2018 City of Dubuque State Legislative PrioritiesTHE CITY OF
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi 202013..202017
2018
State Legislative Priorities
Table of Contents
Arts and Culture 28
Economic Development 6
Emergency Management — Homeland Security 17
Historic Preservation 23
Housing 15
Human Resources 19
Iowa Code Chanaes 20
Library Services 18
Park and Recreation 24
Partnerships 36
Planninfj & Zonina 22
Public Health 31
Public Safety 2
State Mandates 11
State Tax Policy 9
Sustainabilitv 30
TechnolQpy and Innovation 15
Transportation 11
1
Public Safety
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.
Chief Dalsing aave a statement reauestina the following. and this is Dubuaue's current
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
Chief Dalsing has provided the following information on shots fired calls:
Confirmed Shots
Fired
Murders
Notes
Dubuque
Davenport
Cedar Rapids
Waterloo
Iowa City
Ames
2016* 2017**
26 19
152 146
77 67
99 84
2016* 2017**
1 1
6 12 2017 Statistics are through
11/08/17; All 2017 murders have
been with firearms
4 4
3 5
20 20 0 3
3 3 1 0
* 2016 - Full calendar year unless
noted
* * 2017 - Year to date unless noted
Shots fired Statistics are through
10/31 of each year
2017 Shots fired statistics are
through 11/01/17
As you can see from these headlines from across the state of Iowa, gun violence is
becoming more prevalent and deserves some attention from the state legislature.
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IOWA HEADLINES
ONE OF THE MOST VIOLENT YEARS IN CEDAR RAPIDS HISTORY
Cedar Rapids Gazette — Dec. 28, 2014
• Eight homicides in six incidents, CR had not had more than three homicides since 2006
• 93 shootings, previous record was 64 in 2012
• 9 shooting arrests
90 SHOOTINGS REPORTED IN CEDAR RAPIDS SO FAR THIS YEAR
Cedar Rapids Gazette — Nov. 24, 2015
As in years past, gun violence hit the high water mark during the summer. June, July and August
had 11, 16 and 14 shooting incidents.
Gun violence drops in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Gazette — January 22, 2017
Despite the brutal start, Cedar Rapids in 2016 saw its first drop of shots -fired incidents in three
years. Overall, there were 86 such incidents last year, a 14 percent decrease from 2015's total of
100.
Importantly, homicides also were down in 2016: four compared with six in 2015 and eight in 2014.
Trio of Cedar Rapids shootinas remain under investiaation
City has seen 64 shots fired incidents so far this year
Cedar Rapids Gazette — Oct. 23, 2017
Police said when the victim approached Rarey about his insult, Rarey pulled a knife and stabbed the
man twice in the abdomen. The man was hospitalized for several days due to his injuries, police
said. Rarey admitted to the stabbing.
String of serious Iowa City crimes, homicides put police, prosecutors to the test
Authorities working long hours on homicide, attempted murder investigations
Cedar Rapids Gazette — Oct. 20, 2017
There have been three homicide investigations this year. From 2010 to 2016, there were two
homicides investigated by Iowa City police. The last time three homicide investigations took place in
the same year was 2008.
There also have been four attempted murder investigations this year, up from only one in 2016.
2014 WAS A DEADLY YEAR FOR WATERLOO
Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier — March 22, 2015
Crime numbers released by the Waterloo Police Department show 2014 had the highest number of
slayings in 20 years with six people the victim of homicide.
UPDATE: One dead. one iniured in Cedar Falls shooting
Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier — Nov. 11, 2017
Alex Michael Bullerman, 18, of Waterloo, died of a single gunshot wound after he was found behind
an apartment building at 2303 Olive St., according to Cedar Fall police.
A short time later, 18 -year-old Dylan James Gehrke, also of Waterloo, arrived at a hospital by private
vehicle with a single gunshot wound to his lower right leg.
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SHOOTING `EVERY DAY' REQUIRES COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Quad City Times — Sept. 19, 2015
• 125 shootings so far, more than 2014's total
• 29 shooting arrests so far
RESIDENTS REACT TO SHOOTINGS: 'We don't feel safe anymore'
Quad City Times — March 19, 2016
2016 Shots fired calls down sliahtly from 2015
Quad City Times — Dec. 27, 2016
Davenport police have responded to 150 confirmed reports of shots fired since Jan. 1, down from
168 in 2015, according to data obtained by the Quad -City Times.
SIOUX CITY POLICE CONFIRM THIRD DRIVE-BY SHOOTING
Sioux City Journal — July 9, 2015
Three drive-by shootinas reported Tuesday
Des Moines Register — Dec. 2, 2015
Des Moines police responded to three reports of gunshots that hit houses and cars on the city's east
side.
... it's more evidence of an apparent uptick in gun violence since the city's suffered five deaths
during three separate shootings in the past 10 days.
21 Des Moines homicides most since 1990
Des Moines Register — Jan. 5, 2016
If 2015 seemed like a particularly violent and deadly year for Des Moines, it's because it was.
Des Moines hit by 31 drive-bys in 6 months
Des Moines Register — July 27, 2016
Through the end of June, 31 drive-by shootings were reported in the city. That's the most drive-bys
through the first six months of any year since 2011. There were 22 reported during the same period
last year, 16 in 2014 and 22 in 2013, according to the Des Moines Police Department.
'He was full of dreams and potential': 14-vear-old homicide victim laid to rest
Des Moines Register — Nov. 6, 2016
11 Des Moines homicides remain unsolved in past 2 years
Des Moines Register — May 10, 2017
As Des Moines police deal with an unusually high number of homicides so far this year, 11 homicide
cases from the past two years remain unsolved.
Suspects in Des Moines' 19th homicide this year have criminal aana charaes in
their history
WHOTV.com - July 29, 2017
Man arrested after shootina at busy Ankeny intersection
Des Moines Register — Nov. 25, 2016
4
Police: Man in critical condition after Ames shooting
Des Moines Register — Dec. 28, 2016
Four people arrested after drive-bv shootina in Ames
Radio Iowa — Feb. 20, 2017
One dead. two wounded in several shootinas in Burlinaton
KWQC — Nov. 23, 2016
Dubuaue police investigate 2 more shots -fired reports Wednesday: 1 confirmed
Telegraph Herald — Dec. 3, 2015
... shooting marks the 33rd confirmed shots -fired incident this year in Dubuque.
Police reported 25 such incidents in both 2013 and 2014.
Dubuque police investigating reports of gunshots overnight
Telegraph Herald — Sept. 13, 2017
It marks the 15th confirmed instance of gunshots fired in Dubuque this year, according to the Police
Department. There were 26 shots -fired incidents in 2016 in Dubuque.
IOWA POLICE CHIEFS AIM FOR SOLUTION TO RISING GUN VIOLENCE
Meeting in Cedar Rapids shows that Dubuque's recent rise in gun violence is not unique in the
state.
Telegraph Herald — Jan. 16, 2016
The chiefs of eastern Iowa's biggest police departments met this week to address across-the-
board increases in gun violence in recent years.
Dubuque, which had 33 confirmed instances of gunshots fired in 2015, is not the only community to
see a spike in shootings in recent years, according to Police Chief Mark Dalsing. During a meeting
Wednesday in Cedar Rapids, police leaders of the host city, Ames, Davenport, Iowa City and
Waterloo also reported increases in recent years.
In Waterloo, police confirmed more than 120 shots -fired incidents in 2015, according to Police
Chief Daniel Trelka. The year before, officers confirmed fewer than 100.
The chiefs will continue to meet to discuss trends and ways to address concerns, Dalsing said. He
said he also will look at working with legislators to find ways for additional legal remedies to
shootings.
5
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. 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 and be welcoming. 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.
Tax Increment Financina (TIFI
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 incentive 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 perhaps the most important Smart Growth tool available to
cities.
Since the City of Dubuque began using TIF in earnest in the 1990's, there have been a total of
74 corporate projects which have had the benefit of $455,718,152 in direct TIF incentives to
date. These projects have leveraged $501,779,204 in additional capital investment. These
projects have resulted in the retention of more than 3,120 jobs in Dubuque and the creation of
4,950 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. The Milken Institute named Dubuque its 10th Best -Performing Small
Metro for 2013, the same year that Forbes ranked Dubuque 14th in the nation in its annual
"Best Small Places for Business and Careers." Wages and income for residents have grown, as
evidenced by a 14% increase in median household income from 2009 ($48,012) to 2015
($54,605). In September 2017, Iowa Workforce Development reported Dubuque County's total
non-farm employment to be 60,000, a 60% increase from 37,700 in 1983. Dubuque'
unemployment rate just 2.7% in September 2017, a tremendous rebound from 1983 when it
was 12.1 %! This type of job growth and low unemployment is only possible through the
strategic use of TIF.
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 the 1,300 jobs created by IBM, the
over 200 jobs at Hormel and the 388 jobs retained and created by A.Y. McDonald. Without the
flexibility this tool provides, Dubuque would not have this kind of success in job creation and
retention.
6
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
thousands of square feet of commercial industrial space were
renovated and came online in 2015. Ultimately, the entire
Historic Millwork District will have over $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 project for the City of Dubuque which will require many more
years, and likely decades, of investment in order to reach its potential.
The City's new 125 -acre industrial area would not have been possible if the proposed
legislation forcing "sun -setting" of economic development TIFs would be put in place.
The City of Dubuque has successfully and responsibly used tax increment financing to create
more jobs per capita than any other city in the State of Iowa.
Proposed 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, would be opposed by the City of Dubuque.
The City of Dubuque understands the need for increased transparency, fastidious data
collection and antipiracy language in TIF reform, but cannot support reform that limits or sunsets
the City's use of slum and blight and economic development TIFs.
Even in these areas, the language should be narrowly crafted so as not to stifle economic and
community development activities by cities. No language should be included that could limit or
destroy job creation and economic development potential that exists in current TIF laws.
Reauested 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.
7
City of Dubuque
New Taxing Bodies Tax $ - Retiring TIF Districts, in First Year of Expiration
51,859,819
• DCSD, 5830,125
51,900,000 -i • City, $603,720
$1,800,000 • County, 5349,008
$1.700.000
•
51,■NICC, $51,951,600,000■ Other, $35,000
51,500,000
51,400,000
51,300,000 5526,845
51,700,000 ■ DC -SD, $233,898
51,100,000
51,000,000
$900,000
$800,000
5700,000
$600,000
66
xi City, 5170,106 $362,891
• County, $98,337 • DCSO, $169,988
■NICC, $14,642 ■City, $123,626
■ Other, 59,862
• County, 511,468
• NICC, 510,641
• Other,, $7,167
5442,161
$500,000
$400,000
5300,000
$200,000 517,480
$100,000
OP
$- -r
Already Tech Park South DICW - Subarea Quebecor -2025 Kerper - 2032 DICW - Subarea
Returned to -2019 B-2019 0-2032
Taring Bodies
Total Annual Return to Schools, County & City = $4,009,464
This is what will go to the Taxing Bodies in the first year after expiration of the Urban Renewal District.
Based on current tax rate of Taxing Bodies and 1/1/16 assessed value, even though It is expected that the assessed value would increase
before the district expiration.
5770,268
• DCSD, $341,968
• City, $248,701
• County, 5143,773
• NICC, 521,40/
• Other, $14,418
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.
Reauested 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.
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,
8
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 the year 2013 (the most recent year for
which we have total project costs available from the state), Dubuque completed 31 projects
using the State Historic Tax Credit program. Just over $42 million in SHTC funding leveraged
over $142 million in additional funding sources. And, between 2014 and 2016 an additional 13
projects were awarded funding by the state.
These projects have added well over 2,000 permanent jobs to our economy, not including the
construction jobs to complete the large projects. These 2,000 people would equate to an $80
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.
Recent concerns raised by the Iowa Department of Revenue have resulted in a slowdown of the
State Historic Tax Credit program.
Requested Action:
Join with local governments across the state and private sector partners
through membership in Smart Growth Development Coalition, work to
preserve and expand the State Historic Tax Credit program.
Quality of Life and Community Enhancements
Successful quality of life programs need continued funding, such as Enhance Iowa, REAP, CAT
funds, RECAT Iowa Great Places, the Iowa Main Street program funds, and tax credits for
historic preservation.
Requested Action:
Protect and enhance economic development tools enabling cities in Iowa
to promote economic improvement throughout the state.
State Tax Policy
Property Tax
The current tax structure for state and local governments is a mix of tax laws, rates and policies
that do not provide for a fair and consistent tax system. The Iowa League of Cities and the Iowa
State Association of Counties (ISAC) have identified key areas needing revision for a
comprehensive tax reform in Iowa. They include: 1) changes to assessment and valuation
procedure, 2) changes to city and county budgeting processes, 3) developing an alternative to
current property tax limitations, and 4) elimination of the rollback formula and homestead
exemption.
9
Requested Action:
Work with the Iowa League of Cities, the Metropolitan Coalition and ISAC to
approve legislation to design a tax structure that provides tax equity and
policies that are consistent with an overall direction for state and local
government taxation.
Commercial Property Tax Reform and Backfill
Legislation providing for commercial property tax reform passed in the Iowa Assembly in 2013.
This legislation included language providing for cities in order to protect local residential
taxpayers would not bear the tax burden of this reform bill.
Requested Action:
Continue to hold Iowa cities and residential property tax payers harmless
for the backfill created by the commercial property tax reform legislation.
Continue backfill payments to local governments.
