Updated Workforce Housing Utility Bill InsertCity of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 13.
Copyrighted
September 8, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Updated Workforce Housing Utility Bill Insert
SUMMARY: City Manager providing an updated version of the City's
Workforce Housing flyer, which will be mailed with City utility
bills from September 10 through October 1.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Workforce Housing Flyer Aug2026
WORKFORCE HOUSING
FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
What is "workforce housing.
Workforce housing is generally defined as housing for which the occupant is
paying no more than 30% of their gross income for housing costs, including
utilities.
How does it support the community?
Supports Workforce Retention and Attraction
Workforce housing provides affordable living options for individuals and
households, helping residents live closer to where they work and contribute
to the community. Without nearby housing options, these workers may
be forced to live farther away, leading to longer commutes, increased
absenteeism, and difficulty filling local job vacancies.
Boosts Local Spending
When residents spend less on housing, they have more disposable income
to spend at local businesses, which strengthens the city's economy. This
increases sales tax revenues and supports small businesses that are often
the backbone of smaller communities.
Encourages Economic Development
Local businesses considering expansion or new businesses coming to a
community assess the availability of workforce housing. A lack of it can be
a barrier to retaining existing employees or attracting new employees, as it
impacts both their current and future workforce.
Workforce Housing Improves Quality of Life
Stable workforce housing improves health outcomes, educational
performance, and employment stability.
* Promotes Neighborhood and Community Stability
Workforce housing offers affordable living options for long-time Dubuque
residents who wish to remain in their neighborhood, maintaining close
connections with neighbors, family, and friends. If we hope for our children
and grandchildren to stay in Dubuque, they need a place to live.
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Why is workforce
housing needed?
A 2022 workforce housing
study commissioned by
Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation (GDDC) showed the
city of Dubuque needed at least
1,100 housing units by 2030 to
support the workforce expansion
needs of existing businesses.
The City Council approved
expanded financial incentives in
2022 to support more housing
development and 2,400 units have
been built or are planned.
GDDC's most -recent interviews
of 255 local business leaders
and executives on the long-term
viability of their companies and
the community found that their
number one concern is housing
availability and affordability.
A 2025 housing needs assessment
analyzing demographic trends,
current housing vacancy rates,
and other factors predicts
Dubuque County, including the
city of Dubuque, will need up to
2,500 additional units by 2035, in
addition to the 2,400 units currently
proposed, under construction, or
recently completed.
Who is eligible for workforce housing?
Workforce housing is designed to support individuals and families who earn moderate incomes and seek affordable
living options within the communities where they work and live. Eligibility is typically based on income guidelines and
local housing policies.
Workforce housing provides flexible living options for individuals looking to downsize or transition to apartment living,
while remaining in the neighborhoods they know and love.
Income limits for tenants vary by location and are based on Median Family Income estimates and Fair Market Rent area
definitions for each area. The income limits for workforce housing projects in the city of Dubuque are:
Household Size Max. Income based
on 50% AMI
Max. Income based
on 60% AMI
Max. Income based
on 70% AMI
AFFORDABLE RIVERFRONT LIVING I
One notable example of workforce housing that was just
completed in Dubuque is the Union at the Marina, a $55 million
project located at 2660 Kerper Blvd.
The property was vacant for over 10 years before being
purchased and developed by The Annex Group, as part of a
development agreement with the City of Dubuque. This is The
Annex Group's fifth development project in Iowa.
Union at the Marina features two, four-story buildings with a
total of 201 units:
85 one -bedroom units,
79 two -bedroom units, and
37 three -bedroom units.
Amenities include a playground, community center, fitness
center, picnic area, dog -walking area, and on -site property
management. The apartments are adjacent to Sutton Pool
and AY McDonald Park, on a Jule bus route providing easy
access to groceries and healthcare, within walking distance
of hundreds of good -paying job opportunities, and have
beautiful views of the Mississippi River.
Construction is complete and units are available.
Over the last several years, nearly 400
workforce housing units have been
constructed or are currently under
construction throughout the community.
THE CITY OF
DUB-
&TE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
ED013-082626