Update on Neighborhood Evolution Contract ServicesCopyrighted
December 15, 2025
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 9.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Update on Neighborhood Evolution Contract Services
SUMMARY: City Manager providing an update on activities underway
through the City's contract with Neighborhood Evolution to
support small-scale development.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. Staff Memo
Page 270 of 1019
THE CITY OF
DUBE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Update on Neighborhood Evolution Contracted Services
DATE: December 10, 2025
Dubuque
AI WIN av
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development Director Jill Connors is providing an update on activities
underway through the City's contract with Neighborhood Evolution to support small-
scale development.
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Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Jill Connors, Economic Development Director
Page 271 of 1019
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
AII-Aoe111094
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
1 I
Office (563) 589-4393
I III®
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Jill M. Connors, Economic Development Director
SUBJECT: Update on Neighborhood Evolution Contracted Services
DATE: November 24, 2025
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum provides an update on activities underway through the City's contract
with Neighborhood Evolution to support small-scale development.
BACKGROUND
The FY25 budget includes a $150,000 CIP for "Incremental Development and Small
Business Storefront Establishment Coaching." The program is designed to build local
capacity for small-scale real estate development, support emerging entrepreneurs,
reactivate vacant storefronts, and strengthen neighborhood -level revitalization efforts in the
Washington, North End, and Point neighborhoods.
The consultant is tasked with training and mentoring first-time small developers; helping
residents navigate zoning, financing, design, and business planning; and fostering a self-
supporting ecosystem where neighbors guide and support one another. Coaching occurs
through a combination of group sessions and one-on-one assistance. This effort follows an
incremental development model that prioritizes long-term neighborhood commitment,
manageable project scopes, and community -driven reinvestment.
DISCUSSION
The City executed its agreement with Neighborhood Evolution on August 20, 2025. The
consulting team has a strong record of establishing small -developer ecosystems and is
nationally recognized for their work, including involvement with Strong Towns and projects
in South Bend, IN; Dallas, TX; Kansas City, MO; Lafayette, LA; Denton, TX; and AARP
Wisconsin.
Page 272 of 1019
Monte Anderson conducted on -site sessions in Dubuque October 7-9, 2025. A press
announcement was issued September 17th promoting the public events on October 8th.
The "Catalyzing Change: Small -Scale Development for Big Impact" program included a
lunch presentation, project discussions, and a capital -focused roundtable with local
lenders. More than 50 residents attended.
Monthly online training sessions began November 18th and will continue at noon on the
third Tuesday of each month for 12 months. Sessions cover practical steps for initiating and
completing small-scale projects. Recordings will be available on the City's website.
The program also encourages monthly in -person meetups for peer learning,
troubleshooting, and collaborative support using the 12 Steps to Town Making" framework.
These gatherings occur on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM at Key City
Creative Center. The first session included seven attendees, which aligns with the
consultant's expectation of 5-6 participants for an initial meeting.
The contract also provides up to two hours of one-on-one coaching for individuals seeking
project -specific guidance. This opportunity was highlighted at the meetup.
To increase awareness and participation, a billboard along Central Avenue and an
advertisement in the Dubuque Advertiser have been contracted.
RECOMMENDATION
This memo is for informational purposes.
F,
Page 273 of 1019