Local Option Sales Tax
The State should give consideration to increasing the allowable local option sales tax from 1%
to 1.5%. This would allow local governments more flexibility to deal with any negative impacts
property tax reform may cause. In the case of Dubuque, an increase of 0.50% in local option
sales tax would generate approximately $4 million dollars, half of which is used for property tax
relief.
Requested Action:
Increase the allowable local option sales tax from 1% to 1.5%.
Repeal Amended Administrative Rule ARC2178C
Recent actions by the State Administrative Rules committee have preempted the actions of the
Legislature in defining Iowa Tax Code. Consequences of this action by the Administrative Rules
Committee will have an impact on City of Dubuque revenues and specifically have an adverse
impact on the Flood Mitigation Program of harvesting sales tax increment to pay for bonds
issued.
Requested Action:
Seek legislation to disapprove of any amended revenue rules adopted by
the Iowa Department of Revenue as proposed in ARC 2178C that "expand
the number of items that qualify as exempt computers, machinery, or
equipment" in Iowa Code Chapter 423, which is how the proposed rules
described what they are intended to do.
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
10
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 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 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.
State Mandates
Cities are often faced with implementing mandates from the state and federal governments
without receiving the necessary funds for implementation.
Reauested 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.
Transportation
Southwest Arterial 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, Flexsteel Industries,
Kendall/Hunt Publishing 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 four -lane South West regional connector
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• Planning, design, ROW acquisition and construction of the East West Corridor
• Improvements and enhancements of the at grade railroad crossings in Downtown
Dubuque
• Street improvements and more
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 programed funding for
the Southwest Arterial in the Iowa Five Year Highway Transportation
Improvement Plan and increase the funding to ensure paving of a four -lane
arterial connector.
Iowa's Road Use Tax Fund (RUTF)
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.
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.
Requested Action:
Support the return of passenger rail from Chicago to Dubuque.
Airport Infrastructure Reinvestment for Iowa (AIR -Iowa)
Recognizing that to compete in a 21st century marketplace, Iowa must have a modern and serviceable
transportation infrastructure Iowa has made significant investments in transportation infrastructure, we
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consider the next logical place to turn our attention to is the state of Iowa's air transport infrastructure
Investing in aviation is essential to ensure Iowa remains competitive in today's increasingly global
marketplace
The state currently allocates only $1 4M dollars a year on vertical infrastructure to be distributed to Iowa's
public use airports, both commercial and general aviation The Commercial Service Vertical Infrastructure
(CSVI) program is capped at $900K, and is derived from Iowa's Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF)
The General Aviation Vertical Infrastructure (GAVI) is derived from Iowa's State Aviation Fund (SAF) and
is capped at $500K The aforementioned amounts represent a cut of $850k from FY17 and are woefully
inadequate to address the current and growing demands on Iowa's system of airports
According to the State Aviation System Plan (2010-2030) Iowa's aviation system need is $816M or $43M
per year From commercial passenger, to commercial freight, and our general aviation usage, our airports
need significant upgrades if Iowa is to remain competitive in a global marketplace
The Dubuque Regional Airport endorses the proposal made by the Iowa Public Airports Association
(IPAA) to commit to support its airports in developing and maintaining its airport infrastructure by creating
a special airport infrastructure program (AIR -Iowa) that would include
• A total of $165M over a period of ten (10) years This represents an additional $140M over the
10 -year term out of the RIIF fund, and includes the current $2 25M per year the state currently
allocates for airport vertical infrastructure programs - $1 5 million from RIIF and the remaining
$750,000 from the SAF The total investment of $165M, and over the period of 10 -years, would
be derived entirely from Iowa's RIIF program
• A total of $135M to Commercial Service Airports over a period of ten (10) years, or $13 5M
annually To be eligible for this level of funding, a facility would have to meet the federal definition
of a Commercial Service Airport, and funds would be allocated as follows
1 Each of the eight (8) Commercial Service Airports would receive $300,000, and,
2 The remaining funds would be dispersed and/or allocated based upon the percent of
passenger enplanements, and similar to the current FAA entitlement funding formula for the
distribution of grants issued from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP)
• The remaining $30M would be allocated to Iowa's General Aviation Airports over the 10 -year
period or $3M annually The funds would be allocated according to the current project priority
rating system as administered by Iowa's Department of Transportation via the Office of Aviation
All funds dispersed would require a 5° o local match by the Airport Owner
Air Service Development Funding
DBQ participated in meetings with Iowa Legislators and staff along with the seven other
commercial airports in developing a series of recommendations to the Iowa Legislature
to promote, sustain, and grow commercial airline service in Iowa. This was the result of
the 2014 Iowa DOT Omnibus bill, Senate File 2355, forming the Iowa Air Service
Retention and Expansion Committee to develop a plan for the retention and expansion
of passenger air service in Iowa. Several specific actions were identified below:
Requested Action:
Encourage airports to conduct local passenger service
strategic/contingency planning and assist airports as appropriate (Airports
need state funding assistance in these plans and studies)
Strengthen advocacy for federal programs - Arrange meeting with Iowa
DOT, air service communities, and federal delegation
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Airport Improvement Program - Long-term reauthorization with increase in
funding levels — Stop diverting trust funds intended for airport projects to
FAA operations
Essential Air Service Program - Lighten restrictions of eligibility
requirements to assist existing commercial service airports in maintaining
passenger air service.
Airport Improvement Program - Stop diversion of use tax on aircraft sales
from the State Aviation Fund to the General Fund
Aviation Tax Policy
Iowa airports and aviation industry have requested sales and use tax policy changes to
remain competitive with our neighboring states. Our customers are traveling to
Minnesota and elsewhere for work on their aircraft which used to be performed in IA.
Unless this trend is reversed, this will lead to loss of jobs, closed businesses, and a
weaker aviation industry.
Requested Action:
Aviation related taxes and tax policies must be kept competitive and
comparable with neighboring states.
Effective Control of Wildlife Aviation Hazards
Deer and other animals continue to be hazards to aviation in our state. Pilots and airport
managers continue to report an alarming increase in the number of runway incursions by wild
animals. Public airports should be allowed to engage in timely and appropriate depredation
efforts for their facilities. Shotguns lack the range for large open spaces like airports. The
elimination of the wildlife hazards should not be considered hunting and the techniques for the
elimination of the hazard should include any weapon legal anywhere in the State of Iowa at the
discretion of the airport management. We are not hunting, we are removing a threat to life and
property.
Requested Action:
A change to the shooting permit language is needed. Specifically, items (9)
"Legal weapons and restrictions will be governed by 571-106.7(481.A).
Center -fire rifles are currently legal only in the southern two tiers of
counties in Iowa." Also, requiring changes is line (10) "All other applicable
deer hunting rules and pertinent license requirement apply to shooting
permits." Allow airports the use of rifles to eliminate wildlife hazards to
flight.
Protect Airport Zonina and Airspace
Protecting and preserving airport approach and departure paths is one of the main
reasons airport protections were placed in the Iowa Code many years ago. The safety
and protection of the public, pilots and passengers must not be placed secondary to
tower siting considerations.
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Requested Action:
DBQ opposes any efforts to eliminate, supersede, or lessen the zoning and
airspace protection abilities of local communities for their public airports.
Technology and Innovation
Broadband Infrastructure
Dubuque supports state efforts to expand broadband access and speeds in the state. Like
water, sewer, energy and roads, affordable access to globally relevant internet speeds is a
minimum infrastructure necessary to 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 globally relevant
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. 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", but rather on
key consideration of whether in a specific location there is access to globally competitive
infrastructure in terms of broadband access, choice, speed, redundancy, safety and cost.
Requested Action:
Continue to support policy and funding for expansion and universal
access to broadband in the State of Iowa.
Housing
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
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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."
fact, a full 37% of homeowners and 50% of renters today are cost burdened.
In
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 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.
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Workforce Housina 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 will be necessary in the 2018 legislative
session in order to meet the demand identified in the State's workforce housing study completed
in 2012. The legislative changes in 2014 expand access to the worthwhile housing program, but
the cap is unnecessarily limiting.
Requested Action:
The City supports moving the workforce housing tax credits out of the
aggregate Iowa Economic Development Authority's Economic
Development Tax Credit Cap. The workforce housing program is a housing
program and not a direct economic development incentive and should not
be restricted as such.
Emergency Management - Homeland Security
Flood Mitiaation Proaram
Federal Emergency Management Administration has asserted that for every one 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.
Combined Emergencv Communications and Emergencv Operations
Center
Dubuque County has experienced eight presidential disaster declarations since 1999.
Increased frequency and impacts of disasters on the City of Dubuque has created the need for
expanded facilities. Combining emergency operations and communications will deliver services
more effectively and efficiently to citizens of Dubuque and Dubuque County.
Emergency Operations Centers have been in place throughout the state of Iowa for decades.
The City of Dubuque's Emergency Operations Center is currently located at the Dubuque
Emergency Responder Training Facility. It had been previously located in the Dubuque Fire
Headquarters basement since the mid -twentieth century. EOCs were built during the Cold War
and with a focus on civil defense. Today, with more frequent and extreme weather events as
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evidenced by Dubuque's high number of Presidential Disaster Declarations, demand for a new
combined center is evident.
The Emergency Communications Center is located in the Dubuque County Law Enforcement
Center. It is located in the middle of the building and is restricted for future growth. Currently
there are 4 console positions and with the numbers of calls and the severity of some of them,
there is a need to have additional capacity for call taking and dispatching. The Center has been
remodeled several times and future expansion is limited. Federal Mandates for P25 radio
systems and the expiring life expectancy of current radio system creates the need to
update Dubuque City/County's radio system within the next two years at a cost of $10.5
million. Updating at current location still creates restrictions on growth and capabilities during
high volume times and disasters.
In order to respond to the well-being and safety of the citizens of Dubuque, and to the increased
demand for services created by more frequent disasters, and in order to replace aging and
inefficient facilities, efforts are underway to explore funding opportunities that would enable the
creation of a combined Emergency Communications and Emergency Operations Center.
The State of Iowa has partnered with many larger city/county governments to assist in funding
combined emergency communications centers and emergency operations centers.
Requested Action:
Work with area legislators to explore opportunities for partnership and
funding for a combined Emergency Communications and Emergency
Operations Center.
Support increasing 911 Surcharge funding percentage to get the 911 Funds
back into the local's hands to assist local 911Service Boards with
maintaining 911 systems.
Library Services
FuIIv Funding Enrich Iowa Program
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.
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Human Resources
Municipal Fire and 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 and 25.68 percent in
Fiscal Year 2018.
The problem with MFPRSI is largely about the variability of the contribution rate. Cities' (PERS
contribution rates since 1994 have never been below 5.75 percent and never been above the
current 8.93 percent — a difference of 55 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%). Change legislation to lift the cap for the employee contribution
and consider reducing enhanced benefits for new employees coming into
the system.
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.
Seasonal Employees
Currently, temporary employees that accept a job that starts on a specific date and ends on a
specific date are eligible to collect unemployment. For example, temporary employees hired for
three or four months to mow lawns during the summer are allowed at the end of the summer to
collect unemployment even though they know the job is temporary when hired. This puts a
costly burden on the employer.
Requested Action:
Amend the unemployment law so that temporary employees are not
allowed to collect unemployment.
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 45, 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.
Iowa Code Changes
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
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authority under 657A.10A 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.
Underage and 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.
Requested Action:
Pass legislation to increase the simple misdemeanor penalty found in Iowa
Code Chapter 321.216 and 123.50 to a higher penalty.
Eliminate "Good Moral Character" language from Iowa Code
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 takes into
consideration 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.
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.
Fantasy Gaming
Gaming revenues in the state of Iowa continue to experience negative impacts as a result of
Fantasy Gaming. Fantasy Gaming could yield increased state and local revenues if licensed
through Iowa gaming facilities and authorized in the Iowa Code section 99F.
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Requested Action:
Support regulation of Fantasy Gaming which could yield increased state
and local revenues if licensed through Iowa gaming facilities and
authorized in the Iowa Code section 99F.
Planning & Zoning
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. The League supports 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.
New State Law: Payday Lenders
Payday loans are defined as small, short-term, unsecured loans, and are sometimes referred to
as cash advances. Payday loans generally require that the consumer have a previous payroll
and employment record, generally charge a much higher interest rate than a standard bank
loan, and carry a substantial risk to the lender.
Payday loans are packaged as short-term loans due on a borrower's next payday, but in reality,
borrowers are indebted far longer and pay far more than advertised. The average loan requires
one-third of a borrower's biweekly paycheck, exceeding what most can afford without having to
borrow again. Opponents of payday lenders recommend that cities and states regulate the
industry by capping interest rates, requiring credit checks for patrons and by implementing
zoning regulations.
Payday lending is legal in the state of Iowa according to Iowa Code Ann. & 533D et sea. Loan
terms are as follows: the maximum loan amount is $500 and the maximum term is 31 days. A
lender is allowed to charge finance charges and fees up to $15 for a loan of $0-$100 as well as
$10 more on every $100 borrowed thereafter. Finance charge equals $16.67 for every $100
borrowed for 14 days. APR equals 433% for every $100 borrowed for a 14 days.
In Iowa, many cities have adopted separation requirements for the location of payday lenders;
however, zoning to separate payday lenders has little effect on existing businesses or on
consumers using an existing business or an on-line resource. Iowa communities cannot
regulate interest rates or prohibit payday lenders.
