Areas of Persistent Poverty Study, Master Plan Development, and Implementation Project Consultant Approval Copyrighted
June 1, 2026
City of Dubuque ACTION ITEMS # 8.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Areas of Persistent Poverty Study, Master Plan Development,
and Implementation Project Consultant Approval
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approval of the
Steering and Selection Committee's recommendation for the
City to negotiate an agreement and execute a contract with
Jarrett Walker and Associates for services related to
managing the Areas of Persistent Poverty Study, Master Plan
Development, and Implementation Project.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo Areas of Persistent Poverty RFP Consultant Selection
Recommendation
2. Memo AoPP Consultant Selection Recommendation 5-21
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Dubuque
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Areas of Persistent Poverty RFP Consultant Selection Recommendation
DATE: May 26, 2026
Transportation Services Director Ryan Knuckey is recommending City Council approval
of the Steering and Selection Committee's recommendation for the City to negotiate an
agreement and execute a contract with Jarrett Walker and Associates for services
related to managing the Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) Study, Master Plan
Development, and Implementation Project.
This work will be funded from the AoPP Grant Project Fund (5385000023) which has a
total available budget of$250,000. The local match is $25,000 and the FTA grant is
$225,000.
As part of this project the city is seeking to implement holistic transportation solutions to
provide a positive customer experience that financially supports the system, from
customer point of origin to point of final destination, which also minimizes travel
time. Implemented solutions will maximize existing city mobility and parking assets,
leverage best in class smart transportation technology, and identify future opportunities
for the City to purchase new resources that will further improve transportation
efficiencies. The scope of this RFP requires the consultant team to study, design, collect
public input, and implement strategies to help the Transit Division optimize its bus
routes and identify potential service changes. These changes are to improve service for
Dubuque's historically disadvantaged tracts, new business development, and City
improvements.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
Page 982 of 1000
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Ryan Knuckey, Transportation Services Director
Jenny Larson, Chief Financial Officer
Laura BendorF, Budget Manager
Joe Pregler, Chief Information Officer
Jodi Johnson, Operation Supervisor—Transit Division
2
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Dubuque
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TO: Michael C. Van Milligen - City Manager
FROM: Ryan Knuckey—Director of Transportation Services
SUBJECT: Areas of Persistent Poverty RFP Consultant Selection Recommendation
DATE: May 21, 2026
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum provides the Steering and Selection Committee's recommendation
for hiring a consultant for planning services to develop a master plan related to the
Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) Request for Proposal (RFP).
BACKGROUND
The Transit Division operates The Jule Bus system and offers mass transit or fixed
route services and paratransit or "MiniBus" services within the city limits of Dubuque,
lowa. On weekdays, The Jule operates eight (8) fixed routes and ten (10) paratransit
buses during normal hours of operation from 6:15 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Jule also
provides the following fare-free options two (2) morning commuter routes, an afternoon
commuter route operating from 4:45 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. until 3:55 p.m.
On Saturdays, The Jule operates six (6) fixed routes and five (5) paratransit buses
operating from 8:15 a.m. until 5:45 p.m.
Having convenient and affordable public transportation in the City of Dubuque is a
necessity for many residents, local employers, property owners, and property
developers. A transit system that serves its community and offers a valuable alternative
method to travel to work, area services, local shopping centers, schools, and leisure
activities is vital to reducing emissions, road congestion, and growing our local
economy.
As part of this project the city is seeking to implement holistic transportation solutions to
provide a positive customer experience that financially supports the system, from
customer point of origin to point of final destination, which also minimizes travel time.
Implemented solutions will maximize existing city mobility and parking assets, leverage
best in class smart transportation technology, and identify future opportunities for the
City to purchase new resources that will further improve transportation efficiencies. The
scope of this RFP requires the consultant team to study, design, collect public input,
and implement strategies to help the Transit Division optimize its bus routes and identify
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potential service changes. These changes are to improve service for Dubuque's
historically disadvantaged tracts, new business development, and City improvements.
