
BUSINESSES.............................................................................................................................................
21
d. DECRIMINALIZATION OR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA USE & POSSESSION..................................22
e. SUPPORT COURT FINE & FEE REFORM...............................................................................................22
6. TRANSPORTATION..................................................................................................................................26
a. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING..............................................................................................................26
b. RAILROAD SAFETY AND DELAYS..........................................................................................................26
c. IOWA'S ROAD USE TAX FUND (RUTF).................................................................................................27
d. PASSENGER RAIL.................................................................................................................................27
7. HOUSING.................................................................................................................................................29
a. SMART GROWTH WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM............................................................30
b. WORKFORCE HOUSING TAX CREDITS.................................................................................................32
8. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION................................................................................................................33
a. BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE.........................................................................................................34
9. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY..........................................................................36
a. FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM..........................................................................................................36
b. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER..........................................36
10. PUBLIC SAFETY......................................................................................................................................38
a. END THE ILEA MORITORIUM ON CHANGES........................................................................................38
b. FIREARMS & VIOLENT CRIME..............................................................................................................38
c. MENTAL HEALTH/EMT TEAMS TO SUPPORT POLICE & COMMUNITY SAFETY...................................38
d. HATE CRIME STATUTE.........................................................................................................................39
e. FULL FUNDING FOR JUDICIAL BRANCH SERVICES...............................................................................40
f. REVIEW OF THE MFPRSI PENSION.......................................................................................................40
g. SNOW REMOVAL OPERATOR ADDITION TO IOWA CODE 321.267A..................................................40
h. REVIEW OF LAW ENFORCEMENT HIRING PROCESSES (CIVIL SERVICE & CODE REQUIREMENTS) .....40
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11. LIBRARY SERVICES.................................................................................................................................42
a. ENRICH IOWA......................................................................................................................................42
b. HOMETOWN GOVERNANCE FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES..........................................................................42
12. HUMAN RESOURCES.............................................................................................................................44
a. MUNICIPAL FIRE & POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF IOWA...............................................................44
b. 411 SUBROGATION.............................................................................................................................44
c. CONTINUATION OF GROUP INSURANCE.............................................................................................45
d. SF 383 — PBM REFROM AND ITS IMPACT ON COSTS..........................................................................46
13. IOWA CODE CHANGES..........................................................................................................................47
a. MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS......................................................................................47
b. AUTHORITY TO PETITION FOR TITLE TO ABANDONED LOTS..............................................................47
NDERAGE & BINGE DRINKING..........................................................................................................47
d. "GOOD MORAL CHARACTER" LANGUAGE..........................................................................................48
e. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT....................................................................................................................48
f. CLOSED SESSION RECORDS..................................................................................................................48
e. SIDEWALK LIABILITY............................................................................................................................48
h. CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS....................................................................................................................49
14. PLANNING & ZONING............................................................................................................................51
a. EXPAND CITIES' EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION ............................................................................51
b. SMART PLANNING PRINCIPLES...........................................................................................................51
c. LIVABLE COMMUNITIES......................................................................................................................51
d. HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM (HSPG).................................................................52
e. PROPERTY OWNERS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS...................................................52
f. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE STAFF...................................................................................52
g. TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE........................................................................................52
h. LOCAL CONTROL OF PLANNING ISSUES..............................................................................................53
i. HOUSING..............................................................................................................................................53
I. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CLIMATE, AND CONSERVATION......................................................53
k. RECREATION AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS..........................................................................................53
I. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.................................................................................................................54
15. PARKS & RECREATION...........................................................................................................................56
a. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION (REAP).......................................................................56
b. MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATION AREA.......................................................................................56
c. NATURAL RESOURCES & OUTDOOR RECREATION TRUST FUND........................................................57
d. STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM...........................................................................................59
16. ARTS & CULTURE...................................................................................................................................60
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a. ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING................................................................................................................60
17. SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY..............................................................................................................63
a. CLEAN ENERGY & INDEPENDENCE......................................................................................................63
b. WATER QUALITY & COMMUNITY RESILIENCE....................................................................................65
18. PUBLIC HEALTH.....................................................................................................................................66
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING...................................................................................................................66
b. BRAIN HEALTH....................................................................................................................................66
c. CHILDREN'S BRAIN HEALTH PRIORITIES..............................................................................................66
d. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS..........................................................................................................67
e. RECRUIT & RETAIN A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE............................................................68
f. OPIOID EPIDEMIC.................................................................................................................................68
g. NOTICE OF VIOLATION........................................................................................................................69
h. CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING...........................................................................................................69
i. HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS.......................................................................................................................69
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STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES — 921191st IOWA ASSEMBLY
C-lities -are full partners with the Statem ef on eur vierk te a bright future fn-.r fe—r
The State of Iowa continues to focus on reduction of property taxes at the local
level. The City of Dubuque opposes strict caps on local property taxes which
would have the unintended consequence of threatening essential services that
rely heavily on these revenues.
The City of Dubuque has consistently supported alternative revenue sources for
local governments that would assist cities in achieving revenue goals that provide
for safe and protected communities, vibrant economic development, strong
neighborhoods, and other community amenities particularly parks and libraries.
The City opposes and asks for a reduction in unfunded mandates from State of
Iowa.
The City also asks that the City of Dubuque, the Iowa League of Cities and the
Metropolitan Coalition be part of any conversation on property tax reform.
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1. TAX RELATED POLICIES
a. LOCAL TAX LEVY AUTHORITY
The Dubuque City Council and staff have worked diligently and responsibly to provide excellent
stewardship of public tax dollars. The City of Dubuque has consistently had the lowest or one of the
lowest tax levies of the eleven largest cities in Iowa. Dubuque has demonstrated a high level of success
in local and regional economic growth and corresponding population growth. Usurping control of local
government's ability to determine the tax levy rate with "one size fits all" legislation does not support
the goals of Dubuque or the State Legislature, nor do we believe it will yield a successful and
prosperous future for Iowa.
REQUESTED ACTION
We urge our state elected officials who wish to further restrict local control of the property tax
levy to consider the outcomes and respect the authority and ability of local governments to
determine what is best for their communities in each unique circumstance.
Minimally we ask that there be:
• Improvements made to the Iowa property tax notice form to make it more
understandable to residents and factually accurate.
• No hard caps on total revenues that cities can derive.
• No hard caps on overall/total city levy rate.
• "Net New" outside of any growth limitations - don't penalize growth.
• Approve or expand alternative revenue sources to give local governments flexibility to
provide the service level expected of their residents and businesses.
The property tax system is complex and we urge officials to act thoughtfully to fully understand the
impacts of changes made to the system.
b. LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX
The City of Dubuque does not support legislation that would authorize the State of Iowa to raise the
state sales tax by eliminating the local option sales tax (LOST) with a promise to local governments that
the State would redistribute an undetermined "backfill" amount for an unspecified period.
REQUESTED ACTION
As state legislators consider LOST legislation, we ask that they work to reduce financial harm to
local governments and ensure that state sales tax and local option sales tax are collected on
every purchase done over the internet
c. ASSESSOR'S BILL
Property tax experts or representatives are now part of the tax appeal process. A tax representative can
file an appeal for a large commercial property under a contingency basis, receiving their pay based on a
percentage of the property tax savings they can achieve for their client. In many of these cases little or
no money is expended by the taxpayer. The representative files a protest with the Board of Review and
supplies little or no information to the Board. The Board may deny the protest, but the tax
representative will file a protest to either District Court or the Property Assessment Appeal Board. At
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this point the tax representative may produce more information, or they may try to negotiate a
settlement. On the assessor's side it may be very costly to hire appraisals and fight this out in Court. A
single appraisal for a large Commercial or Industrial property will easily exceed $5000.
Also, many appeals to the Board of Review are filed at the last minute with a statement such as
information to be presented at the hearing. Many appellants never provide the information or provide it
very late in the Board of Review session, so the Board is unable to reach a well-founded conclusion.
REQUESTED ACTION
Request the Iowa Legislature to limit appeals to District Court and the Property Assessment
Appeal Board to matters and information that were presented before the local Board of Review.
ed. STATE MANDATES
Cities are often faced with implementing mandates from the state and federal governments without
receiving the necessary funds for implementation.
REQUESTED ACTION
Enact legislation that exempts local government from providing any new service or engaging in
any new activities mandated by the state if the state does not provide full funding for the
mandated additional staff, equipment, and infrastructure.
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2. DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT
a. SUPPORT COMMERCIAL AIR SERVICE FOR DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT
The loss of commercial air service in Dubuque has created significant negative impacts on the regional
economy. Return of commercial air service is a top priority of the community and the region. The City
and its partners seek the support of partners at all levels of state government to return this essential
transportation connectivity to Dubuque and the region.
REQUESTED ACTION
Provide funding and advocacy to expand commercial air service for Dubuque Regional Airport.
b. AIRPORT VERTICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING SOURCE
Infrastructure needs at Iowa's general aviation and commercial service airports remain high. DBQ is
advocating for legislative efforts to update the sources of funding for the Airport Improvement Program
to include use taxes collected on aircraft sales. This would add to aircraft registration fees and aviation
fuel taxes already directed to the program and helps close the gap on needed airport projects that help
support Iowa's economy.
REQUESTED ACTION
Beginning with the 2027 fiscal year, use tax on aircraft sales revenue be deposited in the State
Aviation Fund that funds aviation safety, planning and development projects.
328.56 State aviation fund.
A state aviation fund is created under the authority of the department. The fund shall
consist of moneys deposited in the fund pursuant to sections 328.36, 423.5 and 452A.82
and other moneys appropriated to the fund.
Moneys in the state aviation fund are appropriated to the department of transportation for
use by the department for airport engineering studies, construction or improvements, and
the windsock program for public airports and marketing at commercial service airports. In
awarding moneys, the department shall give preference to projects that demonstrate a
collaborative effort between airports.
328.36 Deposit and use of revenues.
All moneys received by the department pursuant to sections 328.21, 423.5 and 328.29
and shall be deposited into the state aviation fund created in section 328.56.
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3. PUBLIC MEETING NOTICES
Iowa Code Section 362.3 mandates that all publications required by the Code must be published in a
newspaper. These notices cover a range of municipal actions, including public hearing announcements,
ordinance publications, City Council meeting minutes, and expenditure disclosures. These statutory
requirements impose a financial burden on cities, which are responsible for covering the associated
publication costs. Over the past ten fiscal years, the City of Dubuque has incurred an average annual
expense of $14,500 solely for publishing meeting minutes and ordinances. Costs associated with public
hearing notices span multiple departments and are charged to various project codes, making
comprehensive tracking of these expenses infeasible. However, it is important to note that the total
annual expenditure for all required notices is substantially higher than the amount reported for minutes
and ordinances alone.
Another significant challenge is the continued reduction in print publication schedules by newspapers.
The newspaper currently used by the City of Dubuque for public notices now prints only three times per
week. This limited schedule requires the City to engage in more advance planning and coordination to
ensure notices are published within required timeframes. As a result, it can slow down municipal
processes and hinder the Citv's abilitv to act efficiently on time -sensitive matters.
Allowing public notices to be published online would reduce publication costs for the City and enable
real-time posting of notices in a format that is more accessible to the broader public. This flexibility
would support more efficient communication and streamline municipal operations by removing delay
associated with print publication schedules.
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend Iowa Code Section 362.3 to authorize the electronic publication of required public
nntirac
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4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The role of city government in economic development is crucial. Economic activity requires roads,
streets, airports, water and sanitation. New jobs necessitate more and better workforce housing as well
as quality, affordable childcare. Growing businesses seek quality of life amenities for employees and
families, such as parks, recreation, bike trails, art, museums, and libraries. Protection and safety of
property and life must be assured. A community must value equity fair access and be welcoming to all.
This can only be accomplished with the strong support of an effective city government in partnership
with local private sector and non-profit leaders and state and federal government officials.
a. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)
The Iowa Code provides that cities can use TIF for certain public and private economic development
purposes once an urban renewal plan is approved and an urban renewal district established. The ability
to use TIF to assist private economic development projects in urban renewal districts is an essential
ingredient of the City of Dubuque's nationally recognized success, providing financing and incentives for
private investment.
The City of Dubuque has prioritized the redevelopment of our urban core; cities need tools like TIF to
accomplish this. The Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF allows cities across the state to reclaim their
urban cores, restore otherwise abandoned historic properties, and create more sustainable
communities. TIF is one of the most important economic development tools available to cities.
Since 2010, there have been a total of 6991 development projects that have utilized TIF in Dubuque.
These projects have received an estimated $73,200,606 in direct TIF incentives. These projects have
leveraged $660�9836,296,204 in capital investment throughout the greater downtown and Industrial
parks. These prefects have and resulted in the retention of 4,139204 jobs in Dubuque and the creation
of 8-36866 jobs. This does not include many of the jobs added to the downtown employment base where
there was no direct TIF agreement with the employer but rather the projects were facilitated by loan
pools and other methods benefiting from the Downtown TIF district.