Since 2011, Pew Charitable Trust has conducted extensive research on payday, auto title, and
similar loans, and found that these products suffer from unaffordable payments, deceptive
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business practices, and excessive prices. The Pew Charitable Trust has these five policy
recommendations to minimize harm to consumers and make small -dollar loans more affordable:
1. Limit payments to an affordable percentage of a borrower's income. Monthly
payments above 5% of monthly pretax income are unaffordable for most borrowers.
Loans requiring more should be prohibited unless rigorous underwriting shows that the
borrower can pay the loan while meeting other financial obligations.
2. Spread costs evenly over the life of the loan. Front -loading of fees and interest
should be prohibited. Any fees should be paid evenly over the life of the loan, and loans
should have substantially equal payments that amortize smoothly to a zero balance.
3. Guard against harmful repayment or collections practices. Policymakers should
prevent or limit the use of postdated checks and automatic withdrawals from borrowers'
bank accounts. They should also make it easier to cancel automatic electronic
withdrawals and protect against excessively long loan terms.
4. Require concise disclosures of periodic and total costs. Loan offers should clearly
disclose, with equal weighting: the periodic payment schedule, the total repayment
amount, the total finance charge, and the effective annual percentage rate (APR)
inclusive of all fees.
5. Continue to set maximum allowable charges. Almost every state sets maximum
allowable rates on some small -dollar loans because these markets serving those with
poor credit histories are not price competitive. Policymakers may limit rates to 36% or
less if they do not want payday lenders to operate, or somewhat higher if they do.
Requested Action:
Pass legislation to implement the policy recommendations listed above for
payday lenders.
Historic Preservation
Restore the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program (HSPG1
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.
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Requested Action:
Restore State funding for the Historic Site Preservation Grant Program
(HSPG).
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.
Furthermore, some Iowa cities are experiencing burgeoning commissions as historic districts
are designated and representatives of each district are appointed. To avoid "over -populating" a
commission, allowing a majority of the districts to be represented on a historic preservation
commission would be appropriate.
Requested Action:
Enact legislation allowing property owners to represent a majority of the
historic districts on the Historic Preservation Commission.
Appeal of Actions by Historic Preservation Commission
Section 303.34 of the Iowa Code states that an aggrieved party may appeal the action of a
historic preservation commission to the City Council, and then to district court. The City
Council, like the court, has to consider whether the commission exercised its powers and
followed the guidelines established by law and ordinance, and whether the commission's action
was "patently arbitrary and capricious." This process places the City Council in the difficult and
uncomfortable position of interpreting technical guidelines and determining their appointees
"arbitrary and capricious." The City Council would support an alternative process.
Also, there is no procedure specified in Section 303.34 for appeals to district court. The
procedure for appeals should be spelled out in that section.
Requested Action:
Consider legislation providing an alternative appeals process regarding an
action of the historic preservation commission. Also, clarify the procedure
for appeals to the district court.
Park and Recreation
Parks to People Initiative
The Iowa Parks Foundation has been working tirelessly to create economic and recreational
facilities opportunities to grow all regions across the State of Iowa. The Jones, Jackson and
Dubuque county region was selected for the Iowa Parks Foundation's pilot project. The pilot
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project - Parks to People - aims to better connect state, county and city regional park systems to
local communities. The initiative will also beautify and improve state, county and city parks to
ensure Iowa will become a premier parks region in the Midwest. Parks to People is also a
quality of life program for the citizens of the State of Iowa and an economic development and
tourism enhancement initiative with a focus on completion by the one hundredth anniversary of
the Iowa parks system in 2020.
As a part of the first pilot region (Dubuque, Jones and Jackson counties), parks in the region
received $1.9 million in state appropriation and has been assisting in raising an additional 5:1
match which will include financial contributions and volunteer donations of time, talent and
resources. Currently the region which is now called Grant Wood Loop has projects totaling
over $25 million to build upon the state's $1.9 million appropriation. Numerous projects across
the three counties have been completed and others are in various stages of completion to meet
the 2018.
Requested Action:
The City of Dubuque supports the regional Parks to People efforts and
promote the goals of regional collaboration: economic development,
quality of life, wellness, education, arts and culture and outdoor recreation.
In addition, the City of Dubuque, as a regional partner, serve on the
steering committee and advocate for a dedicated fund of $2 million dollars
be established for Parks to People at the State Department of Natural
Resources. The matching capability by the Grant Wood Loop shows this to
be a strong public-private partnership with state resources being leveraged
far beyond the original 5:1 match.
Increased/Stable Funding and Staffing for Mines of Spain State
Recreation Area
The ability of 1,400 acre Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque to remain a focal
point for environmental and cultural educational programs and interpretive activities for the tri-
state area of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin is seriously threatened by tenuous State funding.
Local Response to State Needs
The Mines of Spain is a regional destination where visitors and residents can reconnect with the
natural, cultural and ecological aspects of the park through interactive and comprehensive
outdoor and indoor learning opportunities.
The Mines of Spain and the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center currently serves over 250,000
visitors annually and provides hundreds of programs for school aged children, college students,
youth groups and families.
When more space was needed at the Interpretive Center, the Friends of the Mines of Spain
(FOMOS) planned and coordinated an expansion that updated and more than doubled the
original space for educational purposes, raising $1.8 million in private, local, state and federal
funds.
The award-winning LEED-certified Interpretive Center now 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.
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Working with the IDNR, the City of Dubuque, the FOMOS, private donors and the Iowa Natural
Heritage Foundation have raised over $1.98 million to acquire and develop a 52 -acre addition
adjacent to the Interpretive Center.
A Unique State Park with National Park Credentials
The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area includes woodlands, prairie, and blufflands that
overlook the Mississippi River along a 3 -mile shoreline. This state park is a National Historic
Landmark and a state preserve. 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 blufflands that overlook
the river to tall grass prairies, forested woodlands and wetland.
This National Historic Landmark also contains thousands of years of human history dating from
the early Mississippian period through the early 20th century. Mounds, village sites, rock
shelters, trading post sites, and campsites dot the landscape. The Mines of Spain Recreation
Area was designated in 2005 as a Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area Site.
State Support for Investment and Operation
The IDNR, the City, and the Friends group 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 newly built and acquired facilities/land are seriously
threatened; past investments are at risk for being wasted.
Requested Action:
Increased state supported funding for the physical assets in the parks as
well as park staffing for the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
especially because there are active local partners in the Friends of Mines of
Spain and the City.
Ability for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to raise fees as
appropriate for recreational pursuits such as camping and licensing.
Increased funding of REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection)
REAP stands for Resource Enhancement and Protection. It 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.
REAP is funded from the state's Environment First Fund (Iowa
gaming receipts) and from the sale of the natural resource
license plate. The state legislature sets the amount of REAP
funding every year. Interest from the REAP account and
receipts from the sale of natural resource license plates add
about $394,000 to this appropriation.
In the last two years, REAP has been appropriated $12 million
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and $16 million, compared to the 31 -year average of $11.2 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. Both benefit
tourism and connecting people to the outdoors with active recreation.
Reauested Action:
Request that the Iowa Legislature work to increase REAP to full funding of
$20 million.
Natural Resources and 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, over 60% 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 tax. If raised, the first three-eighths of the tax will go
toward the Trust Fund. It was reported that this would generate about $150 million a year. Once
funded, the Trust Fund guarantees that money in the Trust be allocated as shown in the graph.
(Soil & Water Conservation
Local Conservation Partnerships)
(Habitat, Parks & Preserves
14%
10% 7%
Watershed Protection)
Trails
Lake Restoration)
Our most productive soil is being lost at an alarming rate, threating the economic engine that is
Iowa's family farms. Funding the Trust Fund will provide protection of these resources for future
generations by:
• Providing significant funding for investments in voluntary soil conservation practices and
technology that can improve yields and profits on Iowa farms.
• Fostering and leveraging partnerships between agriculture, the non-profit and private
sectors and government for implementation of water quality and soil conservation
practices.
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• Allocating 33% of the funding to voluntary soil and water conservation and local
conservation partnerships.
The Trust Fund will also allow for investment in natural approaches to flood prevention that can
improve water quality while protecting our farms, cities and neighborhoods from future flooding.
Outdoor recreation provides real economic benefits to Iowa's communities, particularly rural
ones by contributing millions in local and state tax revenues, providing jobs and generating
billions of dollars in Iowa's economy.
• Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching generate $1.54 billion per year in Iowa. This
includes $974 million in local retail sales, creating and supporting more than 17,800 jobs.
• Hunters alone support over 7,000 jobs in Iowa and spend over $449 million annually on
their sport, which in turn generates over $47.8 million in state tax revenue.
• Visits to state parks, county parks, lakes and trails are estimated at 50 million visits per
year, representing $2.63 billion in spending levels.
• River recreation supports more than 6,350 jobs with $824 million in sales and $139
million of personal income.
Recreational amenities and quality of life opportunities are critical to recruiting and retaining a
highly educated and motivated workforce.
Reauested 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 already supported
with a significant majority.
Arts and Culture
Great livable communities in Iowa must support culture, arts, history, and focused community
development. Investment in cultural programs improves the quality of life in Iowa and helps to
attract and retain a vibrant workforce which assists in developing and promoting Iowa's
economic vitality. Nationally, the nonprofit arts and cultural segment alone produces $135
billion dollars in economic impact in the United States.
According to the National Assembly of Arts Agencies, Iowa ranks 40th
of all states in per capita spending of 43 cents for arts and culture.
The National average is 97 cents. Neighboring states are ranked
higher than Iowa: Minnesota 1st ($6.36); Missouri 20th (80 cents);
Nebraska 2nd (78 cents); Illinois 21st (79 cents). These total FY2014
appropriations include line -item funds designated by the legislature to
pass through the state arts agency to other entities.
In 2011, Dubuque participated in the most comprehensive economic
impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted
in the United States, Arts & Economic Prosperity IV. It was conducted by Americans for the
Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. The
City of Dubuque was one of 182 study regions that participated in the study.
In 2012, results showed that the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Dubuque generates $47.2
million in annual economic activity, supporting 1,530 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $5
28
million in local and state government revenues and $36.7 million in household income to local
residents.
The arts mean business. Leaders who care about the community and economic development
can feel good about investing in the arts. What other industry can boast the quality of life
benefits and the economic benefits the way the arts can?
The arts have a vital role in stimulating and sustaining economic development. Contrary to
popular belief, the arts are a bustling industry that supports a plethora of diverse jobs, generates
significant revenues for local businesses, contributes to federal, state and local governments
and provides quality of life that positions communities to compete in our 21st century creative
economy.
The Dubuque City Council has been a strong advocate for a strong advocate for a strong arts
presence, making arts and culture a top priority for the last two years in a row.
In 2004, the Council approved an Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee, $35,000 in
annual project grants and established a Downtown Cultural Corridor. A $200,000 annual
operating and special project support funding was established in 2005, and an additional
$10,000 was added to that annually beginning in 2011. Another $300,000 in capital funds was
allocated for the Art on the River public art program for ten years. Dubuque created a part time
staff position of Arts and Cultural Affairs Coordinator in FY2009 with partial funding from Iowa
Community Cultural Grants in FY 2009, 2010 and 2011. The position is now fully funded by the
City. The coordinator works closely with the Commission to promote and increase awareness
and market the arts and activities and allocate budgeted funding for the arts and cultural
activities. The position has enabled the Commission to develop goals and priorities, to enhance
the public art program by creating standards of excellence using regional, state and national
models and refining the grant process to ensure the taxpayer's money is used in the best
possible manner. The recent designation of the Historic Millwork District plan brings integrated
strategies that include design guidelines, historic preservation, community gardens, central
gathering spaces, arts venues and artistic streetscapes. The City has recognized the need for
master arts planning which would include a public art plan in order to advance its' reputation as
a regional arts hub.
The City of Dubuque engaged the consulting firm Lord Cultural Resources to assist in the
creation of an Arts and Culture Master Plan. According to the 2012 Arts & Economic Prosperity
IV national economic impact study, Dubuque's nonprofit arts and culture industry generates
$47.2 million in annual economic activity, supporting 1,530 full-time equivalent jobs, and
generating $5 million in local and state government revenues and $36.7 million in household
income to local residents. This document was developed as a guide for the City organization to
strategically direct resources and ensure that arts and culture remain an integral part of our
community in the future. The goal of the plan is to reflect the community's desire to utilize arts
and culture to enhance our sense of community; contribute to our economic vitality; create and
support an environment where art and culture thrive; and enrich the Dubuque community
culturally, aesthetically, educationally and economically. The Plan was adopted in October of
2016 by the Dubuque City Council.
The City of Dubuque has provided $3 million dollars in funding for the arts since the
establishment of the City's Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission in 2004. The
Commission has managed the City's investment, allocated among three programs: $1.6 million
has been awarded through the Operating Support Grant Program; $345,000 has been awarded
through the Special Projects Grant Program that has leveraged a total of $814,192 in arts
projects in our community, and; $205,000 has funded the Art on the River annual temporary
public art exhibit at the Port of Dubuque.
29
We are pleased to see that funding programs in the last budgeting year were restored
somewhat from previously years. City funding alone is insufficient for the arts to flourish in
Dubuque. The support of grant programs through the Department of Cultural Affairs is vital to
the organizations and artists in Dubuque. The City currently has no funding programs for
individual artists, so the Iowa Arts Council Project Grants help our local artists tremendously.