DISCUSSION
On December 17, 2025, the City Council approved the release of the RFP for the AoPP
Study. The RFP was posted to the City's website, and proposals were due on February
11, 2026. Seven proposals were received by the deadline. The Steering and Selection
Committee met and evaluated all seven proposals. Based on the quality of the
submitted proposals the Committee decided to interview three consultant teams: Jarrett
Walker and Associates, Nelson\Nygaard, and SRF Consulting Group.
The following City Staff served on the Steering and Selection Committee:
• Ryan Knuckey, Director of Transportation Services
• Jodi Johnson, Operations Supervisor—Transit Division
• Russ Stecklein, Operation Supervisor—Parking Division
• Joey Lueck, Transportation Services Analyst
• Corinne Rothblum, Economic Mobility Special Assistant
• Antonio Mouzon, Office of Community Impact Director
• Braden Daniels, Data Analyst
• Jason Duba, Assistant Planner
As part of the RFP review process, City Staff also partnered with the Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation (GDDC). Nic Hockenberry served as their representative.
The Steering and Selection Committee met several times between February and March
to interview the three consultant teams, review questions & answers submitted by the
consultant teams, and review references provided by the consultant teams.
For the AoPP Study, the recommended consultant is required to perform the following
work:
1. Analysis of Existinq Transit Svstem
1.1 Data collection and review.
1.2 Evaluate existing service.
1.3 Evaluate current ridership and productivity.
1.4 Assess bus stop inventory.
1.5 Review current equipment, planning technology, and staffing.
1.6 Analyze current land-use (residents, jobs, AoPP, etc.).
1.7 Assess food deserts.
1.8 Evaluate transit oriented design, complete streets, pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure,
and unified development code.
1.9 Financial assessment (expenses and revenue sources).
1.10 Choices report.
2. Initial Stakeholder Engaqement
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2.1 Stakeholder workshop on transit choices (in-person).
2.2 Presentation to City Council on transit choices (in-person).
3. Alternatives
3.1 Alternatives design retreat (in-person).
3.2 Alternatives analysis and mapping.
4. Enqaqement Phase 1 (concepts)
4.1 Prepare engagement materials.
4.2 Stakeholder meeting on concepts (virtual).
4.3 Presentation to City Council on concepts (virtual).
4.4 Public meetings and input gathering.
4.5 Presentation to City Council on public input (virtual).
5. Draft Plan
5.1 Draft plan design retreat (virtual).
5.2 Draft plan mapping and analysis.
5.3 Draft plan report.
6. Enqagement Phase 2
6.1 Prepare engagement materials.
6.2 Stakeholder meeting on draft plan (virtual).
6.3 Presentation to City Council on Draft Plan (virtual).
6.4 Public meetings and input gathering.
6.5 Presentation to City Council on public input (virtual).
7. Final Master Plan
7.1 Virtual design retreat (final plan).
7.2 Final plan mapping.
7.3 Final master plan report.
7.4 Final presentation.
The selected consultant will be expected to complete the contracted scope of work
within the specified timeframe under the general direction and coordination of the City's
Transportation Services Department.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on review of the proposals and consultant interviews, the Steering and Selection
Committee recommends that the City negotiate an agreement and execute a contract
with Jarrett Walker and Associates for services related to managing the AoPP Study,
Master Plan Development, and Implementation Project.
BUDGET IMPACT
Jarrett Walker and Associates submitted an initial project budget of$249,842. Key City
Staff on the project team would like the ability to negotiate final contract details with
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Jarrett Walker and Associates including how the stakeholder engagement process will
work.
This work will be funded from the AoPP Grant Project Fund (5385000023) which has a
total available budget of$250,000. The local match is $25,000 and the FTA grant is
$225,000.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
I respectfully request that the City Council award the AoPP Study to Jarrett Walker and
Associates and allow city staff to negotiate and execute a contract.
cc: Jenny Larson, Director of Finance & Budget
Laura BendorF, Budget Manager
Joe Pregler, Information Services Manager
Jodi Johnson, Operation Supervisor—Transit Division
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