This has all worked because responsible elected officials, who while acting in an entrepreneurial fashion
to encourage community growth, have used TIF, the City's only meaningful local economic incentive, in
a strategic fashion.
Dubuque has leveraged TIF to achieve consistent, significant job growth and maintain a strong,
diversified local economy. Over the years (since around 2001), it has facilitated the purchase and
development of over 1,000 acres of land in our industrial parks and Port of Dubuque, the attraction and
expansion of 91 businesses, and created or retained 9,3f4456 jobs.
Dubuque has been the recipient of numerous awards from organizations as diverse as the EPA, the
Human Rights Campaign, the National Civic League, the International Economic Development Council,
Forbes, SmartAsset.com, and the White House for its strong resilient economy, variety of amenities, and
inclusivity.
Since TIF is really the only economic development financing tool available to Iowa cities, Dubuque often
uses TIF as the local match required when partnering with the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
This was certainly the case with over 200 retained and 200 created jobs at Hormel, and mestmore
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recently the attraction of 270 high quality jobs at Simmons Pet Food. Without the flexibility this tool
provides, Dubuque would not have this kind of success in job creation and retention.
A very important priority of the City of Dubuque, the Historic Millwork District, benefited initially with a
$105 million investment of private and public dollars, rebuilding much of the street network,
underground utilities, creating parking and renovating the Caradco Building (Schmid Innovation Center)
into 72 apartments, and 35,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Two additional buildings
requiring approximately $40 million in investment, with 92 additional apartments and tens of thousands
of square feet of commercial industrial space were renovated and came online in 2015. In 2021, Dupaco
Community Credit Union completed the $30+ million rehabilitation of a five -story building to house its
corporate headquarters. And 2023 saw the completion of another 48 apartments with a private
investment of over $10 million. Ultimately, the entire Historic Millwork District will easily exceed $200
million in investment leveraging new business creation and much needed workforce housing for
Dubuque. This Historic Millwork District slum and blight subarea TIF was established in 2008. Legislative
proposals which place restrictions on Slum and Blight Urban Renewal TIF Districts would rapidly dissolve
the City's financial investment in this priority proiect for the City of Dubuque which will require
and likely decades; of investment in order to reach its potential.
The City of Dubuque tveuld eppeseopposes TIF reform that would prohibit the use of TIF revenue on
public buildings, which would stop the creation of parking ramps (vital to the economic viability of
downtown businesses) and City efforts to restore the Historic Federal Building, an iconic anchor building
in the downtown allowed to go into disrepair by the Federal Government. In addition, the City of
Dubuque would oppose the removal of current levy amounts from available funds to support projects.
Removing the school levy, for instance, from the available increment essentially cuts the incentive in
half.
The City of Dubuque has supported legislation requiring increased transparency, fastidious data
collection and antipiracy Retiring TIF - New Tax Money to Taxing Bodies in
language for TIF reform, but Fiscal Year 2019
cannot support reform that $900.000
limits or sunsets the City's use $800.000 $795,174
of slum and blight and $700,000
$579,086
economic development TIFs. $600,000 ■
$500,000
$400.000 $337,144
Even in these areas, the $300,000 $234,752
language should be narrowly $200,000 $170,958
532
crafted so as not to stifle $100,000 $99,$58,478
M$17�264 $9,854 tttt� 377
economic and community $
Tech Park South -2019 DICW - Subarea B -2019
development activities by ■DCSD ■City ■County ■NICC ■Other
cities. No language should be
included that could limit or destroy job creation and economic development potential that exists in
current TIF laws.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to maintain Tax Increment Financing as an economic development financing
tool. Oppose restrictions on use of TIF for public infrastructure and oppose the "sunsetting" of
TIF districts.
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b. EMINENT DOMAIN
During 2006, the Legislature approved changes to the Eminent Domain Law. Included in the changes,
and of particular concern, is the requirement that seventy-five percent or more of the area included in
the urban renewal plan must consist of property in a slum or blighted condition at the time the plan was
established in order for the entire project or acquisition plan area to be subject to condemnation by the
municipality. We believe that a 51% threshold is more reasonable. Furthermore, the new language
provides that the project or acquisition plan area shall only include the adjacent and contiguous parcels
necessary for the completion of planned activities for a specific business or housing project. This
language would be limiting for downtown development projects that may be larger in scope than just
the parcels that meet the definition of slum and blight. Lastly, the burden for the use of eminent domain
for airport project is increased by the requirement that the Board of Supervisors must hold a public
hearing and pass a resolution unless the airport improvement is FAA -required. This creates additional
layers of burden on a municipality.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to amend sections of the Eminent Domain Law to allow for changes as proposed
by the Iowa League of Cities and noted above.
c. STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
The Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit was passed in May 2000 to promote investment in our historic
resources in communities, codified in Section 404A.4. Rehabilitation of these resources contributes to
the economic viability as well as the strength of our communities. The secondary impacts of this historic
tax credit on our communities are countless. The program provides a tax credit of 25% of the qualified
rehabilitation expenses for qualified projects. Thus, each credit represents an investment in our
community of at least four times the amount of the credit. Additional revenues are generated through
increased property taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes.
The cap for the program is currently set at $45 million per year.
Between the beginning of the program in 2000 and now, Dubuque has completed over four dozen
projects using the State Historic Tax Credit program. These projects leverage over 3 times the amount of
SHTCs invested in the project from other funding sources.
These projects have added well over 3,000 permanent jobs to our economy, not including the
construction jobs to complete the large projects. These 3,000 people would equate to a $120 million
annual payroll.
Critical workforce housing needs in the City of Dubuque make state historic tax credits and other
financial incentives a top priority as the City works to promote redevelopment and reinvestment in our
urban core.
In the 2022 Legislative session, the refundability of the historic tax credit was scaled back so that by
2027, the credit will be only 75% refundable. It ratchets down 5% a year beginning with projects
completed in 2023.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Join with local governments across the state and private sector partners through membership in
Smart Growth Development Coalition to:
• Restore the State Historic Tax Credit to 100% refundable.
• If restoration is not possible, advance and pass SF 653 to maintain 100% refundability for
historic tax credits issued before July 1, 2023. This protection honors the State's original
commitments, prevents destabilizing project shortfalls, and keeps vital downtown, Main
Street, and heritage -based redevelopment projects moving forward as planned.
• Increase staffing levels of State departments that review tax credit applications.
• Increase the State capped dollar amount.
d. QUALITY OF LIFE & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS
Successful quality of life programs needs continued funding, such as Enhance Iowa, REAP, CAT funds,
Iowa Great Places, the Iowa Main Street program funds, and tax credits for historic preservation. Having
a variety of recreational, historic, cultural, and outdoor amenities in a community attracts and retains
families and a solid workforce. The listed programs allow the City and its partners to create those
amenities.
REQUESTED ACTION
Protect and enhance economic development tools enabling cities in Iowa to promote economic
improvement throughout the state through investment in our recreational and outdoor
amenities, cultural offerings, and historic rehabilitation of our unique downtowns.
e. CHILDCARE
In many Iowa communities, childcare has become unaffordable, inaccessible, or nonexistent. As a result,
working parents miss work, drop shifts, are less engaged on the job, switch employers, or leave the
workforce altogether. Childcare is an essential and under -emphasized tool for our state to develop,
grow, and sustain a reliable workforce.
Research consistently shows that increasing workers' access to affordable, high quality
childcare options aren't simply a benefit for parents; it improves the economy. Providing access to
quality affordable childcare positively impacts the bottom line of Iowa companies and is critical to
sustaining a strong workforce and economy.
The City has benefitted from and is grateful for the State of Iowa support through state sponsored child
care facility grants and wage support grants for childcare staff.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City of Dubuque supperts the f ,ll , .,ir r Rdlarie.ps .,f the le -via V.Ie ,- en's
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w identify a sustainable public private funding seurce te help support the shar
it RereaseE)FaFestaReete o 0
@nnUally Rd 75-% of the rLo+ rate survey. I., a's inreneme I n + curreRtly
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tIdentify leng term funding te suppert R.---sqness inGentive matching
grants Dreyie s grant pregram resulted On 36 -, micatiens Additicommuon-,I
notmes .eFe iRteFested on nl.,ing b t able +., , n+ +hn
fie.
• Increase CCA eligibility further — build on the 155% FPL increase and expand entrance
income limit to at least 200-250% FPL, phased in over several years, to make care
affordable for more working families.
• Lock in and expand funding for workforce supports — ensure stable, multi -year funding for
WAGE$, TEACH Early Childhood® IOWA, and other wage/education-support programs so
providers can count on predictability.
• Continue raising provider reimbursement to match market -rate costs, tying CCA payments
to ur)-to-date market survevs to help centers remain financially sustainable.
• Advance structural tax or policy incentives for child-care businesses — including fair
property -tax treatment, tax credits, and other incentives for employers investing in child
care infrastructure and capacity.
• Strengthen employer -driven child-care solutions — leverage the new Statewide Child Care
Solutions Fund with matching incentives, encouraging employers to invest in local child care
capacity and workforce sustainability.
• Simplify and broaden assistance eligibility and access — reduce work -hour requirements
(e.g., from 32 to 28 hours) and expand eligibility criteria so more working families can
benefit.
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f. LAND BANK POLICY
In order to return blighted and abandoned properties to productive use quickly, states have passed
legislation that streamlines the tax foreclosure process by giving ownership of these tax reverted
properties to a nonprofit land bank therefore obtaining them earlier in the tax foreclosure auction
process. Further legislative reform in these states has redirected money collected from unpaid and
delinquent property taxes toward land banks for purposes of funding the land banks and for the
purchase of tax reverted properties. The City of Dubuque in collaboration with its regional partners will
explore the formation of a land bank that would purchase tax reverted properties through the tax
foreclosure process. The land bank would maintain these properties until purchase by a responsibility
buyer, ensuring the properties return to productive use.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support Land Bank legislation and work with State partners to approve redirection of monies
collected from unpaid and delinquent property to a regional landbank for funding and for the
purchase of additional tax reverted properties.
g. BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION
A brownfield site is a property that has real or perceived contamination which prevents its
redevelopment. In order to return brownfield properties to their best and highest use, various
remediation strategies can be employed. Depending on the level of contamination and the intended
future use of the property, these strategies can be more or less invasive and consequently more or less
expensive. Current code language leaves room for interpretation of the required remediation and can
cause the cost of property redevelopment to rise to a level that inhibits projects from moving forward.
This increased cost affects both the public and private sector as they prepare land for redevelopment.
An example is that "tipping fees" at the landfill for contaminated soil can be double the fee for other
materials.
Addressing known releases in an affected area may take a variety of forms dependent on the goals for
reaching the highest productive use of an affected area, including but not limited to remedies such as:
active remediation; passive remediation; restrictive covenants; and DNR approved capping.
Contaminant -specific fate and transport, toxicity, and volatility should be evaluated against exposure
pathways that exist prior to and after implementation of a remedy when determining remedy efficacy
and approval.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Modify lewa Amend Chapter 137 to allew ferexpressly authorize remediation
stFategies2ntLons that Minifflize deve'^^m - - reduce redevelopment costs whol^ `*,','T'
pFete"L hout compromising public health armor safety, sueh-as-. Specifically, permit the
use of engineered "capping" (or other containment) of shallow soils where when that cap
"^ ,-^;, Regis integrated into the redevelopment playa anywa design (e.g., cap plus cover,
paving, landscaping, or slab) — as a recognized remediation strategy for brownfield sites.