Transforming the former ICCG Grant into the Jobs Creation Grants will assist many small
organizations in our City to expand their capacity. On September 23, 2013, Iowa Arts Council
staff presented a grant writing workshop in Dubuque which was highly attended, especially by
younger art leaders in the community. Interaction with and support of a knowledgeable staff is
integral to our state's arts and cultural initiatives.
Requested Action:
Regard arts as an Iowa industry that is an economically sound investment
that attracts audiences, spurs business development, supports jobs,
generates state and local government revenue and is the cornerstone of
tourism. Support programs in the Department of Cultural Affairs (Iowa Arts
Council, State Historical Society of Iowa) to continue to recognize and
promote Iowa's cultural heritage as key in recovery and strengthening of all
Iowa communities, and increasing economic development. State funding of
these programs leverages local support for arts and cultural organizations,
historical organizations, educational programs, rehabilitation of historic
buildings, and projects involving a variety of historic resources.
Provide appropriate staff support within the Department of Cultural Affairs
to provide previous levels of services to communities and citizens of Iowa
through all programs and departments.
Raise the ranking of Iowa from 40th place in per capital spending for the
arts and culture as reported by the National Assembly of Arts Agencies,
Iowa ranks 40th of all states in per capita spending of $.43 for arts and
culture.
Sustainabilitv
Enerav Efficiency & Renewable/Alternative Enerav
Recently, the American Council for an Energy -Efficient Economy ranked Iowa 15th (down from
12th) in the nation for its efforts to promote energy efficiency. Iowa scored highly in the category
of building energy codes as one of only 17 states with a statewide code that meets or exceeds
the latest International Energy Conservation Code standards for both residential and
commercial buildings. Businesses, residents and local governments have taken advantage of
existing incentive programs, but still have much work to do in order to make their new and
existing buildings more energy efficient. As energy efficiency is achieved, private and public
organizations as well as individuals have begun to explore a variety of alternative and
renewable energy options to increase their energy independence, reduce dependence on coal
and oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the competitiveness of local business and
improve public health.
30
In 2016, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Department of Transportation
initiated a statewide process to develop the Iowa Energy Plan. The plan, which the City of
Dubuque has been engaged in developing, focuses on energy as an economic development
opportunity, Iowa's energy resources, energy efficiency and conservation, and transportation
and infrastructure.
Requested Action:
The City strongly advocates for implementation of the recommendations
that will be included in the Iowa Energy Plan, specifically as they relate to
energy efficiency and opportunities to support the development of
renewable energy resources in the state.
With the discontinuation of the Office of Energy Independence and its
programs, it is critical for all state agencies (including, but not limited to,
the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Utility Board, Department
of Natural Resources and Department of Administrative Services) to
develop programming, funding and regulatory flexibility to support and
promote the development of additional energy efficiency efforts and the
adoption of renewable and alternative energy sources. Successful energy
efficiency incentive programs should be continued and Iowa should
explore opportunities to remain competitive with other states in offering
incentives for the installation and utilization of renewable and alternative
energy. Specifically, the state should consider a progressive energy policy
that works with local governments and utilities to 1) remove barriers to
widespread decentralized renewable energy use, 2) stabilize renewable
energy incentives, and 3) support net metering and 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 ROIs
that create jobs for Iowans. PACE programs can now be used in over 30
states, with over $30 million provided to improve buildings in the last 12
months 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 ROIs, and promote equitable sharing of
costs and savings among current and future owners and tenants.
Additionally, the City supports the Iowa Clean Cities Coalition and is
interested in partnering with the State in any way possible to advance the
development of alternative fuel fleets and the infrastructure needed to
make those fleets possible in the public and private sector.
Public Health
Opioid Epidemic
Opioid use and overdose deaths represent a public health crisis requiring innovating,
evidence -based responses with community involvement. Opioid overdose mortality
31
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 had eleven 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.
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 217 community and health professionals, along with 90 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.
Requested Action:
• Direct the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to collaborate in
requiring physician, pharmacist, and eligible prescribers' participation
in the state prescription monitoring program; to enable inter -state
exchange of prescription information; to assure provider adherence to
the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain; and to limit
opioid prescriptions to 7 -day supplies, enabling closer patient
supervision by pharmacist and physicians and reducing opportunities
for diversion;
• 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;
Other Requested Action:
• Pass "good Samaritan" legislation protecting individuals from arrest
and prosecution for possession or use when they are saved from
overdose or for calling 911 to save others who overdose;
• Establish drug specialty courts in statute for each judicial district,
ensuring ongoing funding through standing appropriations to the
Judicial Branch and Department of Corrections;
• Advance responsible, evidence -based opioid prescribing and
counseling through pain management education, safe prescribing
training, and addiction training for all prescribers and dispensers
32
throughout medical schooling and beyond, including physicians,
nurses, physician assistants, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists;
Create a new public long-term treatment system for dual -diagnosis patients and long-
term aftercare for those addicted to opioids.
Community Health Centers
Medicaid Reimbursement for Same -Day Medical, Oral Health and Behavioral Health
Services
Iowa's Community Health Centers (CHCs) provide care to more than 69,000 Medicaid patients,
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.
As Iowa moves toward providing a patient centered medical home (PCMH) for all Medicaid
recipients, changing this reimbursement policy is instrumental in achieving the PCMH goal of
providing patients the necessary care when and where they need and want it. Allowing patients
to schedule same day appointments with more than one provider can alleviate barriers to
accessing services, such as transportation to the health center. Reimbursing for each of these
visits will ensure CHCs can cover the costs of providing care and help maintain their viability.
Allowing reimbursement for same day visits will also facilitate the implementation of an
integrated primary and behavioral health model at CHCs. This model, which is clinically
effective and cost effective, utilizes close collaboration between a CHC's medical and
behavioral health staff to provide a seamless continuum of care for patients. Visits ideally occur
to both on the same day, reducing the high failure rate of referrals to behavioral health and allow
for better coordination of medical and behavioral health problems.
Although these issues should be resolved under managed care, there remain issues connected
to Managed Care Organization (MCO) same-day billing.
Requested Action:
Allow Medicaid reimbursement for same-day medical, oral health and
behavioral health services.
Ensure Access to High Quality, Affordable Health Care
With continuing issues related to the sustainability of the Health Insurance Marketplace in Iowa
and the proposals to replace or improve the Affordable Care Act, any changes need to ensure
vulnerable and low-income Iowans can access high quality, affordable health insurance,
including Iowa's Medicaid expansion program and other safeguards to maintain our historically
low insurance rates.
Requested Action:
It is imperative that any changes to Medicaid rates and coverage, or
increased flexibility at the state or federal level, include adequate services,
providers, rates and other safeguards.
Recruit and Retain a Qualified Healthcare Workforce
33
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 and continue investment in the National Health Service Corp, and
Teaching Health Centers to assist and promote health and dental providers
to serve in rural areas, specialty areas, and community health centers.
Hotel and Food Establishment License Fees & Food Safety
The inadequacy of food code licensing fees has resulted in a systematic degradation of Iowa's
food inspection system and jeopardizes the health of Iowans and our economy. Current license
fees fail to cover program costs. Since 1979, fees were increased slightly in 1997 and 2008
while program costs have risen exponentially. Some counties and municipalities subsidize as
much as 50% of their food program costs.
For more than a decade, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (IDIA) and some local
programs have not had the resources to meet the frequency of restaurant inspections
established by the FDA. In recent years, DIA has reduced the minimum food inspection
frequencies twice. In 2009, inspections were to occur once or twice a year depending on facility
risk. In 2011, inspections shifted to every six to 24 months depending on risk. The erosion of
Iowa's food safety program is a direct result of inadequate food license fees. When the 2014
legislature failed to increase fees, DIA revised its rules extending frequencies to 36 months for
some facilities. Dubuque strives to inspect more frequently.
The public believes these assessments occur on a much more regular basis and therefore may
have a false sense of safety from foodborne disease. Inadequate and irregular license fee
increases are starving Iowa's food safety system and have the potential to put the health and
lives of the consuming public at risk.
Requested Action:
Increase food licensing fees to fully fund food safety program activities in
compliance with Iowa Code.
Authorize DIA to administer the food licensing fees through the Iowa
Administrative Code.
Establish an automatic fee adjustment mechanism to annually increase
fees by the percentage increase in the consumer price index.
Create parity between license fees for retail food and food service
establishments. And reduce the burden on taxpayers
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:
Iowa Code Section 364.12 (h) changed to allow mailing via regular mail.
34
Childhood Lead Poisoning
Childhood lead poisoning is endemic to Iowa Of Iowa children born in 2004, 97 7% were tested
at least once before the age of six years, and 3 7% of these children were lead -poisoned (in
eight counties, more than 9% of the children were lead -poisoned) At the national level, the rate
of lead poisoning among children under the age of six years is so low that it is no longer
reported Homes built prior to 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint, and lead-based paint
hazards are the leading cause of childhood lead poisoning In 2009, the Iowa General
Assembly passed a law requiring all children to have proof of a blood lead test prior to entering
kindergarten
Further complicating lowan's ability to help their children, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
eliminated a $594,000 00 grant which the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has
historically received annually This resulted in a 25% reduction in funds going to local health
departments for lead poisoning surveillance activities, and, more importantly, essentially
eliminated the technical capacity of the state level especially for data compilation and analysis
As IDPH keeps less than 5 0% of state funds allocated to the lead poisoning preventing
program, staff time will now be used for enforcement activities related to contractors and
inspectors, rather than the tracking and treatment of poisoned children and maintaining accurate
data
Reauested Action:
Appropriate adequate funds to allow the Iowa Department of Public health
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.
Healthy Local Foods
During the 2010 Legislative Session, 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
Reauested Action:
Provide policy direction, funding and other resources to implement the
recommendations of the Local Food & Farm Plan delivered to the
Legislature in January 2011.
35
Partnerships
Dubuque Community School District
The creation and sustenance of a strong workforce and vibrant economy in Dubuque and Iowa,
depend upon a well -funded educational program, with state of the art facilities, and essential
educational tools.
The scheduled sunset of the one cent sales tax for Iowa school districts restricts Iowa school
districts' bonding ability. In addition, this sales tax is the sole source of funding for technology in
Iowa schools. Sunsetting is scheduled in 2029.
Requested action:
We oppose the scheduled sunset in 2029 of the statewide one cent sales
tax for Iowa schools. We support an extension of the one cent sales tax
past 2029 in order to provide 21st Century education for all Iowa students.
We oppose placing a cap on the amount the districts can receive.
Dubuque Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Dubuque is a top tourism destination in the state of Iowa and the upper Midwest region.
Dubuque hosts two million visitors annually, and it is important that the Iowa Economic
Development Authority provide tools for additional growth that supports tourism and workforce
development.
The new Enhance Iowa legislation provides an opportunity for the legislature to appropriate
funds that will invest in partnerships with local communities through Community Attractions and
Tourism development fund.
The Dubuque CVB also encourages an increase in the level of resources for trail development
in Northeast Iowa and support funding for improved water quality.
Requested Action:
Fully fund CAT and the new Enhance Iowa program.
Dubuque County
Mental Health Funding.
Following the major re -design of the Mental Health and Developmental Disability Services
delivery system in Iowa in 2012 (SF 2315), it is essential that adequate funding be provided to
allow counties to transition to the new funding system to avoid waiting lists for services. There
is a belief that regions have unreasonable fund balances but this does not account for the new
requirements for core services and gaps in the current system that regions are expected to fill.
While we recognize that increasing budget pressures and increasing Medicaid costs challenge
state lawmakers, it would be counter-productive to shift costs with such strategies as freezing
waiver programs that force the consumers to seek assistance at the regional level instead of the
state.
36
Requested Action:
Ensure that Developmental Disability services are included in core services
Provide sufficient funds for FY17 to ensure that counties and MH/DS
regions have the resources necessary to provide and manage services
Substance Abuse funding needs to be pulled out of the silo. MHDD funding
is only allowed to fund MHDD, but we are required to serve people with co-
occurring disorders.
Additional Law Enforcement Training in the areas of Mental Health
and Substance Abuse at the ILEA
We understand that expanded mandatory training hours of all law enforcement officers at the
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in the area of mental health issues has been increased. We
have also advocated for additional training for substance abuse issues.
Requested action:
Support additional training which benefit officers and citizens and will
assist with jail diversion programs and available services.
Dubuque/Delaware County Druci Court
Dubuque County supports the mission of the Drug Court, which is a collaborative effort between
the judiciary, county attorneys, corrections, law enforcement, and Substance Abuse Services
Center to more effectively supervise and treat non-violent substance abuse addicted offenders
who might be incarcerated. The Drug Court has served residents of Dubuque and Delaware
counties. It is estimated the Drug Court saved over $200,000 by providing an alternative to
incarceration and reduces drug related crime and positively changes lives of substance
abusers, their families and our community.
Requested action:
Continue funding to the Department of Corrections Services for this
successful and essential program.
Zoning Violation Cleanup
Counties and cities have no authority to collect costs to cleanup zoning violations in a timely and
cost effective manner. The costs are either entered as a personal judgment against the
defendant or assessed against the property where the violation occurred or both. Counties and
cities need to be able to use the same process as allowed in Iowa Code Chapter 331.384
Abatement of Public Health and Safety Hazards -Special Assessments and 364.12
Responsibility for Public Places. In those code sections, counties and cities are allowed to
"perform the required action and assess the costs against the property for collection in the same
manner as a property tax."