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5. HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights in the United States are facing significant challenges that demand urgent
attention. Despite longstanding commitments to fair access for all communities, structural
issues continue to shape outcomes in education, housing programs, healthcare, and criminal
justice, disproportionately affecting underrepresented communities. These failings undermine
the dignity and freedoms of millions. Fixing them is essential not only to uphold the principles
enshrined in the Constitution but also to ensure that every person can live with safety,
opportunity, and respect. Addressing these injustices is not optional, it's a moral imperative for
a truly fair and just society. We request your support through the following legislative actions.
a. MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING
Mandatory minimum sentences are punishments ordered by judges with minimum
incarceration terms set by the legislature to the -Se vebeeR Ee;, EtedA-f c�ime; they dictate
Fe, bylaw, et -;;Meupteftime' . Mandatory minimum sentencing
laws effectively strip judges of their authority to take the circumstances of a crime into account
and shift
i0kely te levy heavier chaFges agaiRSt peeple E)f G9leF OR general than they aFe against whites, ;.vhile
fedeFal pmseeuteFs aFe ever twice as likely to chaFge blaek defendants ;.vith Aeff&AsPers that GaFFy a
U.S. &mminal justice System, 2018). This h-;;-,; led te lewa haViRg GRe ef the highest rates A-f
equally Fegard-less, A-f race. IR pFactice, heweveF, this is veFy FRUGh pet the ea -se. PFeseGAE)Fs aFe FnE)Fe
seFVing mandateFy sent^^e^-s ^r^ QI-,power to prosecutors, allowing prosecutors to use the
threat of bringing charges under these mandatory minimum sentences laws to convince
defendants to plead guilty in order to receive a reduced sentence. In 2021, Iowa's incarceration
rate was 550 individuals per 100,000 population, compared to the federal level of 614. This
means that our incarceration rates stand out not only nationally, but internationally as well
with the next hiehest incarceration rate being the United Kinedom at only 144 Der 100.000 of
the DoDulation.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support striking mandatory minimum sentencing provisions, allowing judges to apply sentencing
guidelines in a way that takes facts into consideration so that sentences fit the crime.
b. FUNDING FOR YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT INTERNSHIPS°"rE Q. EC I IITv IMPACT
STATC�ACfUTS
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MOROPity impact stateme.AtS y.op-Fe d-t--SogRed to help pFevent dispaFities from gettiRg weFse -;;nd- -are in ----,;e
..A IA-I.A.9a I.A.fith a particular fpr, ir nn r-ra iR@I justice disparities. A 2019 ef minerity impact
statements fer r--ri.m.inal Matter.q fe-und that Statements need te hia mAdp ;wA61;4h1P tn ;fll stakehelders
fflue.h earlier OR the legislative IpFeeess; they Reed to be themugh and GGFRpFehP_.Aq_iVe -;;Ad- Ret a geReFiG
aRalYSiS; and that legislatien she-uld- Specifically prehibit the passage ef bolls where the arnpaGt statement
0 nducates the -hill dmSparatop-S. Siepe Thin Premmse ef Radal Impact Statements.
In 2022, nearly half of all civilian lobs required prior work experience. Youth who face
employment barriers such as growing up in a low-income household, living with a disability, or
having limited English proficiency need access to resources that help them gain essential skills
and experience so they can secure employment, support themselves, and work toward their
career goals. (Center for American Progress, 2023.)
Support legisl-atieR t_.h._;#_ Fp_quires thE)rE)61gh MOREWity impact statements tee hhe -attached eaFly to
any boll, jeint reselutiens, er a.m.endment and that prehibits passage ef bolls where the impact
. ^ %"^_ 1 . -_. ^^"'T'"'T-o"'_11"1_1111'-Internships provide experience, training, and
build connections that can help youth and young adults achieve professional success. Y^
gFadwate, with ever yeuRg adult-s v0ith internships en their, I � _. - MeFe likely te find full-flimie empleyment afteF the reperting jeb effers by the time they graduate (Hecht, 2016). in additien,
nternships h-ave been shewn te help change career directiens fer the better, with 0 indicating a
irectien nd 46.3% indicating a slight change (Saltikeff, 2017). There Arizhave paFtir=ipated
0 ef -blae-14 -;;Rd- I-atipe- s4id-eRts have paFtiGipated iR them (Heeht, 2Q16). Gender
0
About 12% of youth and young adults in 2021 were neither in school nor working (Annie E.
Casey Foundation 2024). More than half of these young people, known as "opportunity youth,"
were actively seeking positions but were held back by a lack of experience, among other
factors. Subsidizing employment programs supports both businesses and young people. Unpaid
internships largely go to those who can afford them, with students from high -income
households being more likely to participate than students from low-income households. The
effect of said versus unsaid internships disaroaortionately disadvantages vouth and voung
adults from underserved communities.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that provides funding specifically targeted towards creating paid internships
along with targeted recruitment of applicants of color.
dc. SUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND BIPOC (BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOR)
OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES
With only one minority -owned business for every 43 residents, Iowa's ratio is the lowest in the nation
(Clark, 2014). Iowa's black population is one of the most underserved small business markets in the
nation, representing a mere .S percent of Iowa's business population compared to 7.1 percent nationally
(Armstrong, 2016). Disproportionately, businesses owned by people of color have not had access to the
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funding provided by certain federal and state programs. People of color who own small businesses are
less likely to have strong relationships with their financial institutions, and many immigrants and
refugees who own small businesses are less likely to have access to information they need (Thrane,
2020). The largest minority business development program in the state - the Targeted Small Business
(TSB) program - has received severely limited promotion since 2012 (Augustine, 2014). Consistent
funding for and promotion of the TSB program would make it easier for more minority business owners
to access and learn about resources they could use to support their businesses.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that provides targeted funding for women and BIPOC owned small
businesses.
ed. DECRIMINALIZATION OR LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA USE & POSSESSION
Under both federal law and Iowa state law, recreational use of marijuana is illegal. Iowa has some of the
harshest penalties for first -offense marijuana possession in the nation, with possession of any amount of
marijuana being a misdemeanor with up to 6 months of incarceration and having a maximum fine of
$1000. These penalties are far more likely to harm people of color. With black people being almost eight
times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession (despite the fact that both
use marijuana at roughly equal rates), Iowa is surpassed only by Montana, Kentucky, Illinois, and West
Virginia in terms of racial disparities in arrests for marijuana possession (Edwards, et al., 2020).
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation that legalizes marijuana or, at a minimum, decriminalizes marijuana use and
possession.
fe. SUPPORT COURT FINE & FEE REFORM
Court -imposed fines and fees often "^r^m^ -A "a.rra^,-+^hinder financial se'f-s„ff;c;^^cystabiIity for low -
to moderate -income individuals and families ^^ 0^ ^ t Gi, _.. +"^ dis epertiena+^ ., ^.,"^,- of
Afiric—A.n. A.rnericans living an poverty and interaGting i.vith the ceurt systern, this has a significant racial
equity irripaAft-.
PiFst, severa4and create unintended consequences. Several provisions L^ it diff,e--- I+ f e r these;.y h
26, an individual
Geurt debt befere they are eligible fer a payment plan er can perferm Gemmunity
they eRteF a paymeRt plan, a minimum paymeRt Of $50 OS FequiFed. GA-M.M.1-1nity service is vall led ;;* thp
.
epeFatieR of the picegicaicn as the $50 paid by the I.A.9-AS -;; flat fee. $50 was
id whether the endavid, ;;I h;;d 2 FAPPtiRgS E)veF the ce, irse Af a menth With the staff Member Ar 25
pa
meetiRgS eveF thicee (3) yeaFs, it wasn't -;; sustainable 1xied-el fin-ancially. While the judges at thp 1APAI
of
Iowa law exacerbate these issues:
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Eligibility & Affordability Barriers: Iowa Court Rules Chapter 26 requires a minimum of $300 in court
debt before individuals qualify for payment plans or community service alternatives. Payment plans
must include monthly payments of at least $50. Credit for community service is undervalued, with
individuals receiving credit at the state's minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour, drastically less than the
value of a volunteer hour (approximately $33 as of April 2024) and even lower than the hourly -wage
equivalent of someone lust barely meeting the federal poverty threshold while working a full-time lob
(approximately $7.52 per hour as of December 2025).
Impact on Employment and Mobility: Unpaid court debt can lead to vehicle registration holds and
license suspensions, even for non -vehicular offenses. This can result in even more legal problems for
individuals who must drive to maintain emplovment. further erodine their financial stabilitv and
compounding the cycle of poverty and criminalization. Unpaid court debt can also result in
garnishments, wage assignments, income tax offsets, and professional licensure suspensions.
Community Service Management: Tracking of community service requirements is often left to
individual prosecutors and their offices, resulting in inconsistent reporting requirements and
enforcement. A statewide, court -managed community service program would provide a consistent and
equitable alternative for individuals seeking to resolve court debt. Centralized oversight by the courts
would improve tracking, reduce administrative burdens on local agencies, and help maintain program
sustainability. Such a system would also reinforce the rehabilitative intent of community service,
offering a meaningful path toward debt resolution without exacerbating financial hardship.
REQUESTED ACTION
example,SeGeRd, unpaid debt eaR interfere vioth ORgGiRg empleymeRt and fmP-;;Pr-.O-;;l Stability. As just E)Re
persen's vehicle registratie.n. .1f the ce—nvirftie—n v.f-AS fer -A ve—hicul.ar crime, then the persen's driver's
pFevents thern fFern paying the ceurt debt, the held eR the registratien turns inte a suspensien when
the ef their tags gees unpaid. if they Gentinue te- drive — te get te werk fer example — they may
theln Gbe charged with dFiViRg with expired tags, a vehicul-ar eri.m.e that leads te There
alse aner-detal evidence frem atterneys who have werked "rer-ket der-ket" that peeple believe that
paying the ceurt debt eneugh te reip-state thp-ir liceRse, which They MLASt alSe fiIP I.A.fith the
DOT and pay a $30 reiRStatP-.M.P-.At fP-P-. DepeRdiRg en the -A.w.eunt ef time that passes, they may alse
need to rn+-,Ln beth the ,.,ritten -and driving tests
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• 4Remove the $300 threshold for payment plan eligibility.
• Remove the S300 threshold for communitv service eliRibil
• Eliminate the $50 minimum monthly payment requirement.
• Align community service valuation with the current volunteer hour rate.
• Establish and fund a statewide. court -managed communitv service track
• End vehicle registration holds and license suspensions for non -vehicular court debt.
• Oppose anv effort to further restrict or eliminate abilitv-to-oav determinations.
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6. TRANSPORTATION
a. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Dubuque is the regional economic center for the Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin tri-state area. With local
international companies and businesses such as the John Deere Dubuque Works, Nordstrom
Distribution Center, Mc Graw Hill Publishing Company, AY McDonald Manufacturing, Kendall/Hunt
Publishing, Simmons Pet Food and Hormel Food Corporation, a 21st century transportation
infrastructure system is essential. In order to continue the consistent and strong economic growth and
job creation in the tri-state area, critical transportation infrastructure requires increased state and
federal funding.
Transportation projects and improvements in Dubuque include:
• Completion of the Southwest Arterial shared -use bike and pedestrian trail
• Design, R4ht_ ight-of-way property acquisition and construction of East-West corridor
capacity improvements
• IFRpFe emeR Safety improvements and enhancements of the twelve (12) existing at -grade
railroad crossings in Downtown Dubuque
• Intersection Pnhppe^m^^*scapacity and safety improvements at the Northwest Arterial and
Highway 20 intersection
REQUESTED ACTION
In order to increase transportation revenue for these and other important transportation
projects the City requests support of the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission to
maintain its current programmed funding and increased opportunities for funding to ensure
implementation of priority transportation projects.
b. RAILROAD SAFETY AND DELAYS
Downtown railroad tracks cleave the community, separating poorer neighborhoods from employment
and recreational opportunities. Already, 8-10 trains park in downtown Dubuque for 20-30 minutes each
as they pass through the community, causing traffic to and from the Kerper Boulevard Industrial Park
and Chaplain Schmitt Island to be delayed for long periods of time. Cumulative Railroad crossing delays
of up to 90 minutes daily (including during peak times) impair the efficient movement of people and
goods and impose additional costs on businesses. This transportation barrier will grow larger with the
merger of the Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads, as train traffic will nearly double to
18 trains per day that are forecasted to pass through Dubuque by 2027. The additional train traffic will
cripple the downtown traffic network, causing significant delays and safety related concerns in response
times for first responders.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City would like to thank the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission in support of
the City's application and award of the $25M RAISE Capital grant to construct a vehicular and
pedestrian grade separated railroad overpass at 14th Street. The Gity aIS., ,-,,,.,,, sts an ;�
;R IDOT Quiet Zeno FURdiRg The City also requests the support of the Iowa DOT Commission for
at -grade railroad crossing safety improvement funding. The City also requests the Iowa DOT
Commission consideration of including in their 5-year program, funding for intersection capacity
and safetv improvements enhancements at the Northwest Arterial and HiRhwav 20 intersection
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c. IOWA'S ROAD USE TAX FUND (RUTF)
According to Iowa Code, road use tax funds (RUTF) are studied every five years in order to identify
alternative revenue options that could support and enhance the fund as traditional transportation
modes evolve and older funding streams diminish.
Local governments recognize that local transportation systems carry great importance not only for
public safety and quality of life, but also for mobility, commerce, community vitality and economic
development. The transportation system is in demand 24 hours a day, regardless of its road and bridge
conditions or other factors. When existing funding sources are inadequate to address failing or
deteriorating infrastructure needs, local governments are faced with aging and limited infrastructure as
well as safety concerns.
While the State of Iowa's gas tax increase in 2015 increased current and near -future Road Use Tax Fund
revenues, consideration needs to be given to future road funding needs and mechanisms as Iowa's
drivers purchase fewer gallons of conventional vehicle fuels.
REQUESTED ACTION
Investigate alternative funding mechanisms to increase funding for Iowa's transportation
infrastructure. Study to include possible additional revenues from agricultural, energy, and other
sectors that have heavy traffic and load impacts on Iowa's transportation systems.
d. PASSENGER RAIL
Through the Envision 2010 process, the Citizens of Dubuque have established a Passenger Rail
Committee to support and promote the return of passenger rail service from Chicago to Dubuque.
There is a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Illinois to implement passenger rail service
between Chicago and Dubuque. Currently funding provides for connection from Chicago to Rockford,
Illinois. The City has been successful in partnership with DMATS and the local Ride the Rail citizen group
in securing funding for the feasibility study of passenger rail return from Rockford to Dubuque.
REQUESTED ACTION
Continue to support the return of passenger rail from Chicago to Dubuque, with local and
regional partners.
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■ 0 ► 1
♦ .
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o /VRPQRT LAND USE E(1R EVIERGY RR(II GA
As a4perts seek says to generate nen property tax revenues, the use of non aeronautical airpqrt lands
for selar eReFgy geRerari.,R has h.,.-.,., e a viable E)pt..,r
-7
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ra. HOUSING
FIVERM Tv. ..RAN 110 M I ki irawariffil.
1-- mm
Can cities SUPPeFt aRy additiem-al meep-15; ereated by fore cede updates er ameRdmeRt GaFve e6its
sempletedbythe State?
ran.
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r�ewn:r_rrrs� :tsrnstsns��.. r.♦:r_ts�. _
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Codes adopted MUST be i.R the last two eade eyeles, E)F all PEIVIA assistaRee peteRtial will be
4)s.
-4. SMART GROWTH WORKFORCE HOUSING GRANT PROGRAM
Creation of the Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant program under the discretionary policy of the
Iowa Finance Authority provides greater opportunity for the City of Dubuque and its partners to stabilize
the community and will prioritize environmentally sustainable development and will promote economic
development. This grant program was established in the 2010 legislative session. The program,
however, lacks funding.
Definition
Smart Growth practices are settlement patterns that avert urban sprawl by encouraging more compact
development, greater transit use, and enhanced environmental protection. Workforce housing is
normally defined as housing affordable to households earning between 80 percent and 120 percent area
median income (AMI). Affordable, in the housing industry, means a household pays no more than 30
percent of its annual income on housing. Smart Growth Workforce housing is the combination of these
concepts — the development of sustainable, transit -oriented housing that is affordable for our
workforce.
What can our workforce households afford to pay for housing? "The National Housing Act of 1937"
created the public housing program... [wherein] a tenant's income could not exceed five to six times the
rent; and by 1940 income limits gave way to the maximum rent standard in which rent could not exceed
20 percent of income — in practice, the same as the predecessor income limit standard. Over the
decades, that percentage has risen, so that by 1981 the threshold was set at 30 percent of income.
Households that spend over 30 percent of income on housing are considered cost burdened. Why the
increase? Was it truly deemed a more appropriate benchmark? Or was it simply in response to an
increase in housing costs and the government's inability to subsidize housing for an ever-growing
number of struggling households?
Over the past decade, rising housing costs have outpaced the average salary across the United States —
in some areas by two- to five -fold. Many workers in urban areas have dealt with this discrepancy by
living far from their downtown jobs or by living in housing they can't afford. Unfortunately, the former
solution is offset by an increase in transportation costs. And what is the price we pay for the latter
solution? "Families who pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing are considered cost
burdened and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and
medical care." In fact, a full 37% of homeowners and 50% of renters today are cost burdened.
Fortunately, housing costs in smaller urban and rural areas are often within closer reach for workforce
households. However, in areas where vacancy rates are low — calling for the production of new units —
development of quality housing is financially impossible, as operational income on the properties is not
enough to cover interest payments on the project mortgage. Low local rent levels, although beneficial
for tenants, preclude developers from creating new units, despite a community's housing shortage. For
this reason, many developers have turned to the LIHTC program to make their projects financially
feasible, whether or not this fulfills the community's particular housing demand.
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Meanwhile, the recent economic downturn and housing market woes have combined to create a new
class of workers, forced into the rental market because they do not qualify for a mortgage. Displaced
workers with homes that won't sell, families who've had their homes foreclosed, young professionals
with student loans, and households that might otherwise be able to afford mortgage payments if only
they could come up with the higher requisite down payment demanded in a tight lending climate — all of
these are moving into the rental market. This creates a rather sudden increase in the demand for rental
residential units for households that are neither wealthy, nor are they eligible for low-income housing.
The creation of affordable housing options for our workforce allows communities to attract and retain
quality employers. If the only housing that developers can afford to produce is intended for low-income
or wealthy households, we should not be surprised to see such a disparity in our communities' income
levels. To have a healthy mix of incomes, we must have housing options available for all income levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Fund the Iowa Finance Authority Smart Growth Workforce Housing grant program.
• Allow access to funds from the National Housing Trust Fund for the rehabilitation of
dilapidated and long -vacant properties, despite having a prior residential use.
Eb. WORKFORCE HOUSING TAX CREDITS
The "sun -setting" of the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Enterprise Zone program in 2014
resulted in the creation of two new tax credit opportunities under the High -Quality Jobs Program: one
for economic development and the second for workforce housing. The City of Dubuque supported this
policy decision in the 2014 legislative session; however, some refinement of the workforce housing tax
credit program w+ll hewas necessary in order to meet the demand identified by the State of Iowa. Toe
legislative ehaRges OR 2(^ Rd a & *^The City of Dubuque appreciates the ;. ^r*"1Afhile hEMSO^^
Legislature's leadership in separating the Workforce Housing Tax Credit program, btee from the
broader economic -development tax -credit cap ;S U^^^e^ saFily IiMiti^^ . This change appropriately
recognizes workforce housing as a statewide housing necessity, not a business -development incentive
REQUESTED ACTION
• Increase the Workforce Housing Tax Credit program's annual allocation to better match
demand and allow communities to accelerate housing supply for workers, employers, and
local economies.
• Update per -unit cost caps and eligible expense definitions so the program can support
prolects despite rising construction, labor, and financing costs.
• Continue improving application review timelines to help projects proceed more quickly and
reduce financing costs driven by delays.
• Provide additional flexibility for adaptive reuse, rehabilitation, and infill projects, which
often face higher upfront costs but add density and revitalize existing neighborhoods.
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-7. TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
a. BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
Dubuque supports state efforts to expand broadband in the state. Like water, sewer, energy and roads,
affordable, available and accessible broadband 100/20 (defined as 100Mb download and 20 Mb upload)
service with capacity to support 1 Gigabit (1000/1000) symmetrical service or greater is necessary to
support the quality of life of our families and the competitiveness of our businesses. State policy should
support and incent public/private collaborations to accelerate broadband access and services. State
policy should support innovations in new technologies and flexibility in existing systems like the Iowa
Communication Network (ICN). State policy should fund innovative approaches by local communities to
bring broadband speed and services to under -served and hard to serve populations. State policy should
not hamper local municipalities from directly addressing the issue and providing service to citizens
where appropriate. Also, while we support the concept of improved efficiency and transparency in the
regulatory process to encourage private broadband investment, we ask that care be taken with State
policy to assure there is sufficient flexibility for local government to be able to respond to local
complexities and needs with permitting, licensing, and regulatory decisions. Preservation of the use of
the public right of way for utilities provides benefits to all right of way users. Reasonable regulations
that provide for efficient use of sometimes very limited public right-of-way space is a wise investment
that pay dividends in the future to all taxpayers. When the first utility into a location inefficiently installs
their utilities, it drives up future installation costs for utilities that follow behind. The additional incurred
costs by the following utilities are then passed on to rate payers. Individual residents and commercial
property owners can also incur additional costs installing private service laterals when utility conflicts
exist in front of their private property. Lastly, if the State chooses to "target" its broadband efforts,
those targets should not be based on artificial distinctions of "urban versus rural" or "small versus
large", and "served versus unserved" mapping that heavily relies on advertised speeds but rather on key
consideration of available, affordable, and accessible broadband access in a specific location versus
larger community -wide areas. A Broadband issue in our community is the consequence of existing
broadband infrastructure that is deficient relative to both the last mile and middle mile transport
facilities used in underserved populations. The current infrastructure is out -of -sync with both the
greater population densities and the collective broadband needs of the residents and businesses within
areas of the community.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Continue to support policy and funding for expansion and universal access to broadband in
the State of Iowa with emphasis on support for wireline (fiber) technologies supporting
middle and last mile solutions. We continue to support Home Rule around location and
policy regarding broadband resources.
• Redefine "rural" and create an equitable formula for the distribution of broadband grant
funding and other broadband funds throughout the state of Iowa.
• Update broadband availability maps with data reflecting address -based test data from
neutral non -vendor sources versus FCC Form 477 carrier reported maximum advertised
"available" internet speeds removing barriers for challenging the accuracy of the maps.
• SuppeFt f^r'^^.,' digital equity and digital skills are now
necessary for every occupation in the US, yet roughly one-third of unemployed individuals in
the US lack these foundational skills and cannot compete for 75.2% of the current job
openings. It is vital to invest in new digital literacy upskilling grants to expand access to high -
quality digital skills instruction that meets industry and workforce needs.
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9. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY
a. FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM
Federal Emergency Management Administration has asserted that for everyone dollar expended in
disaster mitigation programs/projects, taxpayers save four dollars in recovery costs. The newly
established State Flood Mitigation program is designed to leverage local and federal dollars with state
financial assistance and is funded up to $600 million over the next twenty years. This amount will most
likely be insufficient in addressing the flood mitigation infrastructure demands of Iowa cities.
REQUESTED ACTION
We urge legislators to continue to appropriate funds annually to the flood mitigation account in
order to support local governments faced with high costs of these public infrastructure flood
mitigation programs in order to protect the lives and property of Iowa citizens.
b rQN4BI ED EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Dubuque County has experienced eleven presidential disaster declarations since 1999. Increased
frequency and impacts of disasters on the City of Dubuque has created the need for expanded facilities.
The City of Dubuque and Dubuque County partnered to create a combined E911 Center which offers
expanded space and best possible working environment. Regionalization of the E911 Center could
provide multiple counties emergency call service with greater efficiency and at a lower cost. Support for
regionalization consolidation of E911 centers will provide maximum assistance for Iowa citizens with
increased cost efficiency and savings.
The next phase of the City and County of Dubuque partnership is to combine the emergency call center
with the emergency operations center to provide maximum efficiency in the delivery of emergency
services. Combining emergency operations and communications will deliver services more effectively
and efficiently for the citizens of Dubuque and Dubuque County.
MAr
.112
=kaMAMWONNIV.
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The State of Iowa has partnered with many larger city/and county geve meRtsgovernment to assist in
funding combined emergency communications centers and emergency operations centers. Although
some local funding has been allocated from the City and County to relocate the °"�eFE911 Cetner,
there will still be a need for additional funds °" ''^^+^F ^^d cemplete f^fto co -locate the Emergency
Operations Center *^ be ce-lee-at with the 9-14E911 Center.
In 2024 the HSEMD incurred more E911 expenses than revenues. The department was not able to go to
the legislature to increase the E911 surcharge and instead are currently billing local county E911 boards
to make up the difference. As a result. the state is incurrine costs for E911 services that are being
ssed on to local eovernments E911 boards resultine in deficits for local countv E911 boards.
REQUESTED ACTION
Work with area legislators to explore opportunities for partnership and funding for a
combined Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center. Specifically in
support of legislation authorizing a county EMA levy to cover combined capital and
operating costs for combined emergency operations and communication centers.
Support increasing 911 Surcharge funding percentage to get the 911 Funds back into the
local's hands to assist local 911 Service Boards w;thMaintaining 91 systemsjo maintain 911
systems and support paving for the State HSEMD for state department expenses.
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-910. PUBLIC SAFETY
a. END THE ILEA MORITORIUM ON CHANGES
Currently the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy has a moratorium on changes due to a Governor's
Executive Order. By having a moratorium, the ILEA leadership is hampered on making changes that best
suit the needs of all agencies within the State of Iowa. For example: training is conducted at the most
basic level to accommodate those agencies who do not have or have very limited field training
programs. This does not take into account agencies that use ILEA certified instructors and certified field
training officers to conduct robust field training programs, essentially re-creating the training given at
ILEA.
REQUESTED ACTION
Allow ILEA to conduct administrative changes as needed (Governor's Executive Order prohibits
to allow for different academy options as needed. Identifying that not all agencies have the
same trainine reauirements.
b. FIREARMS & VIOLENT CRIME
On January 24, 2017, Dubuque Chief of Police Mark Dalsing and Davenport Chief Paul Sikorski, along
with the County Attorneys from Polk and Blackhawk Counties, and the Mayor of Des Moines, testified
before the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee to request the State take a harder look at firearms and
violent crime issues across the state.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Requirements for high, cash -only bonds for crimes involving firearms or violent crime.