Requested Action:
Amend the Iowa Code to allow this remedy for cleanup of zoning violations
in both counties and cities.
37
2013 State Property Tax Reform Legislation
Commercial and Industrial taxpayers previously were taxed at 100 percent of assessed value; however, due to legislative
changes in FY 2013, a 95 percent rollback factor was applied in FY 2015 (July 1, 2014) and a 90 percent rollback factor will be
applied in FY 2016 (July 1, 2015) and beyond. The State of Iowa will backfill the loss in property tax revenue from the rollback on
commercial and industrial properties. The backfill is projected to be 100 percent in FY 2015 through FY 2017 and then the
backfill will be capped at the FY 2017 level in FY 2018 and beyond. In FY 2015, the City lost $888,880 in commercial and
industrial tax revenue, all of which was backfilled by the State of Iowa. In FY 2016, the City lost $1,814,753 in commercial and
industrial tax revenue, all of which was backfilled by the State of Iowa. In FY 2017, the City lost $1,836,464 in commercial and
industrial tax revenue, all of which was backfilled by the State of Iowa.
$25,000,000
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
Fiscal Year 2016
Commercial and Industrial City Property Tax
Revenue
$20.524.243
$18,709,490
$1,814,753 $1,814,753
Taxed 100% Taxed 90% Tax Reduction State
Backfill
Fiscal Year 2017
Commercial and Industrial City Property Tax
Revenue
$25,000,000 -'
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
$5,000,000 -�
s
$21,539,117
$19,702,653
$1,836,464 $1,836,464
Taxed 100% Taxed 90% Tax Reduction State
Backfill
Elements of the property tax reform passed by the Iowa Legislature in 2013 have created a tremendous amount of uncertainty in
the budget process. While the State has committed to provide some funding for the City revenue reductions caused by the
decrease in taxable value for commercial and industrial properties, key legislators have been quoted in the media as casting
doubt on the reimbursements continuing. In addition, the state's budget shortfall could cause legislators to reduce or eliminate
the backfill in a special legislative session.
In Fiscal Year 2018, the State is capping the amount appropriated for backfill payments to $152 million. This may cause cities to
receive a prorated amount of backfill that could be less than the Fiscal Year 2017 backfill amount that is received.
If the backfill for commercial and industrial tax revenue is eliminated in FY 2018, the City will lose an estimated $1,840,948. This
would be detrimental to the City of Dubuque.
Fiscal Year 2018
Potential Loss of Commercial and Industrial City
Property Tax Revenue
$25,000,000
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
$22,498,685 $20,657,737
Taxed 100%
$1,840,948
Taxed 90% Tax Reduction State
Backfill
New Multi -Residential Property Tax Classification — Begins July 1, 2016
Beginning in FY2017 (July 1, 2016), new State legislation requires a rollback, or assessment limitations order, on multi -
residential property which will eventually equal the residential rollback. Multi -residential property includes apartments with 3 or
more units. The State of Iowa will not backfill property tax loss from the rollback on multi -residential property. The rollback will be
86.25 percent ($282,720) in FY 2017, 82.50 percent ($375,175) in FY 2018, 78.75 percent ($455,570) in FY 2019, 75.00 percent
($535,965) in FY 2020, 71.25 percent ($616,360) in FY 2021, 67.50 percent ($696,754) in FY 2022, 63.75 percent ($777,149) in
FY 2023 and will equal the residential rollback in FY 2024 which is currently 56.94 percent ($923,146). This annual loss in tax
revenue of $923,146 from multi -residential property when fully implemented in FY 2024 will not be backfilled by the State. From
Fiscal Year 2017 through Fiscal Year 2024 the City will lose $4,662,841 in total, meaning landlords will have paid that much less
in property taxes. These revenue reductions are for the City of Dubuque, but the Dubuque Community School District, Dubuque
County and Northeast Iowa Community College will also be severely impacted.
$2,500,000 -
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000
$2,500,000 -
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
Estimated Fiscal Year 2018
Multi -Residential City Property Tax
Revenue
$2,143,860
Taxed 100%
$1,768,684
$375,175
$-
Taxed 82.5% Tax Reduction State
Backfill
Estimated Fiscal Year 2024
Multi -Residential City Property Tax
Revenue
$2,143,860
$1,220,695
/ $923,165
$1,000,000
$500,000
Taxed 100% Taxed 56.94% Tax Reduction State
Backfill
Tax Increment Financing
Success in Dubuque, Iowa
Mary Sue & Pat Green of Green Industrial Supply
expanded their business in 2012 with a new facility
in the Dubuque Industrial Center West.
Greater Dubuque
THE CITY OF
Dui
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
ATransformed Community
"Would the last person to leave Dubuque please turn off the lights?"
Commonly repeated, residents used this dark humor to help deal
with Dubuque's dire unemployment rate which hit 23% in January
1982. High school and college graduates left for more prosperous
cities and states, taking their talent with them.
Enter Tax Increment Financing. In 1985, the Iowa State Legislature
amended urban renewal law to allow cities to use Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) for economic development purposes. This tool
simply directs the increase in property tax generated from property
improvements to the city, which can use this increment as a financial incentive to companies that invest and
create jobs in the urban renewal area.
TIF In = tives since 1990:
$1 16,769,204
Leveraged Private Investment:
$468,636,760
Employment Impact:
4,200 retained jobs and
3,097 jobs created
Dubuque's responsible use of this only meaningful local economic incentive has created a
nationally -recognized transformation. Dubuque has been ranked by Forbes, Kiplinger, and the Milken
Institute as one of the best cities in the United States to live, work, and play. During the most recent
recession, from January 2011 through 2012, Dubuque created 12% of the State's net new jobs, with only 3%
of the population!
Maintaining
The City of Dubuque understands the need for increased transparency, fastidious data collection and
antipiracy language in TIF reform but cannot support reform that limits or sunsets the City's use of slum
and blight and economic development TIFs.
Even in these areas, the language should be narrowly crafted so as not to stifle economic and community
development activities by cities. No language should be included that could limit or destroy job creation
and economic development potential that exists in current TIF laws.
SII
Greater Dubuque
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING SUCCESS IN DUBUQUE, IOWA
Roshek Building
History Meets High -Tech
From a posh department store built in the 1930s, to a tired office
building that had suffered from"urban renewal" in the 1970s, the
Roshek Building was given new life in 2009 in the form of a $40M
historic rehabilitation. The 250,000 sq. ft. LEED Platinum rehab now
houses offices for IBM, as well as several local legal and banking
firms—with retail on the first floor that caters to the needs of the
building's employees, as well as the greater downtown area.
The rehabilitation attracted over 1,300 new jobs to Dubuque
during an economic downturn, when many communities were
reporting job losses.
Accolades
Excellence in Economic Development in Historic Preservation -led Strategies
Award - Iowa Economic Development Authority
Excellence in Economic Development Award in the Category of Public -Private
Partnerships - International Economic Development Council
J. Timothy Anderson Award - National Housing & Rehabilitation Association
National Preservation Honor Award - National Trust for Historic Preservation
Platinum LEED Certification - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Core and Shell Platinum - U.S. Green Building Council
Best Development Award - 1000 Friends of Iowa
Outstanding Total Building Rehabilitation Award - Dubuque
Main Street
Best Total Building Rehabilitation Award - Main Street Iowa
Preservation Award - Dubuque County Historical Society
The 2010 Ken Kringle Preservation Award - City of Dubuque
Historic Preservation Commission
Greater Dubuque
PROJECT SNAPSHOT:
TIF Incentives:
20 year TIF Rebate
Leveraged Private Investment:
$40,000,000
Employment Impact:
1,300 quality jobs
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING SUCCESS IN DUBUQUE, IOWA
A ri,rk,I Reach From lows
Incorporated in 1929, Flexsteel is one of the oldest and largest
manufacturers of upholstered and wooden furniture in the country.
Committed to environmental sustainability, Flexsteel expanded their
global corporate offices by relocating from an out-of-date building to
a downtown location, in a 40,000 SF multi -story building designed for
energy efficiency which utilizes natural light.
This move has leveraged over $9M in private
investment in the Port of Dubuque, while
retaining 101 local jobs and creating an
additional 13 jobs to date.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT:
TIF Investment:
10 year TIF rebate
Total Investment:
$ 9,000,000
Employment Impact:
114 quality jobs
ME CRY OF
Greater Dubuque L1UI4 �►� E
ocve co.. Masterpiece on the sstsszppi
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING SUCCESS IN DUBUQUE, IOWA
Theisen Supply, Inc.
• ° ■
■
+ 4
Right In Our Own Backyarc,
A local company whose owner is very generous with non-profit
agencies across the state was looking to expand for the second time
in a five-year time period. A consultant advised the company to
relocate its proposed distribution center outside of Dubuque, closer
to a major US Interstate Highway. Jim Theisen, the president and
CEO, credits programs like TIF with helping make the decision to stay
in Dubuque. The $2.8 million investment is located in Dubuque's
Industrial Center West—helping the company maintain 48 full-time
positions and create 32 additional positions to date.
The 80,000 sq. ft. distribution center will assist in supplying their 20
stores—up from 15 stores in 2007—all of which are in Iowa. The
extra space allows the company to maximize its buying potential
and offer the lowest prices and best selection of products to their
loyal customers... a definite win for Iowans!
li
Greater Dubuque
PROJECTS SNAPSHOT
('06 Ft'12):
TIF Investment:
5 years TI F rebate
Project Investment:
$4,800,000
Total Employment Impact:
80 Quality Jobs
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING SUCCESS IN DUBUQUE, IOWA
U 1111 lItk k{I�tlf
l
41411
158 Years Young
A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing Company is a 158 year-old, Iowa based manufacturer of waterworks brass, high
pressure gas, plumbing and pump products. The company was founded in Dubuque, Iowa and is still privately
held and operated to this day by the fifth generation of the McDonald family.
In the early 1980's, Dubuque, at one point, had the dubious distinction of having the highest unemployment
rate in the U.S...hitting 23 percent. At the exact same time that Dubuque's economy and its people were
suffering, AY McDonald in 1983 announced a new, 250,000 SF factory and became the first tenant of the (then)
newly created Dubuque Industrial Center .
Although a solid, loyal employer in Iowa (plants in Dubuque and Albia), the company does have other plant
locations in Tennessee, Kentucky, Nevada, and Canada - thus, many other choices (outside of Iowa) exist for
expansion and the deployment of capital and new jobs.
However, the company's current location is in a TIF District. As a result, the City of Dubuque will always have
the right financial tools and a competitive edge if the company should weigh expansion options.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT:
Industrial Tax Abatement:
$30,500
Total Investment:
$ 2,600,000
Employment Impact:
25 Quality Jobs
Greater Dubuque
COIIP
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING SUCCESS IN DUBUQUE, IOWA
Kunkel. & Associates
Making Iowa Competitive
Kunkel and Associates (KBA), an insurance consulting and brokerage
firm, announced plans to relocate from Wisconsin to Dubuque, Iowa
in 2006. The company built a 10,000 square foot office complex in the
Dubuque Technology Park. The facility and location serve as the
company's corporate headquarters.
At the time, Kunkel and Associates invested $1.8 million and promised
to bring 24 new jobs to Iowa—today, the company employs more
than 50 people at its Dubuque Headquarter location.
Due to the company's growth and a large client base in both the
Midwest and U.S., preliminary discussions are underway to expand
and double the size of their corporate HQ building. Moreover, the
company would commit to another 15 jobs for Iowans.
However, one consideration in the due diligence process is the limited
availability of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The current TIF District
(located in the Dubuque Technology Park) is set to expire in 2018.
Thus, the City's ability to provide a competitive financial package
could be limited.
1
Greater Dubuque
Kunkel �r
:ikir
1
T
THE =iv OF
11
•' E
Mastetpiece an the tssissippi
PROJECT SNAPSHOT ('06):
TIF Investment :
10Year TIF Rebate
Project Investment:
$1,800,000
Total Employment Impact:
50 Quality Jobs
PROPOSED PROJECT (`15):
TIF Investment :
Uncertain
Project Investment :
$2,500,000
Total Employment Impact:
15 Quality Jobs
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING SUCCESS IN DUBUQUE, IOWA
Without
WithoutTlF eligibility for public buildings, this
building would become abandoned and fall into
disrepair inviting blight and crime at our urban
center.
Improved Access to Government
In the heart of downtown Dubuque adjacent to Washington Park,Town Clock Plaza and a senior housing
facility, sits the Historic Federal Building -- a multi -tenant building built in 1934 that houses tenants such as
USPS, Social Security office and legislators' field offices who offer critical services to downtown residents and
employees. With no private developer able to cash flow a rehab project of this neglected, Art Deco building
and concern that the inevitable sale of the building by General Services Administration (GSA) would lead to
further neglect and loss of tenants, the City acquired the building
from the GSA for $1 so as to preserve the building and these
services in the city's urban core. The use ofTIF for the stabilizing
and initial building restoration also provided an opportunity for
the city to improve citizen access to local government by
providing office space for the City's growing Housing &
Community Development Department, and transforming the
former courtroom into a new City Council chambers with
improved access for the public and state of the art equipment for
home viewers unable to attend in person.
From small, local companies to global brands, over 70 projects in our community have benefitted
from tax increment financing. Just a few are listed below:
• Eagle Window & Door
• Prudential
• McGraw Hill
• Heartland Financial
• Cottingham & Butler
• Nordstrom
• Sedgwick
• Medline Industries
• Progressive Packaging/Hormel Foods
• Advanced Data Com (McKesson)
For more information regarding tax increment financing, please contact Maurice Jones,
Economic Development Director for the City of Dubuque at 563-589-4393.