• Review of existing codes to determine if penalties are sufficient (as compared to federal
penalties).
• Exploration of new codes to address additional unauthorized persons possessing firearms
(as compared to federal codes).
• Exploration of limitations on plea bargains for cases involving firearms or violent crime.
• Review of sentencing guidelines for gun crimes, including mandatory minimums.
• Analytical research into the individuals involved in gun crime and violent crime for
commonalities and cause and effect variables so effective treatment can take place.
c. MENTAL HEALTH/EMT TEAMS TO SUPPORT POLICE & COMMUNITY SAFETY
State leadership and funding is required to establish and support alternative teams of local community
service providers to work with local police professionals to address public safety. Police professionals
are called upon more frequently to serve as first responders, mediator, mental health counselor, and
social worker.
REQUESTED ACTION
Create a state task force to study replicable models that could address the need for support
teams for local police. Identify funding sources for mental health professionals, medical
professionals and social workers who would staff this expansion of community service to
residents.
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d. HATE CRIME STATUTE
According to FBI Hate Crime Statistics, hate crimes against people based on gender identity are on the
rise. The 2019 data indicates that 2.7% of reported hate crimes were committed against people based
on gender identity. This compares to 2.2% of reported hate crimes in 2018, 1.6% in 2017, 2.0% in 2016,
1.7% in 2015, 1.8% in 2014, and .5% in 2013 (the first year that hate crimes based on gender identity
were reported). Note that not all jurisdictions report hate crime statistics to the FBI and jurisdictions like
Iowa would report zero based on gender identity because state law omits gender identity from the hate
crime statute.
As of September 2021, 22 states plus the District of Columbia and two territories have hate crime laws
that include gender identity. Iowa is one of 11 states whose hate crime law includes sexual orientation
but does not include gender identity.
http://www.Igbtmap.org/equality-maps/hate crime laws.
A 2016 murder in Burlington garnered national attention when local law enforcement officials could not
charge the homicide as a hate crime based on the lack of including of gender identity in the statute.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/26/us/transgender-iowa-murder-trial-kedarie-mohnson.html.
In addition, we continue to hear concerns from community members of color that they find themselves
in situations where someone is trying to instigate a fight using racial slurs. When the situation in fact
escalates to a fight, both parties are typically charged with disorderly conduct. Enhancing the disorderly
conduct penalty for a person who uses slurs or other indicia of bias to select their victim and instigate a
fight may deter the use of these "fighting words" which are tantamount to a breach of the peace and
enhance community safety and security for community members of color.
The American Psychological Association, which takes a public health approach to violence prevention,
notes that dehumanization of unfamiliar groups and targeted aggression that is behind hate violence
can result in more dramatic psychological effects on victims as compared to crimes that are not
motivated by bias. In addition, hate crimes tend to decrease feelings of safety and security in the
community for members who share the victim's group status.
http://www.apa.org/advocacy/interpersonal-violence/hate-crimes.aspx
e-
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend hate crimes statute to include gender identity and to add disorderly conduct Iowa Code
723.4 as a crime subject to penalty enhancement.
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e. FULL FUNDING FOR JUDICIAL BRANCH SERVICES
Public safety and basic tenet of judicial process depends upon a robust fully funded judiciary which
provides for its citizen clients: access, timely processing, staffing and services. Critical funding must be
provided for all judicial services including juvenile court offices and services, drug court, and judicial
access.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation which provides full funding for the requested budget of the State of Iowa's
judicial branch. To do otherwise jeopardizes work being done with youth and is a compromise to
public safety.
f. REVIEW OF THE MFPRSI PENSION.
In recent years the State of Iowa has allowed for modifications to the IPERS law enforcement pension.
Particularly carving out an "early out" option for Sheriff's and Deputies. This request is for the legislative
branch to include MFPRSI in pension talks when other pensions are being adiusted.
REQUESTED ACTION
Review recent changes to the IPERS and State Patrol pensions that make their pensions more
lucrative. Such as the option of early retirement (with penalty).
R. SNOW REMOVAL OPERATOR ADDITION TO IOWA CODE 321.267A.
For years, emergency responders and law enforcement officers involved in accidents in the line of duty
have had the benefit of Iowa Code Section 321.267A. Upon completion of the proper DOT form by the
employee's supervisor, the work -related accident did not count against their driving record.
REQUESTED ACTION
Our ask is that this benefit be extended to government employees operating snow -removal
equipment in anticipation of, or in response to, winter precipitation events. These workers are
out in the most stressful and worst conditions and deserve this protection as they ensure police
and ambulance drivers can respond to emergencies and the public can safely travel.
h. REVIEW OF LAW ENFORCEMENT HIRING PROCESSES (CIVIL SERVICE & CODE REQUIREMENTS)
Current hiring practices for law enforcement in Iowa require a Civil Service test. The test is a basic skills
test and is governed by Civil Service Commissions with guidance from State Code Chapter 400. The
testing is set by the state and has not been updated in a very long time. Additionally, if asked, there is no
context or background as to why a civil service list needs to be established for hiring. The current civil
service law hinders "real time" hiring practices and hinders ongoing hiring practices. Additionally, hiring
practices such as very restrictive eye sight requirements, is antiquated and needs to be evaluated for
modern eye care standards.
REQUESTED ACTION
Review legislative restrictions allowing for more options for training of new officers to receive
certification. Current practice hinders "real time" hiring due to limited academies.
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11. LIBRARY SERVICES
a. ENRICH IOWA
Enrich Iowa is a state aid program for Iowa's libraries. Until recently, Iowa was one of eight states
without direct state aid to libraries. Current state funding is at $1 million statewide versus the
recommended $3 million for full funding. If Enrich Iowa were fully funded, the Carnegie -Stout Public
Library could realize a significant increase annually in state aid.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support efforts to increase funding for the Enrich Iowa program.
b. HOMETOWN GOVERNANCE FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Local autonomy of Iowa's libraries is a long -held value of the State. Most of Iowa's public library boards
have the type of authority referred to as "administrative authority." This authority is granted to public
libraries in Iowa by virtue of two documents, namely the Code of Iowa Chapter 392.5 and the local
library ordinance.
REQUESTED ACTION
Preserve hometown governance of Iowa's public by maintaining support for the autonomy of public
library boards to create and adopt appropriate local policies.
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CENSURE ACCESS FOR ALL
Providing all information resources directly or indirectly by the library, in a variety of needful formats or
methods, to all library users is a foundation tenet of librarianship. Access to all creates and informed
citizenry and directly benefits the quality of life for all in the state.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support broadband development funding and program initiatives to digital inclusion, access,
and affordability.
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12. HUMAN RESOURCES
a. MUNICIPAL FIRE & POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF IOWA
Police and firefighter pensions are funded through the Municipal Fire & Police Retirement System of
Iowa (MFPRSI). Employees contribute a fixed 9.4 percent of their salary, while their employers
contribute at a variable rate, with a statutory minimum of 17 percent.
The city contribution rate is set by the nine -member MFPRSI board to meet actuarial requirements. The
board includes four members representing police and firefighters, four members representing cities,
and one private citizen — all serving four-year terms.
The employer contribution rate was 17 percent from fiscal years 1997 through 2003. As a result of
market crashes after the September 11, 2001, attacks, it was gradually raised to 28.21 percent in Fiscal
Year 2006 before again dropping to the statutory minimum in Fiscal Year 2010. Since then, it increased
to 19.90 percent in Fiscal Year 2011, 24.76 in Fiscal Year 2012, 26.12 percent in Fiscal Year 2013, 30.12
percent in Fiscal Year 2014, 30.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2015, 27.77 percent in Fiscal Year 2016, 25.92
percent in Fiscal year 2017, 25.68 percent in Fiscal Year 2018, 26.02 percent in Fiscal Year 2019 and
24.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2020.
The problem with MFPRSI is largely about the variability of the contribution rate. Cities' IPERS
contribution rates since 1994 have never been below 5.75 percent and never been above the current
9.44 percent — a difference of 64 percent. With MFPRSI during the same period, however, the difference
between the statutory minimum and the maximum (30.41 percent in Fiscal Year 2015) is almost 79
percent.
Another small but contributing factor is the state's decision to phase out payments to MFPRSI.
At one time, the state contributed 3.79 percent of payroll to the system — an amount that would be
more than $9 million now. Then the contribution level became a flat $2.7 million — and it's dwindled
since then. The state used to contribute $1.5 million a year and now they contribute zero.
In a larger context, the public -safety -pension issues relates to local control. Cities cannot bargain with
police and firefighter unions on pensions, yet they have to fund them at state -mandated levels.
REQUESTED ACTION
The State of Iowa shall fund their obligated percentage for their share (3.79%). -C42Pgelf the
State elects not to fund their obligated percentage, consideration must be given to parity among
the sister systems (IPERS and State Patrol System) and any residual impacts on failure of the
state to fund their share which may include changing legislation to lift the cap for th-e-employee
contribution and censider reducing enhanced benefits for new benefits for new employees
Ee+RiRg into the MFPRSI system..., which will result in non -parity.
b. 411 SUBROGATION
Currently in Chapter 411, cities are not allowed to seek reimbursement from Third Parties for costs
incurred for Police and Fire injury and illness claims. As such, a Police or Fire employee may collect
against the City for an injury or illness claim and collect a second time for the same incident against a
Third Party. If the employee is successful in getting payment from the Third Party, the City is currently
not able to obtain reimbursement (subrogate) from the Third -Party payment.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Amend Chapter 411 to allow cities to seek reimbursement from third parties for costs incurred
for Police and Fire injury and illness claims.
c. CONTINUATION OF GROUP INSURANCE
Iowa Code Section 509A.13 states:
"If a governing body, a County Board of Supervisors, or a City Council has procured for its employees
accident, health, or hospitalization insurance, or a medical service plan, or has contracted with a Health
Maintenance Organization authorized to do business in the state, the governing body, County Board of
Supervisors or City Council shall allow its employees who retired before obtaining sixty-five years of age
to continue participation in the group plan or under the group contract at the employee's own expense
until the employee obtains sixty-five years of age."
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has issued an Accounting Standard Statement
75, related to other post -employment benefits. This statement requires public employers sponsoring
and subsidizing retiree health care benefit plans to recognize the cost of such benefits on an accrual
basis. This post employment benefit is provided in the form of an implicit rate subsidy where pre -age 65
retirees receive health insurance coverage by paying a combined retiree/active rate for the self -insured
medical and prescription drug plan. This creates a liability that must be reflected on the year-end
financial statements. We are not required to fund this obligation; however, the total obligation appears
in our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
REQUESTED ACTION
Repeal Iowa Code 509A.13, Continuation of Group Insurance- and address consequences of
SF383 as provided for below
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4-2
d. SF 383 — PBM REFROM AND ITS IMPACT ON COSTS
We appreciate the intent behind SF 383, passed during the 2025 legislative season, and share
the goal of supporting Iowa's independent and rural pharmacies. However, as currently
implemented, this law is among the most restrictive PBM reform measures in the country, and
it is producing significant unintended consequences for taxpayers, employers, and employees.
Iowa's law limits employer flexibility more than states like Minnesota or Wisconsin, which allow
cost -saving measures while still suDDortinR rural pharmacies.
Key Concerns
• Cost Impact: SF 383 will increase costs to the state emDlovee health Dlan by S7.8 million
annually and add approximately $340 million in costs to private -sector health plans
statewide, raising costs by about $169 per insured Iowan per year.
• Local Impact: For the City of Dubuque, these changes are projected to add $400,000 to
our health plan expenses in 2026.
• Broad Restrictions: The law prohibits cost -saving tools, mandates a $10.68 dispensing
fee per prescription, and restricts employers from guiding employees toward lower -cost
options. These provisions significantly limit flexibility in plan design and increase costs
for workiniz families.
Iowa Association of Business and Industries' Position
As the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) stated:
"ABI members and Iowa businesses support policies that improve access to care. But this
legislation simply shifts hundreds of millions of dollars in new costs to employers and working
families." ABI and other business leaders have urged lawmakers to consider a more targeted
approach that supports small, independent pharmacies without imposing massive cost
increases on Iowans.
Additional Risks
• ERISA Preemption: SF 383 imposes mandates on employer -sponsored health plans that
may conflict with federal ERISA standards, creating litigation risk and compliance
uncertainty.
• Pending Lawsuits: Similar PBM laws in other states have faced legal challenges,
resulting in costly litigation and delayed implementation. Iowa could face similar
challenges if the law remains unchanged.
REQUESTED ACTION
We respectfully ask the Iowa Legislature to revisit SF 383 and consider amendments
that:
• Maintain support for rural and independent pharmacies.