THE CITY OF
DUB
B
itiwroiremt
HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
Creating Jobs, Leveraging
Private Investment, and
Restoring Communities
Historic tax credits have been used to attract new private capital to the historic cores of cities and Main Streets
across the nation and Dubuque is a prime example. These investments have, in turn, enhanced property values,
created jobs, attracted new businesses and encouraged business expansions, revitalized neighborhoods and entire
communities, and generated local, state, and federal tax revenues.
Iowa's Historic Preservation Tax Credit
The Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HPTC) 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 one—three
times the amount of the credit. Additional revenues are generated through
increased property taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes.
ROSHEK BUILDING
COOPER WAGON WORKS BUILDING
Revitalizing Dubuque Through Leveraged Investments
Dubuque's greater downtown is being transformed through projects that have utilized the
HPTC, along with the federal rehabilitation credit. Combined with others, these programs
have revitalized Dubuque's Main Street, Millwork District, Port of Dubuque, and other adjacent
areas. These projects have brought thousands of jobs and hundreds of residential units to
Dubuque's downtown.
• Dubuque has completed 33 projects to date using the Iowa HPTC program.
• Just over $42 million in Iowa HPTC funding has leveraged over $142 million in private
investment.
• Dubuque currently has 20 more projects in the works, with an estimated $19 million in
Iowa HPTC funding, which is expected to leverage approximately $57 million in private
investment.
SCHMID INNOVATION CENTER
Requested Action
Job Creation and Workforce Housing
Large building rehabilitation projects like those benefiting from the Iowa HPTC
are very labor-intensive projects to complete and create more construction
jobs than new construction projects.
Additionally, once these projects were completed, they have added well over
2,000 0:1 Iia I:.t jobs to Dubuque's economy, not including the construction
jobs to complete the large projects. These 2,000 people would equate to an
$80 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.
The state cap for the Iowa HPTC program is currently set at $45 million
per year. Please join local governments across the state and private sector
partners to strengthen and expand Iowa's State Historic Tax Credit program.
The majority of Downtown Dubuque's
revitalization has occurred since 2000
when the State Historic Tax Credit
program was established.
DOWNTOWN INVESTMENTS
HEARTLAND FINANCIAL BUILDING
IMPROVEMENT
1985 THROUGH DECEMBER 2016
% SINCE 2000
New Construction
$246 million
92%
Building Rehabilitation*
$362 million
Real Estate Sales
$166 million
73%
Public Improvements
$116 million
94%
Net New Jobs
+3,977
67%
TOTAL IMPROVEMENTS
$724 MILLION
91%
* including historic tax credit projects
06/13//2017
SMARTGROWTH
DEVELOPMENT
The Iowa State Historic Preservation and Cultural & Entertainment District (HPCED) Tax Credit Program provides a state income
tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic buildings. It ensures that character -defining features and spaces of buildings are
retained and helps revitalize surrounding neighborhoods. The program provides an income tax credit of up to 25% of Qualified
Rehabilitation Expenditures (QREs).
g °a tea 1
Ills
35
States with HTC
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware,
Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota,
Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New
Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina,
Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
The report extrapolates across a universe of 117 commercial projects based on data
sourced from 26 materially characteristic projects which received Iowa State Historic Tax
Credit Part III Historic certification from January 2011 to December 2013.
Baker Tilly utilized the base data from the 26 sample projects to develop an extrapolated analysis and account for likely
impacts on employment, economic output, taxes, and assessed property values across the universe of 117 commercial
classified projects. Data was correlated by weighting the sampled projects proportionately by geography, project type and
project QRE size. The 26 projects that were surveyed in depth comprised 56.6% of the $411.9 million of QREs ($103 million
in Iowa State Historic Tax Credits) under analysis and were sorted into four categories; Apartment (APT), Commercial (COM),
Commercial -Hotel (COM -H) and Mixed -Use (MIX).
16
States Have No Annual Cap
Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,
Minnesota, Montana, New York, North
Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma,
South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia,
West Virginia, Wisconsin
15
Match Iowa's 25%
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado,
Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas,
Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, North
Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas,
Virginia
Based on this analysis the following high level data points are notable:
• The 117 project universe is anticipated to yield a 5.04:1 return on investment by year 3, ramping upward to
19.7:1 in year 10, and to 32.1:1 by year 15, based on direct economic outputs alone.
• Over 6,000 Construction jobs and roughly 4,600 permanent full time positions are projected to have been
generated by these investments.
• An increase in assessed valuations of over 284% for these properties.
During this same period, 152 project sites received Iowa State HTCs and had more than $447.8 million in QREs. Included in this total are 35 projects that were agricultural,
non-profit/non-revenue-producing, or were single family residential in nature which were excluded from this analysis.
Return on Invesment
In looking at the overall return on investment, these projects provide economic output returns during construction and through
their placed in service dates, prior to claiming the Iowa HTC. Looking at the first anticipated stabilized year, or year 3 it is
projected that the projects will yield $5.04:$1.00. This yield increases to $19.68:$1.00 by year 10, and ramps upward to
$32.1:$1.00 by year 15. This return is calculated on the economic output projections and is therefore fairly conservative.
A projected increase in direct operational wages of $191 million should trend upward over time, and is likely to increase ROI to
the state of Iowa and local communities, as will the inclusion of property tax values — making the projected return on investment
calculation provided significantly conservative.
Direct Economic Output ROI of Iowa HTC Projects
$3500,000, 000
$300,000,000
$250,000,000
$200,000,000
$150,000,000
$100,000,000
$50,000,000
Year Cumulative Output
$328,100,000
$519,100,000
$919,461,900
$2,026,536,185
$3,311,097,976
so
.iiIIIIIIIIIII
Construction 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Year
Overall, the 117 Iowa HTC projects had more than $411.9 million in eligible Iowa QREs with anticipated tax credits claimed post
construction of up to $103 million. These same projects yielded more than $8.2 million in state and local construction taxes,
more than $18.4 million annually in direct state and local taxes from operations, and they are estimated to have created more
than $86.8 million in new assessed property value, or an increase of 284%.
Assessed Value Increase
by Project Location
$7,787,103
$3,154,022
$35,704,503
$18,838,519
$15,245,687
$4,828,598
TOTAL $ 86,885,629
Additionally, more than 10,700 jobs are estimated to have been created through construction and operations, and more than
$559 million in economic output is estimated to have been created from project construction periods and the first year of
annual operations.
Summary of Estimate Total Impacts of Iowa HTC Projects
(Direct, Indirect, Induced), by Project Type
Project Type
Economic Output
Economic Output
Total Total Jobs Total TPI Total Total Jobs Total TPI
$53,471,606
$130,777,927
$46,510,697
$118,615,744
745
2,222
764
2,340
$1,219,241
$4,392,005
$1,427,238
$3,943,063
$8,073,141
$172,944,535
$1,724,154
$27,097,445
117 $522,509
3,194 $16,463,144
117 $665,416
1,215 $4,220,573
Grand Total
$349,375,973
6,071 $10,981,548 $209,839,274
4,643 $21,871,642
Estimated
Construction Direct
Labor Income
by Project Type
MIX $125,913,961
MIX $27,846768
CAM $91,215,290
COM -H $2929,426411*
-
COM -H $43,888,627
Grand Total: $320,872,775
APT $5,653577
Estimated Annual
Labor Income
from Site Operations,
by Pro] ea Type
Grand Total: $184,308,043
COM $147,878,272
SMARTGROWTH
DEVELOPMENT
SMART GROWTH DEVELOPMENT IS
an Iowa bi-partisan non-profit coalition
which advocates for policies promoting
smart growth practices and historic
rehabilitation.
Our diverse membership includes
developers, municipalities, Main Street
programs, Chambers of Commerce,
architects, contractors, accountants,
attorneys, preservation organizations,
economic development groups, and
more.
Since 2009, Smart Growth has
advocated for the continuation, growth,
and accessibility of financing programs
that make your historic rehabilitation
projects possible.
info@smartgrowthdevelopment.org • PO Box 3134 • Dubuque, IA 52004
ming Building, Des Moines
2016
• Initiated and led the charge for passage of HF2412 that
amended the SHTC program to provide for the transfer of
administration of the SHTC program from DCA to the Iowa
Economic Development Authority.
• Worked with IDR and DCA to assist them in the proper
application of SHTC provisions.
• Helped IDR and DCA clarify IRS case law guidance resulting in the proper interpretation of Internal Revenue Code
Section 47 as it relates to the inclusion of government grants in tax basis, thereby allowing them to be included in
calculating Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses for SHTC projects.
2015
• Led efforts to work with Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR) and the Iowa
Attorney General's office to correct administrative rules incorrectly written in response to HF2453.
• Coordinated a letter writing campaign for lenders active in projects that utilize the SHTC program to express their
concerns with the status of the SHTC program.
• Worked with DCA, IDR and the Attorney General's office to revise the proposed form HPCED Tax Credit Agreement.
2014
• Initiated and led the charge for passage of HF2453 that changed the allocation of SHTC awards from a lottery
system to a readiness -based scoring system.
2013
• Coordinated the successful lobbying effort on SF436.
• Increased the QRE Cap for small projects from $500,000 to
$750, 000.
• Projects that incur 50% of QRE's within standard 60 -month
timeline are granted a 12month extension.
• Changed the definition of "substantial rehabilitation" on a
commercial property to; at least fifty thousand dollars or fifty
percent of the assessed value.
• Retained program cap at $45 million a year.
3-27-17
JOIN SMART GROWTH
Member support allows us to continue
our important work. As a member,
you'll be invited to regular conference
calls, receive legislative updates and
newsletters, and connect with important
leaders in historic rehabilitation.
Contact us at
info@smartgrowthdevelopment.org
SMARTGROWTH
DEVELOPMENT
IF THESE ISSUES AFFECT
YOUR ORGANIZATION—
CONTRIBUTE TODAY!
Contributing now enables LIS to work
with legislators and their staff while they
are more readily available for meetings,
strategy sessions, and tours. Meeting
our financial goals early allows LIS to
foals the remainder of the year on the
policy issues and partnerships that
matter to you.
CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
SMART GROWTH DEVELOPMENT
P.U. Box 3134
Dubuque, Iowa 52004-3134
Please contact LIS with any questions
about claiming your contribution as a
business deduction.
info@smartgrowthdeyelopment org • PO Box 3134 • Dubuque, IA 52004
eiderheeke Bed and Rreak
2012
• Spearheaded the effort to pass legislation allowing for the
Disproportionate Allocation of SHTC's
• Defended against damaging changes to Iowa's Tax
Increment Financing program
2011
• Initiated and advocated for the passage of SF -521, which
enacts administrative changes to the SHTC
• Additional 24 months to line up financing and complete
construction/redevelopment
• Eliminates $100,000 cap in rehabilitation cost per residential unit
• Changes QRE period to when the first qualified cost is incurred and ending with the end of the taxable year in which
the property is placed in service
Defended the SHTC program from further budget cuts
2010
• Defended the SHTC program against changes to refundability and transferability
• Led the push for the creation of a state level workforce housing grant program
• Worked in collaboration with City and County organizations to block harmful modifications to the TIF program
2009
• Raised cap of Iowa's HistoricTax Credit Program from $20M
to $50M
• Advocated for the creation and passage of the Federal
Heartland Disaster Bill, which increased the FHTC from 20%
to 28% for qualifying projects
• Improved SHTC program rules dealing with "Lottery method
Histone Park Inn Hotel, Mason City
JOIN SMART GROWTH
Member support allows us to continue
our important work As a member,
you'll be invited to regular conference
calls, receive legislative updates and
newsletters, and connect with important
leaders in historic rehabilitation
Contact us at
info@smartgrowttrdevelopment.org
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Opioid use and overdose deaths represent a public health crisis requiring innovating, evidence -based re-
sponses 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 pre-
vention 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 admin-
istration, use, and education on the opioid Prescription Monitoring Program.
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 facilitated by Mercy
Medical Center has assembled and is meeting regularly. To date, they have educated 435 community and
health professionals, along with 168 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.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Pass "good Samaritan" legislation protecting individuals
from arrest and prosecution for possession or use when
they are saved from overdose or for calling 911 to save
others who overdose;
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 insur-
ance -eligible offenders when released from incarceration,
including coverage of naltrexone prescriptions for addict-
ed offenders;
Direct the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to
collaborate in requiring physician, pharmacist, and eligible
prescribers participation in -the -state prescription monitor-
ing program; to enable inter -state exchange of prescrip
tion information; to assure provider adherence to the, CDC
Guideline for Prescribing'Opioids for Chronic Pain; and to, -
limit opioid; prescriptions -to 7 day supplies, enablingcloser,
patient supervision by pharmacist and physicians and re';
ducing opportunities for`diversion
iAdvance responsible, evidence -based opioid prescribing; `.
I and'counseling through pain management education,
safe prescribing training, and addiction training for all pre-
scribers and dispensers throughout roughout medical schooling
and beyond, including physicians, nurses, physician as-
sistants, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists.