• Reduce unnecessary cost burdens on taxpayers and employers.
• Align Iowa's PBM regulations with federal standards to avoid ERISA conflicts and
litigation risks.
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13. IOWA CODE CHANGES
a. MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY PROTECTIONS
Legislation on 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. Iowa laws
have not been updated to reflect this important and highly consequential change.
Mobile home communities can be a viable choice for families in need of affordable housing. Iowa lacks
affordable housing and must create affordable housing opportunities across the state. Therefore, review
and reform of current law is vital. Specific recommendations include basic fairness considerations such
as justification and notice requirements for lot rent increases and good cause for refusal to continue a
lease, with clarification that legitimate business reasons can satisfy these requirements.
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.
In addition, it is important that the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division have the ability to
enforce against predatory practices.
REQUESTED ACTION
Advancing the goal of affordable housing for all Iowans requires a comprehensive review and
reform of the State code related to mobile home community protections is necessary to protect
Iowa citizens.
b. AUTHORITY TO PETITION FOR TITLE TO ABANDONED LOTS
A gap has been identified in Iowa Code, Chapter 657A; while cities can petition for title to abandoned
residential, commercial, and industrial properties with buildings, cities have no authority under
657A.10B to petition for title to abandoned lots. Abandoned lots can be time consuming and expensive
for cities to maintain.
REQUESTED ACTION
Include abandoned lots in Iowa Code, Chapter 657A and allow cities to petition for title to
abandoned lots as well as abandoned residential, commercial, and industrial properties with
buildings.
c. UNDERAGE & BINGE DRINKING
Current legislation provides for a penalty to be placed upon the establishment that serves minors.
However, only a simple misdemeanor penalty is placed upon the underage person attempting to
purchase alcoholic beverages. This does not discourage this problem, which is particularly prevalent in
college -age students. In an effort to combat underage consumption and "Binge Drinking" by our college
age population, we would ask legislative consideration to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty
found in Iowa Code Chapter 321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Pass legislation to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty found in Iowa Code Chapter
321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
d. "GOOD MORAL CHARACTER" LANGUAGE
One of the criteria for the issuance of a State of Iowa liquor license is determined by "Person of Good
Moral Character" as defined in State of Iowa Code 123.3 (26)(d). The State fails to consider the local
municipality's interpretation of "Person of Good Moral Character" prior to issuing a liquor license.
REQUESTED ACTION
Urge legislators to eliminate "good moral character" language and replace it with objective
standards.
e. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
The City supports efforts by city attorneys to create legislation that would allow the city to regulate
adult entertainment. Draft legislation would provide that cities and counties would regulate
establishments that offer, allow or permit nude or semi-nude dancing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation drafted by city attorneys of Iowa giving the City authority to regulate adult
entertainment establishments.
f. CLOSED SESSION RECORDS
State of Iowa Code 21.5(5)(b)(1) requires governmental bodies to seal the detailed minutes and audio
recordings of closed sessions. By requiring that these records be sealed, the statute mandates that these
records be preserved in hard copy form. Allowing governmental bodies to maintain these records
electronically would be more efficient and cost-effective. With advancements in modern technology,
there are numerous secure methods to restrict access to electronic records, ensuring their
confidentiality and integrity while streamlining the storage process and reducing physical storage needs.
REQUESTED ACTION
Amend State of Iowa Code 21.5(5)(b)(1) to allow closed session minutes and audio recordings to
be exclusively maintained in electronic format.
g. SIDEWALK LIABILITY
Amend Iowa Code 364.12 to address the recent court decision on sidewalk liability.
REQUESTED ACTION
The abutting property owner must maintain the area from the back of the curb to the right of
way line and must keep such area in a safe condition free from defects, debris, nuisances,
obstructions or any other hazard. The abutting property owner is liable for damages caused by
failure to maintain such area. Notwithstanding the obligations imposed hereunder, the property
owner may not remove diseased trees or dead wood or plant, trim, remove or treat any tree or
plant material on public right of way without first obtaining a permit from the city forester.
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h. CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS
Public records shall be kept confidential unless otherwise ordered by a court, by the lawful custodian of
the records, or by another person duly authorized to release such information:
A crisis intervention report generated by a law enforcement agency regarding a person
experiencing a mental health crisis, substance -related disorder crisis, or housing crisis, when the
report is generated for the specific purpose of providing crisis intervention information to assist
peace officers under any of the following circumstances:
(1) De-escalating conflicts.
(2) Referring a person experiencing a mental health crisis, substance -related disorder
crisis, or housing crisis to a mental health treatment provider, substance -related
disorder treatment provider, homeless service provider, or any other appropriate
service provider.
b. A crisis intervention report generated for the purposes of this subsection shall be made
available to the person who is the subject of the report upon the request of the person who is
the subject of the report, and may be provided to a mental health treatment provider,
substance -related disorder treatment provider, homeless service provider, or any other
appropriate service provider in connection with a referral for services.
c. Crisis intervention reports generated for the purposes of this subsection are not peace
officers' investigative reports under subsection 5.
d. Notwithstanding other provisions of this subsection, the date, time, specific location, and
immediate facts and circumstances surrounding a crime or incident shall not be kept
confidential under this subsection, except where disclosure would pose a clear and present
danger to the safety of the person subject to the crisis intervention report or the safety of
others.
e. For the purposes of this subsection:
(1) "Crisis intervention report" or "report" means a report generated by a law
enforcement agency to record the following information relevant to assess the nature of
a crisis:
(a) Any biological or chemical causes of the crisis.
(b) Any observed demeanors and behaviors of the person experiencing the
crisis.
(c) Persons notified in relation to the crisis.
(d) Whether suicide or injuries occurred in relation to the crisis and the extent of
those injuries.
(e) Whether weapons were involved in the crisis and a description of the
weapon.
(f) The disposition of the crisis intervention and any crime committed.
(2) "Housing crisis" means a situation where a person is experiencing homelessness, a
lack of adequate or safe housing, or is in imminent danger of homelessness or lack of
adequate or safe housing.
REQUESTED ACTION
Adopt language to amend Section 22.7 to reflect the above content.
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4414. PLANNING & ZONING
a. EXPAND CITIES' EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
Cities have extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for up to two miles from their corporate limits for
subdivision review and approval only if the County has zoning for the rural areas. Extending the cities'
ETJ to include review and approval of zoning changes would facilitate planned and managed growth.
Legislation should provide incentives for governments to voluntarily plan together and identify
recommended land use impact to be considered during the planning process. Support legislation that
expands land management practices such as ETJ of cities to include review and approval of zoning
changes.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation enabling cooperative planning and effective land management practices.
b. SMART PLANNING PRINCIPLES
State agencies, local governments, and other public entities shall consider and may apply the following
principles during deliberation of all appropriate planning, zoning, development, and resource
management decisions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support comprehensive planning and the Smart Planning Principles outlined in Iowa Code,
including funding incentives for communities to adopt them, and oppose any legislation to
remove or weaken the practice of sound planning in Iowa's communities.
c. LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
A livable community is one that is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing and
transportation options, and offers supportive community features and services.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Supports state policies that seek to improve quality of life by promoting development of
safe, accessible, and vibrant environments. Policies should address neighborhood
redevelopment, sustainable land use, mixed use developments, multigenerational and
affordable housing, multi -modal transportation, and efforts to help residents age in place.
• Support legislation to enable land bangdevelopment trusts and similar community -based
programs to address blight and disinvestment.
• Support legislation that promotes a culture of equity and inclusion that helps to transform
Iowa into a place that honors our diversity as a strength.
• Supports increased investment in affordable housing programs, including the State Housing
Trust Fund, Workforce Housing Tax Credits, and other programs that provide quality housing
for low- and moderate -income families, reduce barriers to homeownership, and support the
modification of homes to help people age in place.
• Support funding to help local communities plan for their housing needs.
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d. HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM (HSPG)
The State of Iowa needs to restore funding to the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program (HSPG). This
program was the only "brick & mortar" fund to encourage cultural growth and development throughout
the state of Iowa. The Historic Site Preservation Grant provided funds to acquire, repair, rehabilitate,
and develop historic sites that preserve, interpret, or promote Iowa's cultural heritage. Projects funded
by this program had to promote an understanding of the record of human experience within Iowa.
All HSPG projects were limited to work on "vertical infrastructure," which is defined in Iowa Code
Chapter 8.57 as "land acquisition for construction, major rehabilitation of buildings, all appurtenant
structures, utilities, and site developments."
The maximum allowable grant request was $100,000. The minimum allowable grant request was
$40,000. Projects required dollar -for -dollar cash match.
REQUESTED ACTION
Restore State funding for the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program (HSPG).
e. PROPERTY OWNERS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS
Section 303.34 of the Iowa Code requires that "At least one resident of each designated area of
historical significance shall be appointed to the commission." This requirement is problematic for the
City of Dubuque's Old Main Historic District, which is primarily commercial. It would be beneficial for the
City in the recruitment and retention of commissioners to be able to appoint property owners to
represent historic districts. Furthermore, since historic preservation regulations apply to the
rehabilitation, renovation, and restoration of property, allowing property owners to serve on the
commission would be appropriate.
REQUESTED ACTION
Enact legislation allowing property owners in addition to residents to represent the historic
districts on the Historic Preservation Commission.
f. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE STAFF
With pending approval for federal dollars for infrastructure and other projects, there will be greater
demand for Section 106 Reviews as part of environment review compliance.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase SHPO staff to review Section 106 reviews in a timely manner.
g. TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
As the continual development and optimization of local- and state-owned transportation roadways
increase accessibility to local amenities we encourage the continued collaborative partnership to make
our roadways as safe as possible and the creation of opportunities for alternative modes of transit.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support investment in healthy modes of non -motorized transportation, including expanding
funding for local communities to plan for trails and bicycle routes.
• Support efforts to fund and encourage use of public transit.
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• Supports efficient and environmentally friendly renovation of existing infrastructure,
particularly roads, bridges, utility systems, and electronic vehicle facilities.
h. LOCAL CONTROL OF PLANNING ISSUES
Local planners possess a deeper understanding of the challenges facing their communities, enabling
local jurisdictions to maintain control over planning decisions.
REQUESTED ACTION
Oppose legislation thatwith unfunded mandates regulations er limits leGal ^'a^^i^^ and wing
m�*erials and hem^ ecc patiens bills that limit the flexibility necessary to implement priorities
important to each individual iurisdiction
i. HOUSING
Recent housing studies at the state and local levels have highlighted a pressing need for the
development of additional housing units, particularly those that provide affordable options.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support increase investment in affordable housing programs, including the State Housing
Trust Fund, Workforce Housing Tax Credits, and other programs that provide quality housing
for low- and moderate -income families, reduce barriers to homeownership, and support the
modification of homes to help people age in place.
Support funding to help local communities plan for housing needs, including reform of local
zoning regulations.
j. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CLIMATE, AND CONSERVATION
With increasing storm -related events impacting our state and communities, we must prioritize programs
that prevent or mitigate t4eenvironmental impacts ^f Climate Change and protect the ^"v""p-A.M. our
natural resources.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support funding and programs that facilitate and encourage nutrient reduction in Iowa's
water bodies and watershed -level planning that addresses urban and rural water quality,
flood mitigation, and water recreation.
• Support state policies that encourage and incentivize use of sustainable energy from
renewable sources.
k. RECREATION AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Recognizing the value of recreational and cultural programs is essential for enhancing the quality of life
in our state and communities, as they play a crucial role in attracting and retaining residents who seek a
vibrant and engaging environment.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support programs and funding or incentives that provide a higher quality of life to attract and
retain residents. This includes support and additional funding for like Enhance Iowa program,
historic preservation, and cultural programs such as Great Places.
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I. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Recognizing that tax increment financing is an important tool for local governments (rural and urban)
and supports the flexibility provided under current law.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support legislation, policies, programs and funding that allow communities to encourage
sustainable development and remove blight, such as brownfield/grayfield tax credits and other
funding programs, and to attract and sustain quality jobs that provide livable and equitable
wages.
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15. PARKS & RECREATION
a. RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION (REAP)
REAP is a program in the State of Iowa that invests in, as its name implies, the enhancement and
protection of the state's natural and cultural resources. The long-standing REAP funding formula
provides money for projects through state agency budgets and in the form of grants.
REAP is funded from the state's Environment First Fund (Iowa gaming receipts) and from the sale of the
natural resource license plate. The program is authorized to receive $20 million per year until 2026, but
the state legislature sets the amount of REAP funding every year. This year the average REAP
appropriation is $12 million.
REAP has been used extensively in Dubuque for land acquisition and trails. Most recently it was used to
acquire an adjoining property to the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and extension of the
Northwest Arterial Trail which directly connects to the Heritage Trail as well as environmental
restoration of Eagle Point Park and Four Mounds Park and most recently expansion of Four Mounds
Park. All benefit tourism and connecting people to the outdoors with active recreation. The workforce
for jobs in need of filling in our area are clamoring for more parks and trails amenities. This includes
Iowans as well as persons moving from other states that have these amenities. If we wish a workforce
for our future, we must invest in these areas. Since 1998 Dubuque County has received over $7.72
million in REAP allocations for 228 projects for city parks and open space grants, conservation education,
county conservation grants and allocations, historic resource development grants, land management,
roadside vegetation, and soil and water enhancement (from report dated"022"
Dubuque is in the large size city category. That means that the maximum grant ask of $200,000. This cap
has been the same since at least 1998. Construction costs have risen dramatically during the last 25
years, especially the last 3. Holding REAP static reduces the positive results REAP has had on our state
parks, heritage, and environmental efforts.
REQUESTED ACTION
Request that the Iowa Legislature work to increase REAP to full funding of $20 million as
authorized and create more permanent year after year funding.
b. MINES OF SPAIN STATE RECREATION AREA
A Unique State Park with National Park Credentials
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area includes 1400 acres of woodlands, prairie, and bluff lands that
overlook the Mississippi River along a 3-mile shoreline. It is a regional destination where visitors and
residents reconnect with the natural, cultural, and ecological aspects of the park through interactive and
comprehensive outdoor and indoor learning opportunities. This state park is a National Historic
Landmark, a state preserve and sits along the Mississippi flyway. Trails connect visitors to a farm site,
forests, prairies, archeological sites, and wetlands. It also boasts some of the most diverse ecological
habitats ranging from bluff lands that overlook the river to tall grass prairies, forested woodlands, and
wetland.
This National Historic Landmark contains thousands of years of human history dating from the early
Mississippian period through the early twentieth century. Mounds, village sites, rock shelters, trading
post sites, and campsites dot the landscape. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is a Silos and
Smokestacks National Heritage Area Site.
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State Support for Investment and Operation
The IDNR, the city, the Friend of the Mines of Spain, and Dubuque County Conservation have an
excellent track record as partners. This partnership success can continue with the increased and stable
funding for the operation, maintenance, and staffing of the Mines of Spain. Success, we believe, will be
reached with asset management funding from secure State funding sources to enable us to fully use the
expanded Interpretive Center and park area. With stable State funding, Park staff can maintain the
Mines of Spain as the local, regional, state, and national treasure it is and should remain. The outcome is
a place for expanded education, increased experiences for the visitor and heritage tourism to attract
more visitors to the state. Without this increased/stable funding the ability to use and appreciate these
facilities/land are seriously threatened; past investments are at risk for being wasted.
The usage of Mines of Spain State Recreation Area remains very high, with the majority of visitors
coming from outside Dubuque coming from the larger tri-state region. The increased usage creates
additional need for maintenance staffing and support thus state help is needed for increased funding for
the operations and staffing of Mines of Spain Recreation Area and state parks across Iowa. Invasive
species need to be managed, which takes the time of staff and/or contractors to ensure the protection
of this treasured and very special natural resource.
Local Response to State Needs
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center are a unique
collaboration between the State of Iowa, Dubuque County Conservation, Friends of the Mines of Spain
and the City of Dubuque. When more space was needed at the Interpretive Center, the Friends of the
Mines of Spain (FOMOS) planned and coordinated an expansion that more than doubled the original
space for educational purposes, raised $1.8 million in private, local, state and federal funds with the
expanded center serving over 250,000 visitors annually.
The award -winning LEED-certified Interpretive Center welcomes visitors to one of the region's best -
conserved natural and cultural resources, where people can explore the history and natural riches of the
park.
Working with the IDNR, the City of Dubuque, the FOMOS, private donors and the Iowa Natural Heritage
Foundation raised over $1.98 million to acquire and developed a 52-acre addition adjacent to the
Interpretive Center. The partnership continues to mature each year.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increased state supported funding for the physical assets in the Mines of Spain Recreation Area
as well as park staffing especially due to the active local partners of Dubuque County
Conservation, the Friends of Mines of Spain, and the City of Dubuque.
c. NATURAL RESOURCES & OUTDOOR RECREATION TRUST FUND
The Iowa Legislature has a great opportunity to fulfill its promise to Iowans to protect Iowa's land and
water by passing a measure that funds the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, also
called Iowa's Water and Land Legacy.
In 2010, 63% of Iowa voters supported creation of the Fund to provide reliable and dedicated funding
for the protection of water quality, conservation of agricultural soils and improvement of natural areas
such as fish and wildlife habitat. However, no money will go into it unless the Legislature raises the sales
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tax. If raised, the first three -eighths of the tax will go toward the Trust Fund. It is reported that this
would generate about $249 million a year.
The majority of the Trust fund dollars can go toward water quality improvement projects including lake
restoration, soil and water protection, and enhanced flood protection efforts. The Trust fund
emphasizes sustainable agriculture and will aid farmers and landowners in adopting voluntary
conservation practices outlined in the Nutrient Reduction Strategy. These efforts will positively affect
cities downstream in watersheds.
Investing in Iowa's natural resources ensures that our communities benefit from ecotourism and Iowa
companies can recruit and retain a quality workforce. In Iowa, outdoor recreation accounts for $8.7
billion in consumer spending, 83,000 jobs and $649 million in state and local tax revenue.
Rural Iowa as well as metro areas will benefit from the economic capital growth, tourism sales and
conservation benefits the Trust fund will provide. IEDA reports that access to natural landscapes and
outdoor recreation are among the top factors that influenced an individual's decision of where to live.
Quality of life initiatives will encourage people to choose thriving rural and urban communities to live,
work and raise families.
The preservation and investments to protect Iowa's green spaces, water, and air quality can be keys to
improving the physical and brain health of current and future Iowans. Children's risk for obesity can
increase by as much as 50% if they don't' have nearby parks, sidewalks and other green spaces or
recreational amenities.
Soil & Water Conservation
Habitat, Parks & Preserves
Soil & Water Conservation
Habitat, Parks & Preserves
Trails
REAP
141.® Local Conservation Partnerships
Watershed Protection
1'
Trails
Lake Restoration
REAP
Local Conservation Partnerships
Watershed Protection
Lake Restoration
Recreational amenities and
quality of life opportunities
are critical to recruiting and
retaining a highly educated
and motivated workforce.
The trust will invest in
Iowa's water quality,
economic development,
rural and urban
revitalization, and public
health. The Trust makes
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this investment and provides a legacy for generations to come.
REQUESTED ACTION
Pass legislation to increase the state sales tax from 6 percent to 6 and 3/8 percent with the 3/8
of one percent to be deposited in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund
that the voters of Iowa supported and approved with a significant majority. The distribution
formula in the current law was derived from years of study and building support among many
groups of Iowans, voted on, and should be maintained.
d. STATE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
The state recreational trails program (SRT) provides funds to establish recreational trails throughout
Iowa for the use, enjoyment and participation of the public. The program is restricted to the acquisition,
construction or improvement of recreational trails open for public use or trails which will be dedicated
to public use upon completion.
The citizens of Dubuque have benefitted from this grant program to establish trails in our community
connecting recreational resources as well as providing trail transportation corridors for bikes and
pedestrians. Trails continue to grow in popularity and are an economic engine for the state for
workforce attraction as well as tourism.
In the last five years the Iowa Department of Transportation program has had funding of $1.5, $1, $1.5,
$2.5, and, $3.5 million to award with requests each year ranging from $38.3 million to $113.8 million in
the lowest year. The need far outweighs the funding available.
REQUESTED ACTION
Authorize additional funding each year at a stable level appropriate to the needs for the State.
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3-516. ARTS & CULTURE
a. ARTS & CULTURE FUNDING
Vibrant and livable communities in Iowa are those that support and invest in arts, culture, and
humanities initiatives and programs as tools for economic and community development. Equitable
access to and representation in arts and cultural programs improves the quality of life for all Iowans and
stimulates economic activity, helping to attract and retain a diverse workforce which is essential to
Iowa's economic vitality and competitive edge. Arts and culture as a stand-alone industry is a bustling
sector, supporting a wide variety of education, entertainment, recreational, and skilled -trades jobs while
providing essential revenue streams for local travel and hospitality businesses and generating significant
contributes to federal, state, and local governments. Iowa's arts and culture sector is a necessary
element of the state's overall COVID-19 recovery strategy and a long-term asset for the state's overall
growth and vitality in the 21st century.
Community -created
Solidarity Mural at
Dubuque's Five Flags Civic
Center. Designed by local
artist Shelby Fry. Painted
by 75+volunteers, June
2020. Photograph by Bob
Felderman.
Nationally, the arts culture sector and creative economy is a $1.12 trillion industry which equates to
4.34% of the nation's GDP — a larger share of the economy than transportation and utilities. This
represents $529.1 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue generated by the nonprofit arts and
culture sector alone. In Iowa, the arts and culture sector contribute an estimated $4.975 billion to the
state's economy, representing 2.43% of the state's GDP and 43,91043,000 jobs, h;wp
According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Iowa's pFejeeted +^ .a^L 221+n-ranked 46th
in the nation for per capita spending on state arts agencies for FY 2025 with the per capita spending at
oc fe-F -arts .;;Rd— ,...i+wFe thFeugh its state aFts agency On FY2025. $0.35. FY2026 Preliminary
Protections rank Iowa
„.,eved up, frenn its ranking as n,' ;n Fv;, and Fv22. at 35th per capita spending at $0.68.The National
average per capita arts spending in the US for FY 2025 is $2.00-02. 4 of 5 neighboring states rank higher
and invest more in their creative sector than Iowa does. InY-2-5FY26, it is projected that Minnesota will
rank highest in the nation at $40-207.85 per capita, Missouri 3rd at $ 9.-003.51, Illinois jel9th at
$2.061.92, and Nebraska 26''25th at $1.33. These projected €Y2025FY2026 appropriations include line -
item funds designated by the legislature to pass through the state arts agency to other entities.
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In 2022, Dubuque participated in one of the most comprehensive economic impact studies of the
nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. The Arts & Economic Prosperity
VI study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for
advancing the arts and arts education. The results showed that Dubuque's nonprofit arts and culture
sector generates $70.4 million in annual economic activity, supporting 1,527 full-time equivalent jobs
and generating $6.7 million in local and state government revenues and $41.6 million in household
income to local residents.
The Dubuque City Council prioritized arts and culture investment to foster equitable access and
representation in a thriving arts and culture community. 'Diverse arts, culture, parks, and recreation
experiences and activities' is one of eight City of Dubuque 2037 Goals.
Since 2004, the Dubuque's City Council has taken actions such as establishing an Arts and Cultural Affairs
Advisory Committee, dedicating $35,000 annually in special project grants, and establishing a Downtown
Cultural Corridor managed by Dubuque Main Street. Additional investments include an operating
support grant program for local arts and culture non -profits which has grown from $200,000 in FY06 to
$250,000 in FY21.
We enjoy an annual rotating public sculpture program, seeded as a ten-year $300,000 CIP in
P)496FY2006 and now funding through the City's general fund at $38,000 annually. A part-time, now full-
time staff position of Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator was added in FY09 and continues as a key
member of the City's Economic Development Department team. To date, the City of Dubuque has
provided $4.5483 million in direct funding for arts and culture since the establishment of the City's Arts
and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission in 2004. City funding alone is insufficient for local arts and
culture sectors and creative economies to flourish, especially in rural communities where municipal
funding for the arts rarely exists and even in communities like Dubuque where the arts are invested in as
a key tool for community success.
In 2014, the City recognized the need for master arts planning to advance its' reputation as a regional
creative and cultural hub. The resulting Arts and Culture Master Plan was adopted by City Council in
2016 and serves as a guide to assist the City in strategic resource management, to sustain arts and
culture as an integral part of the community's social and cultural vibrancy. The plan engages the
community in the implementation of the plan, reflecting the community's vision to utilize arts and
culture to enhance our sense of place, contribute to Dubuque's economic vitality, create, and support
an environment where art and culture thrive, and enrich Dubuque culturally, aesthetically,
educationally, and economically.
The support of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (IDCA), its various divisions, and their
subsequent grant programs, is vital to the arts and culture organizations and creative workers in
Dubuque. Dubuque does not currently offer grant programs for individual artists or for -profit culture
entities; the Iowa Arts Council (IAC) Project Grants and Iowa Artist Fellowship Program provide critical
opportunities for creative culture bearers to create their work and engage their communities. IAC's
other grant programs including School Arts Experience, Cultural Heritage Project Grants, Cultural
Leadership Partner Operating Support Grants, Arts Build Communities Grant, and others provide
essential support for educational opportunities, community enrichment, and economic development
arts -based projects that would not take place without sustained or increased funding from Iowa's
legislative appropriation to its state arts agency.