Create a new public long-term treatment facility for dual -
diagnosis patients;
Direct the Department of Human Services and Iowa Insur-
ance Division to assemble a comprehensive report con- t
taining the following elements: Coverage and payment
policies for diagnosis and treatment of substance use dis-
orders by insurance companies, Management care organ-
izations and third party administrators on behalf of self -
I funded plans;
Aggregate utilization data by county on the number of
people treated, services provided, costs incurred and pay-
ments made;
t Prospects/research on the success of abuse -deterrent
opioid, pharmaceuticals.
Peer to Peer support Recognize and.support-the im-
portance,of'informal, peer.suppo.rts such as. narcotics
anonymous, 1 Hate Heroine, CRUSH ete This includes-
expandmg education as
increing`: inclusivity and financial
p
suports needed. to expand reach and efforts;
Iowa PMP: Doses Dispensed
Controlled Prescription Drugs, Schedule 11.1V
350,000,000
300,000,000
250,000,000
200,000,000
150,000,000
100.000,000
50.000.000
303M+
Tho U.S. makes up < S% ofthe world's population, but
consumes about 75% of its proscription drugs„
including 81% of its oxycorlono and 99% of its hydrocodone.
UN
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
hue amnia( Path Kesittt, Priannec2018
DUBUQUE COUNTY OPIOID STATISTICS
1
9
p
All Dubuque Police Department staff
trained on Narcan delivery in March
2017. Officers issued Narcan in July
2017. Three known uses of Narcan by
officers since then.
*Deaths are included in overdoses
**Narcan delivered by first responders
(Dubuque Fire Dept. or Police Dept.)
2014
2016
2017
16
4
13
Masterpiece on th Mississippi
Dubuque
Aitara City
7111Ii
2007-2012
2013-2017
December 2017 .
At their annual goal -setting sessions in August 2015, the City Council established "debt -reduction
policy" as a high priority.
The City used debt to accomplish needed projects during an extremely low interest rate environment
because infrastructure investment gets more expensive over time.
• The older a piece of infrastructure gets, the more it is allowed to deteriorate, which increases costs.
• The longer the wait to invest in infrastructure the costs are increased by inflation.
• If the investment in infrastructure is not made in this low interest rate environment, the investment
will eventually need to be made when interest rates are higher, thereby increasing costs.
100%
90%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% -
statutory Debt Limit Used (as otJune 3U)
40% - This chart shows the percentage of statutory debt limit
in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 adopted budget. By FY2027,
30°i° the City will be at 24% of the statutory debt limit.
20%
F s° 0,1016 0.2
0N7 O'0N6 2019 0.1016 C{101‘ 073:11 (7.015 OV1A 0.66 Ot0 01371
FY2018 Adopted Budget
0
$320
$300
$280
$260
$240
$220
$200
$180
$160
$140
$282
4296
Total Debt (in millions)
Debt is being issued each year, but
more is being retired than issued.
0/5NS
1 01616 F'41611 01'
1p10 01p11 11p11 '�1p1 F�1p14 010 F�1p16 F'�1p11
FY2018 Adopted Budget
WHY ISSUE DEBT?
The City of Dubuque uses debt
strategically most often for major
infrastructure projects with long-
term community benefits.
DID YOU KNOW?
The City does not use
debt for operating
expenses and, in fact, is
required by state code to
have a balanced operating
budget every year.
In recent years, the City has taken
on debt incrementally to fund major
infrastructure projects for storm
water management, wastewater
treatment, parking improvements,
water distribution, and economic
development. The City believes that
the debt incurred in the past was all
for critical undertakings that could
not be delayed. In fact, with delay
costs will go up as infrastructure
further deteriorates. Recent debt
issuances took advantage of
historically low interest rates,
something that will not last.
The Water and Resource Recovery Center required $64 million in debt.
The City of Dubuque's use of debt can be compared to many average homeowners
who borrow to buy their home. The City has borrowed money at these low interest
rates to invest in infrastructure. Unlike the federal government, the City does not
borrow money to cover operating expenses.
# Project Description Amount Outstanding
1 Water and Resource Recovery Center $67.8 million
2 Stormwater Management $74.2 million
3 Parking Improvements $30.5 million
4 Water Improvements $30.8 million
5 TIF Rebates/Bonds to Businesses $20.9 million
6 GDTIF Incentives/Improvements $22.8 million
7 Sanitary Sewer Improvements $14.0 million
8 DICW Expansions $9.7 million
9 Street Improvements* $4.2 million
10 Airport Improvements $3.6 million
Total $218.5 million
* Spent $117 million on street improvements from 1997-2016
General Fund Reserve Projections
The City maintains a general fund reserve, or working balance, to allow for unforeseen expenses that
may occur. The reserve will increase by $5.925 million (54.24%) over the next seven years.
FY2016 I FY2011 I FY2018 I FY2019 I FY2020 I FY2021 I FY2022
Contribution $1,000,000 $600,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $100,000
City's Spendable
General Fund Cash
Reserve Fund
Balance
% of Projected
Revenue (Moody's)
$11,924,435 $9,866,669 $10,916,669 $11,966,669 $13,016,669 $14,091,669 $14,191,669
17.52% 14.20% 15.60% 17.11% 18.54% 20.00% 20.49%
Comparison of Dubuque's FY2018 Recommended Rate to
FY2017 Rates of Iowa's 11 Largest Cities
Dubuque has the SECOND LOWEST property tax rate ($10.89 per thousand assessed value).
• Highest -ranked city (Council Bluffs, $17.91) is 64% higher than Dubuque
• Average ($15.32) is 41 % higher than Dubuque
CENTRAL AVENUE PARKING RAMP
UUB1100E INDUSTRIAL CENTER WEST
UPPER BEE BRANCH CREEK RESTORATION
www.cityofdubuque,org
I lit Cr,^f-
Dubuque DUB
1 e l pir ^^ cn 9!r Mi<siv�ppl
RS
CENTS
City Portion of Property Taxes
$20
$18
$16
$14
$12
$10
88
$6
$4
$2
$o
FY2018 City Property Tax Rate Comparison
$15.22 $15.31
$12.29 $12.78
$10.37 $10.89
Ames Dubuque Ankeny West Des Cedar Average Sioux City Iowa City Davenport Waterloo Des Council
Moines Rapids w/o Moines Bluffs
Dubuque
$16.07
$16.33
$16.78
$17.52
$17.86 $17.91
Dubuque has the SECOND LOWEST FY2018 property tax rate
($10.89 per thousand assessed value) of Iowa's 11 cities with
populations over 50,000.
• Highest -ranked city (Council Bluffs, $17.91) is 64% higher
than Dubuque
• Average ($15.31) is 41% higher than Dubuque
Where do your property taxes go?
Property taxes are collected by the County and distributed monthly to the
City of Dubuque and other taxing bodies. Property taxes are are distributed
among the Dubuque Community School District (44.04%), City of Dubuque
(32.84%), Dubuque County (18.51%), Northeast Iowa Community College
(2.76%), and independent authorities* (1.86%).
Property taxes are certified July 1 with the first half due on or before
September 30 and the second half due on or before March 31. For more
information, contact the City Assessor at 563-589-4416.
* "Independent Authorities" includes City Assessor, County Hospital
(Sunnycrest Manor), Dubuque County Agriculture Extension, and the
Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Eradication Fund.
City of Dubuque FY2018 Property Tax Rate
• $10.89 per thousand dollars of assessed value
• A 2.47% reduction from FY2017's rate of $11.17
• No property tax increase for average residential property
owner, 2.47% decrease for average commercial property,
2.47% decrease for average industrial property, 6.71%
decrease for average multi -residential property
Property Average Property Percent Property
Type Tax Cost Change Tax Cost Change
from FY2017 from FY2017
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Multi -
Residential
No Change No Change
$83.20 less 2.47% decrease
$124.43 less 2.47% decrease
$144.91 less 6.71% decrease
Property Tax Split: FY2016-2017
NICC 2'76%1.86%
INDEPENDENT
City Budget
The City's approved budget provides estimated revenues and expenditures
for programs and services to be provided during the fiscal year, from
July 1 through June 30. The budget has two primary components: the
operating budget and the capital budget.
The City's total budget for fiscal year 2018 is $169,712,947, an 8.34
percent reduction from FY2O17. The operating budget ($129,366,969)
is a 0.14 percent reduction from FY2O17 while the capital budget
($40,268,319) represents a 27.47 percent reduction from FY2017.
The capital budget funds major improvements to City facilities and
infrastructure, and is based on the first year of needs in the five-year
Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Plan. The CIP Plan is an annually
revised document that guides the City's investments in public facilities
General Fund
and infrastructure during a five-year time horizon. The capital
budget is supported through multiple funding sources.
The operating budget includes personnel costs and annual facility
operating costs. It is funded primarily through local property and
sales taxes; revenue transfers between departments; licenses,
such as building and development fees; franchise fees for a
company's use of the City's rights-of-way; charges for services
(like sewer and water); fines and other smaller sources of revenue
such as interest on investments.
The general fund is the general operating fund of the City for general service
departments. The general fund has an operating budget of $61 million and a capital
budget of $1.4 million. This fund encompasses the bulk of activities that are
traditionally considered basic governmental services such as public safety, culture &
recreation, health & social services, and general government.
How General Fund Money is Spent
Fiscal Year 2018 City Budget
CAPITAL
BUDGET
$40,268,319
OPERATING
BUDGET
$129,444,628
Public Safety
Culture & Recreation
General Government
Public Works
Community & Economic
Development
Transfers Out
Capital Projects
Health & Social Services
Debt Service
Portion of General Fund
(animal control, building inspections, crime prevention, emergency
management, flood control, fire, police, etc.)
(AmeriCorps, arts & cultural affairs, civic center, conference center, library,
marina, parks, recreation, etc.)
(city attorney & legal services, city clerk, city council, city hall & general
buildings, city manager, finance, information services, etc.)
(airport, maintenance of streets, bridges, and sidewalks; snow removal, street
cleaning, street lighting, traffic control, etc.)
(economic development, housing and community development, neighborhood
development, planning and zoning, etc.)
(to funds other than General Fund)
(City infrastructure improvements or major equipment purchases)
(community health, health regulation and inspection, human rights, etc.)
(government capital projects, tax -increment financing [TIF] capital projects)
43.6%
17.1%
12.4%
9.6%
6.1
0/0
5.8%
2.1
1.3%
1.3%
General Fund Reserve Projections
The City maintains a general fund reserve, or working balance, to allow for unforeseen expenses that may occur. The reserve
will increase by $5.925 million (54.24%) over the next seven years.
Contribution
City's Spendable General Fund Cash
Reserve Fund Balance
% of Projected Revenue (Moody's)
FY2016
FY2017 FY2018
FY2019 FY2020 FY2021
$1,000,000 $600,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000
$11,924,435 $9,866,669 $10,916,669 $11,966,669 $13,016,669 $14,091,669
17.52% 14.20% 15.60% 17.11% 18.54% 20.00%
FY2022
$100,000
$14,191,669
20.49%
Utility Customer Rates & Fees for Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 -June 30, 2018)
V/hat's included in your monthly utility bill?
Curbside Coll- - Basic Rate = $15.11/month
(2.3% increase from FY2017 or $0.34 per month)
Curbside collection includes one 35 -gallon container per week. Weekly curbside
recycling is no extra charge.
Sanitary Sewer - Avg. Household Rate* = $39.24/month
(3% increase from FY2017 or $4.14 per month)
*Average household rate based on 6,000 gallons per month at $0.00635 per gallon.
When you wash your hands, wash the dishes, flush the toilet, or take a shower,
the "wastewater" that goes down the drain flows through the interior plumbing,
out of the house, and eventually into the City's sanitary sewer system. The City's
wastewater collection and treatment system operates as a self-supporting enterprise
fund which means that it is funded only with revenue from user fees.
Stormwater - Avg. Household Rate* = $7.27/month
(6.75% increase from FY2017 or $0.46 per month)
*Monthly rate for majority of Dubuque households based on usage of one single
family unit. Stormwater fees are based on the amount of impervious ground
coverage on a property. Fees collected are only used for stormwater management
activities such as the construction, maintenance and operation of the public
stormwater management system.
- Avg. Household Rate* = $28.43/month
(3% increase from FY2017 or $0.83 per month)
*Average household rate based on 6,000 gallons per month at $0.0047 per gallon
For additional information, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/utilitybilling or call 563-589-4144
Mr) tuii KNOW?
Residents have access to the City's
budget, revenue, and spending via
user-friendly websites.
Check them out!
Explore Dubuque's
Open Budget
Making Sense of
Dollars and Cents
Understanding
Expenses
OPEN BUDGET: OPEN EXPENSES:
dol larsandcents.cityofdubuque.org expenses.cityofdubuque.org
Debt Reduction Plan
$320
$300
$280
$260
e $240
$220
$200
Total Debt (in millions)
$282
$296
Debt is being issued each year, but
$180
$160
$140
more is being retired than issued.
$146
010 01011 01p11 010 01p25 01616 0161
FY2018 Adopted Budget
100,
90%
80% -
70%
60%
50% -
40% -
30%
20%
Statutory Debt Limit Used (as of June 30)
90%
This chart shows the percentage of statutory debt limit
in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 adopted budget. By FY2027,
the City will be at 24% of the statutory debt limit.