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We take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank IDCA for serving as a key resource for local arts
agencies, organizations, and artists across the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They have
provided prompt and thoughtful support of the sector, efficiently creating one-time grant programs to
put CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funds to work on the ground in local communities.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Continue to regard and fund the arts and culture sector as an essential Iowa industry
attracting and retaining Iowa's workforce, inspiring business development, supporting
economically viable jobs, generating state and local government revenue, and as a
cornerstone of the state's tourism economy.
• Support and fund programs at or above €Y24FY25 levels through the Iowa Department of
Cultural Affairs (Iowa Arts Council, State Historical Society of Iowa, Produce Iowa, and
Humanities Iowa) to continue recognizing and promoting Iowa's cultural heritage as key in
COVID-19 recovery strategy for all Iowa communities.
• Provide funding for appropriate staffing levels at the Department of Cultural Affairs to
increase service and support of the arts and culture community throughout all parts of the
state.
• Explore and implement funding mechanisms to raise the ranking of Iowa from 435th in
the nation per capita through the state's arts agency as reported by the National Assembly
of State Arts Agencies Legislative appropriations including line items.
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4�617. SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY
a. CLEAN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Q. ALTERNATIVE TIVE FNERGv& INDEPENDENCE
PayiRg fGF pFegFaFns that fail to pass the RatepayeF Impact Measure test. Utility filiRgS shew a dFE)p iR
0
Iowa is one of the nation's leaders in renewable energy. While traditionally this has focused on wind
energy, the solar industry has been growing. Clean energy iobs in Iowa have increased each of the past 5
years, outpacing the general iob market. Iowa's renewable energy record is a selling point in business
recruiting, and the tax credit spurred investment in communities across the state. Renewable energy
protects support Iowa's energy independence and keep rates low with minimal impact to our air and
water quality.
REQUESTED ACTION
Successful energy efficiency incentive pregrams shquldd be centinueed -and increased, and
SpeGifieal y The state should consider an energy policy that works with local
governments and utilities to 1) provide energy efficiency assistance, especially to low-
income families, 2) remove barriers to widespread decentralized renewable energy use, 3)
stabilize renewable energy incentives, and 4) protect net metering and third -party power
purchase agreements and support other opportunities to make renewable energy more
cost-effective and accessible.
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.MrsM. rMnrr.rs' -
The City supports state legislation to permit Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, in
Iowa. PACE financing offers an innovative way for property owners to pay for energy
efficiency upgrades with strong ROls that create jobs for Iowans. PACE programs can now be
used in over 37 states and has provided millions of dollars to improve buildings according to
the US Green Building Council. Long-term financing linked to properties incent investment in
energy -efficiency and renewable energy projects with long-term ROls and promote
equitable sharing of costs and savings among current and future owners and tenants. In
addition, the state should offer tax credits from building above the adopted energy code
(such as PHIUS, DOE Net Zero, etc.) and offer tax credits for efficiency upgrades to low-
income occupied homes and rental units.
-!__The City supports policies that incentivize electric vehicles (EVs) and allow for development
of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Additionally, the State needs to include
Dubuque's highways (20 and 151) as qualified corridors for all funding sources.
Iowa is one of the national leaders in renewable energy. While traditionally this has focused
on wind energy, the solar industry has been growing. In 2022, clean energy jobs in Iowa
increased 3.5%, and clean transportation is the state's fastest growing job sector. Iowa's
renewable energy record is a selling point in business recruiting and the tax credit spurred a
lot of investment in communities across the state. The state needs to reinstate the Iowa
Solar Tax Credit and increase the allotment to $10 million annually.
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44b. WATER QUALITY & COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
Iowa's water quality continues to diminish, putting residents and industry at risk. Cancer rates continue
to increase, many linked to environmental factors, and community health and longevity are at stake.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Restore water quality information system to preserve and maintain water sensors so we
have the data on water quality across the state to use to inform policy decisions.
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18. PUBLIC HEALTH
a. PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING
IARPA and CARES money iswas a one-time and specifically for COVID relief. Local public health agencies
(LPHAs) need dedicated, reliable, and flexible funding to deliver on their CHNA/HIPS and address the
knock -on "social morbidities" of COVID that will be seen for years if not generations to come.
For over 20 years, local public health agencies have been creating, refining, updating, and adding Public
Health Emergency Preparedness Response Plans (PHEPRP4). 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'd 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, Legionella, 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.
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. Effective
public health services depend on sustained and flexible funding that can be used to respond to
community needs.
REQUESTED ACTION
Increase and protect core funding for vital public health agencies and programs and strengthen
Iowa's and the nation's public health infrastructure. Create sustainable funding for public health
emergency planning and response. Improve tools and technology to prevent, detect, respond
and predict disease and injury.
b. BRAIN HEALTH
City of Dubuque Public Health and Safety officials and staff recognize the law enforcement issues serving
individuals with brain and behavioral health issues.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support integrated co-occurring policy and funding.
• Workforce development and recruitment.
c. CHILDREN'S BRAIN HEALTH PRIORITIES
Citizen input describing the experience of navigating the brain health resources for children in Iowa
describes a system that is fraught with challenges. These challenges frequently preclude successful
outcomes.
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Children's brain health protocols need to be tailored and age appropriate and not modeled after adult
systems. Barriers to care, lack of services, scarcity of providers, and lack of professional services in
schools and day care all mitigate against good brain health solutions.
The Children's Behavioral Health Systems state board identified the following priorities:
• Ensure stable and adequate funding of the children's system.
• Continue service growth to all areas of the state including but not limited to core and core plus
services.
• Address challenges impacting the behavioral health workforce, including implementing
strategies to enhance the current behavioral health workforce.
• Implement universal behavioral health screenings with informed consent by children's parent or
guardian.
• Continue to develop and implement statewide data collection pertaining to children with a
serious emotional disturbance.
• Provide funding to eliminate the children's mental health waiver waitlist.
• Conduct statewide resource mapping for children's services.
• Explore and correct gaps in services.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support the policy makers priorities of the Children's Behavioral Health Systems state board.
d. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Iowa's Community Health Centers (CHCs) have 52% of their patients covered by Medicaid, which is 16%
of the state's total Medicaid population. As unique primary health care providers that conveniently offer
medical, oral health and behavioral health services under one roof, CHCs frequently see patients who
have scheduled appointments for more than one type of visit on the same day (for example, a patient
will schedule a yearly medical exam and a dental cleaning on the same day). Unfortunately, current Iowa
Medicaid reimbursement policy does not allow CHCs to be reimbursed for more than one visit if they
occur on the same day.
PROTECTING ACCESS TO ACC/IDIIAQI C MEDICATIONS
Protecting Access to Affordable Medications
The 340B Drug Pricing Program allows for patients of community health centers and other covered
entities to receive access to affordable, often life-saving prescription drugs. Maintaining the integrity of
the 340B Program is critical for ensuring 9UF St AeRqtLents, particularly those in rural and other areas;
hle *^ have where access to care is scarce, can access affordable Fnedocatmensprescription drugs. As
one of the few programs that is proven to help Iowans access affordable pFeseFi^*i^^ df g-medications,
we need to safeguard the original intent of 340B.
Expanding Access To Comprehensive Care
Allow a CHCs who currently have waiting lists for behavioral health and/or dental services. Investing in
CHC infrastructure will expand access in Iowa, particularly in rural areas or where access to healthcare's
particularly dire. These investments would support expansion of services and physical locations,
improvements to technology, and allowing CHCs to remain viable employers and producers of economic
activity in their communities. Investing in this model will reduce healthcare costs, keep patients from
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accessing more costly care such as emergency rooms and generate economic growth through expanded
job opportunities, construction, etc.
health feF yeaFs te came. In beth rural and- --w-han aFeas, babies -are -hA-.Pp On cze-unties ydith limmtpd Ar nA
,
State -level legislation would protect the original intent of the program and provide a stopgap to ensure
safetv net Droviders like CHCs can continue to use the oroeram and patients can access affordable
medications while Congress works on more comprehensive reform.
REQUESTED ACTION
Protect access to the 340B Program to sustain communitv health centers' essential model of
care, lower prescription drug costs for patients, and improve health outcomes.
e. RECRUIT & RETAIN A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE
One of the largest factors limiting a community health center's ability to provide patients quality care is
recruiting and retaining quality providers.
REQUESTED ACTION
Support Iowa community health center's workforce to address shortages throughout the state,
including investments in recruitment and retention strategies, training, and loan repayment
with a focus on dentists, dental assistants, medical assistants, nurse, hygienists, and other
support staff.
f. OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Opioid use and overdose deaths represent a public health crisis requiring innovating, evidence -based
responses with community involvement. Opioid overdose mortality represents a major and preventable
threat to public health. Deaths from unintentional drug poisoning have reached crisis levels in the
United States and in Iowa. Last year in Dubuque, we had nine opioid-related overdose deaths, and three
have occurred already this year. Other communities in Iowa are also experiencing the devastating
effects of illicit opioids.
A growing body of evidence and experience supports innovating community -level approaches to
preventing opioid overdose deaths in the broader context of efforts to reduce the risk of overdose
through primary prevention of opioid misuse. Numerous pilot programs and evaluations have
demonstrated the feasibility and viability of providing opioid education to the community, to health care
providers, including Nalaxone administration, use, and education on the opioid Prescription Monitoring
Program, and harm reduction strategies.
The Dubuque community has been monitoring the increasing opioid crisis and we are very concerned
about the growing impact on our community. A local, community -based opioid response team has
assembled and is meeting regularly. To date, they have educated 566 community and health
professionals, along with 187 law enforcement personnel, on Nalaxone administration and promoted
community -based organizations to educate the community on the opioid misuse problem. Much of the
task force work has become a model for the state and country.
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REQUESTED ACTION
• Establish drug specialty courts in statute for each judicial district, funded with standing
appropriations to the Judicial Branch and Department of Corrections.
• Maintain coverage for vulnerable populations and ensure immediate health benefit
coverage to Medicaid and insurance -eligible offenders when released from incarceration,
including coverage of naltrexone prescriptions for addicted offenders.
• Explore and pilot the use of research -based harm -reduction strategies such as needle
exchange programs while providing education to law enforcement, the community, and
healthcare providers.
• Peer to Peer support. Recognize and support the importance of informal, peer supports
such as narcotics anonymous, I Hate Heroine, CRUSH etc. This includes expanding education,
increasing inclusivity and financial supports needed to expand reach and efforts.
g. NOTICE OF VIOLATION
Currently, a notice of code violation must be sent via certified mail to a property owner if the City
performs the required mitigation of the problem and assesses the cost to the property owner. We
suggest that a notice be sent via regular mail to the property owner. Oftentimes, it is difficult for people
to collect or pickup certified mail, particularly if they are not home at time of delivery. Certified also
adds a significant cost ($2.87) to the mailing of each notice.
REQUESTED ACTION
Change Iowa Code Section 364.12 (h) to allow mailing via regular mail.
h. CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING
Childhood lead poisoning is endemic to Iowa. Of Iowa children born in 2016, 90% were tested at least
once before the age of six years, and 5.8% of these children were above the blood lead level of concern
established by CDC. 5% of children tested in Dubuque County were above the CDC level of concern.
Because of decreased federal funding for lead poisoning prevention, Iowa has fewer funds to pass on to
communities for local lead poisoning prevention public health efforts. Because of limited local public
health capacity, we rely on the Iowa HHS to provide guidance for medical case management of lead
poisoned children, data collection and database maintenance and analysis, along with educational
resources and guidance.
REQUESTED ACTION
Appropriate adequate funds to allow the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
to continue its crucial role as a technical advisor and data manager to local childhood lead
poisoning prevention programs (CLPPP) and increase funding levels for local CLPPP programs.
i. HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS
A decade ago, the Legislature charged the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture with preparing a
local food and farm plan containing policy and funding recommendations for supporting and expanding
local food systems and for assessing and overcoming obstacles necessary to increase locally grown food
production. The Healthy Local Foods principle of Dubuque's sustainability model aims to provide
benefits of wholesome food from local producers, distributors, farms, gardens, and hunters to all. The
City and its partners engaged in the Healthy Local Foods initiative have participated in the forming of the
Local Food & Farm Plan. In order for local institutions and consumers to increase their purchase and
consumption of local foods, barriers must be overcome that enable more produce and meat to be
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produced, processed, and sold locally. Various studies have shown the value of a strong local food
system as an economic development tool.
REQUESTED ACTION
• Support and help facilitate food donation and food rescue programs.
• Promote and facilitate grocery store investment in food deserts.
• Facilitate and fund Farm to School and Farm to Institution health food initiatives.
Incentivize regenerative soil management practices for agriculture, school and community
gardens to protect Iowa's major industry and environmentally sensitive areas.
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