FY2018 Adopted Budget
# Project Description Amount Outstanding
1 Water and Resource Recovery Center $67.8 million
2 Stormwater Management $74.2 million
3 Parking Improvements $30.5 million
4 Water Improvements $30.8 million
5 TIF Rebates/Bonds to Businesses $20.9 million
6 GDTIF Incentives/Improvements $22.8 million
7 Sanitary Sewer Improvements $14.0 million
8 DICW Expansions $9.7 million
9 Street Improvements* $4.2 million
10 Airport Improvements $3.6 million
Total $218.5 million
* $117 million was spent on street improvements from 1997-2016
The City of Dubuque's use of debt can be
compared to many average homeowners
who borrow to buy their home. The City
has borrowed money at low interest rates to
invest in infrastructure. unlike the federal
government, the City does not borrow money
to cover operating expenses.
Water and Resource Recovery Center
Street improvements
Parking improvements
Stormwater management
Rev. 5/2/17
Comprehensive Housing Activities for Neighborhood Growth & Enrichment
Launched in 2006, the Sustainable Dubuque initiative is a
holistic approach to sustainability that addresses ecological/
environmental integrity, economic prosperity, and social/
cultural vibrancy. By addressing these three parts of our
sustainability model we are creating a community that is
viable, livable, and equitable. C.H.A.N.G.E. is a campaign of
neighborhood revitalization and an extension of sustainability
to specifically address marginal properties, affordable
housing, and homeownership.
Mission: Building community enrichment through 'a
collective/collaborative impact of programs, partnerships and
services designed to provide economic and social resiliency.
www.cityofdubuque.org/DBQChange
Marginal Property Acquisition:
$4.2 million, 100 housing units
Lead & Healthy Homes:
$3.2 million, 129 housing units
Bee Branch Healthy Homes
Resiliency Program:
$8.4 million, 320 units
Housing Rehabilitation:
$374 million, 190 units
2016-2021 Total:
$19 million to leverage tens of millions
of dollars in private investments to improve
739 housing units
>BEE BRANCH HEALTHY HOMES
RESILIENCY PROGRAM
Now that the $219 million Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project is under way to minimize flood damage in Dubuque's
most economically -challenged neighborhoods, there is a greater opportunity to invest in individual properties and people.
The Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program includes $8.4 million* in the form of forgivable loans
TO IMPROVE 320 HOUSING UNITS, including owner -occupied homes, single -unit rentals, and small,
multi -family residential units. Funds will be awarded to properties where low- to moderate -income residents reside and
used to make repairs and implement on-site stormwater management principles to decrease environmental health
and safety issues from flooding. Many of these properties will abut the new pervious paver alleys (green alleys.)
THE IMPACT ON RESIDENTS
Many residents in the Bee Branch Watershed have experienced
repeated flash flooding from stormwater during heavy rain
events, including six Presidential Disaster Declarations since
1999. As a result, they are living with residual structural issues,
electrical hazards, and chronic mold and mildew problems.
A variety of repairs and renovations will improve housing
conditions and make homes more resilient to future flooding.
s›
*In 2016, Dubuque was
awarded $31.5 million in
HUD disaster resiliency funds
for the Bee Branch Healthy
Homes Resiliency Program
and stormwater infrastructure
improvements.
BEE BRANCH
HEALTHY HOMES
HEALTHY HOME ADVOCATE
to help individuals and families
The Healthy Home Advocate, through the Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program,
collaborates with individuals and families to facilitate developing a resiliency plan that will assist
them in recovering from the effects of flood -related problems and prevent future issues. In
addition to resiliency challenges related to the housing structure, the Home Advocate can assist
residents with developing a Personal Resiliency Plan. The advocate may also help identify
training opportunities and community resources for improving future personal development,
employment, and developing family goals, as well as connecting them with agencies and
not -for -profits that provide assistance. In addition to navigating them through the Bee Branch
Healthy Homes Resiliency Program process, the Home Advocate will assist each individual or
family with a strategy to prevent, prepare for, and cope with natural disasters.
For more information on the Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program:
563-690-6168 I bbhh@cityofdubuque.org I www.cityofdubuque.org/bbhh
LEAD & HEALTHY HOMES PROGRAM
The lead poisoning rate in Dubuque is more than double the national average.
Dubuque's Lead Hazard Control & Healthy Homes Program utilizes federal funds to
provide financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans to low- and moderate -income
homeowners and rental property owners to reduce lead-based paint hazards and other
health and safety issues in homes with young children.
While Dubuque has created over 1,150 lead -safe
residences over the last 15 years, rental property
inspections have shown that many homes still lack proper maintenance. This causes problems with
mold, pest infestation, and indoor air quality as well as safety hazards and energy inefficiency.
Lead remediation will be
performed on 129 homes
between 2016 and 2019.
HOUSING REHABILITATION &
HOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAMS
2010-2015: $2.8 million invested to improve 203 properties in the
Washington Neighborhood and Bee Branch Project Corridor
2016-2021: An additional $3.24 million invested to improve 190 properties
Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program provides low-
interest, long-term loans up to $25,000 to income -qualified
homeowners who rehabilitate their properties.
Home Repair Loan Provides loans up to $5,000 for home
repairs.
HOME (Home Ownership Made Easy) Workshop A four-week
class that offers information on City Programs, Keys for
Spending Plans & Credit, Basic Banking and Insurance,
and Home Energy Efficiency.
OATH (Officer at Home) Incentive Program was created to
make homeownership in the Downtown Urban Renewal
District more affordable for police officers and firefighters.
First -Time Homebuyer provides $5,000 loan to help
residents purchase their first home. Households under
30% area median incomes could be eligible to receive
$25,000.
Accessibility Rehabilitation Program provides forgivable loans
to property owners and homeowners to provide physical
accessibility in housing units.
Community Development
Block Grant
These funds are used for eligible activities in
the areas of housing, economic development,
neighborhood and public services, public facilities,
and planning/administration.
Washington Neighborhood
Homebuyer Program provides loan assistance for
down payment assistance on home purchases in the
Washington neighborhood. Loans range from $10,000 -
$25,000, based on household income.
Homeowner Rehabilitation Program provides loans for
improvements for: all code violations, deteriorated lead-
based paint, weatherization, general re -modeling, and
access for persons with disabilities.
Housing Choice Voucher Home Ownership Program permits
participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program
(assisted housing), including participants with portable
vouchers, the option of purchasing a home with their
voucher instead of renting.
The HEART (Housing Education and Rehabilitation Training)
Program is hands-on learning for young people who
have not had success in a traditional classroom to
achieve their goals of attaining a high school diploma
while learning new skills as they rehabilitate homes and
revitalize downtown neighborhoods.
The City will acquire 100 dilapidated properties over the next
five years and have them renovated and sold for a combination
of single-family home ownership and owner -occupied rentals,
decreasing neighborhood density and removing blighted
conditions while at the same time working to increase and develop
affordable, quality rental units throughout the community.
DOWNTOWN HOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM
The City of Dubuque Economic Development Department offers incentives for projects that assist in the creation of new,
market -rate downtown rental and/or owner -occupied residential units within the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal
District. This program, which is limited to rehabilitations of existing structures that create at least two new housing units,
can provide up to $10,000 in assistance per residential unit. Preference is given to projects that also utilize Federal and/
or State Historic Tax Credits. For additional information, call 563-589-4393 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/econdev.
www.cityofdubuque.org/DBQChange
CENTRAL AVENUE CORRIDOR
The City of Dubuque has entered into a collaborative relationship
with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUEO) to assist
the City in the economic revitalization of the Central Avenue Corridor
(CAC) through community engagement,
educational outreach, and CAC community -
informed storefront and streetscape design.
This multi -phase, multi-year project began
in early 2016. Participants include CAC
stakeholders (business owners, employees,
patrons, residents, landlords, social service
agencies, community leaders), the City of
Dubuque, and its partners.
www.cityofdubuque.org/CAC
Goals of the C.H.A.N.G.E program
ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
single-family units in
existing neighborhoods
lig, multi -family units
assisted senior living units
affordable senior housing units
CLOSE ON
30
FIRST-TIME
HOMEBUYER
PURCHASES
2016-2021
SUPPORT
training and
education programs
forA 0 0 residents
300
job opportunities
CREATE RESILIENCY PLAN for
500
individuals and family members
to sustain themselves and their
housing structures
City of Dubuque
Housing & CORICTRlrlity Development Department
350 W. 6th Street. S i?te 312
563.580.423g
THE CITY OF
DUB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Rev. 5.2.17
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
The 2015 International Property Maintenance
Code (IPMC) went into effect on July
1, 2016. This new code is expected to
improve the quality of rental housing stock
in the community as a result of increased
enforcement and higher standards on safety
and maintenance required by the code.
www.cityofdubuque.org/ipmc
PARTNERS
Target Outcomes
Increased flood protection
Increased number of single-family homes
De -concentration of low-income housing
Reduction in number of households in poverty
Reduction in number of slum and blight
properties
Stabilization and increase of property values
Increase in quality, affordable housing stock
Reduction in lead hazards
Increase in first-time homeowners
• Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.
• Dubuque Initiatives
• Dubuque Main Street
• East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA)
• Four Mounds HEART Program
• Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
• Habitat for Humanity, Inc.
• Northeast Iowa Community College (N ICC)
• Opportunity Dubuque
• Private developers & general contractors
• • 2037: A CALL TO ACTION
2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
EXECUTIVE
The comprehensive plan serves as a guide for
the community's physical, social, and economic
development. It can only be considered successful
through the input and implementation of the
community at -large. Engaging the community in a
conversation about the future of Dubuque was at the
core of the Imagine Dubuque process.Comprehensive
plans are policy guides. Unlike zoning or city codes,
they are not regulatory in purpose or application.
Information in the Comprehensive Plan is used in
many facets of city Life. Of greatest note is its role
in informing City Council goal setting, which creates
the annual budget priorities and land use decisions.
It is hoped that you will heed this call to action. It is
your responsibility to develop the action steps, create
the strategies for success, be inclusive in your efforts,
and make your community sustainable and resilient.
These are your ideas and you have the responsibility
to participate in moving them forward.
Q. How was the Plan created?
How many ideas were shared?
It was imperative to city leadership that the process of
developing the comprehensive plan be inclusive and
representative of the community. Ayearofcommunity
outreach produced over 12,500 ideas from all sectors
of Dubuque. This outreach took many forms, from
casual conversations at pop-up events such as the
Farmers' Market to focus groups, workshops, surveys,
and on-line submissions. Beginning with Dubuque's
Vision 2000 process initiated in 1990, the City has
developed a tradition of local community planning
excellence, and the comprehensive plan integrates
those past planning efforts into one consistent vision
for the community's future.
PLAN AT A GLANCE
1
Introduction
2
Community
Engagement
mum am 111111M111111111111111111111111111111.1111.1.,..1411.111111•11
4 5
Environmental Social + Cultural
Integrity Vibrancy
to
7
Community
Facilities
8
Transportation +
Mobility
3
Economic
Prosperity
NM MIN MIN
6
Housing
9
Land Use
9
10 A Call To Action
A Appendix (separate document)
Full recommendations and the complete plan are
available to view and download at:
www.CityofDubuque.org/ImagineDubuque
ENGAGEMENT
COMPONENTS
Imagine Dubuque's Communications Plan outlined the type, timing, and
interplay of all components noted below. The diversity of these collec-
tive elements together yielded over 12,500 ideas!
PROJECT BRANDING
Z ! CREATIVE MARKETING
3 I INTERACTIVE TOOLS
Engagement Components
As shown on page 2-3 of the Comprehensive Plan.
ProjectProjectill Project Color
Logo Tagline Details Scheme
Print
Materials
Video and
Online Posts
Project
Website
SocialNews +
Media 0 Radio
MobileQuick Smartphone
App Polls Polls
IN-PERSON EVENTS
Interviews
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Future economic vitality will require new approaches. The Imagine Dubuque process took a multi -tiered
strategy to adapt to these trends, including review of past studies, an independent Economic Development
Analysis (see Appendix), and extensive input from both residents and businesses. The plan focuses on:
❑ Workforce retention/recruitment and skills challenges to maintain strong employment growth and
occupational diversity
❑ Attracting young professionals and promoting entrepreneurship
• Providing quality, affordable housing choices
• Supporting both industrial and commercial business growth
❑ Promoting opportunities for walkable, mixed-use development
ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY
Clean water, healthy air, and conservation of native plants and animals are key principles of environmental
integrity supported in both Sustainable Dubuque and Imagine Dubuque. Key focus areas identified by
residents during the planning process include:
❑ Expanded, sustainable stormwater management practices
❑ Implement the Climate Action & Resiliency Plan
❑ Promote a healthy urban forest and native plantings
❑ Encourage edible landscaping and continued community gardens
❑ Implement the Catfish Creek and Bee Branch Watershed Management Plans
❑ Increase eco -education programming, particularly for children
❑ Expand programs to reduce, reuse, and recycle, including composting and building materials
❑ Strive to become a zero -waste economy
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL VIBRANCY
Social and cultural vibrancy is closely linked to our individual, community, and economic well-being. To
enhance this vibrancy, residents suggested:
❑ Focus on expanding access to healthy local foods
❑ Enhance event access and participant diversity
❑ Continued focus on green buildings and historic preservation
❑ Improve perceptions of community safety
❑ Promote healthy lifestyles
Page 0-2 I Imagine Dubuque 1 Executive Summary
DIMAGINE
DU6000[E
C,,i1-Kidc Caneosk-,5
INTERACT
WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE DUBUQUE A MORE VIABLE,
LIVABLE, AND EQUITABLE COMMUNITY?
HOUSING
Livable neighborhoods and housing - great places to live for all - is an important goal of the City. Strength-
ening the existing housing stock and neighborhoods while encouraging new housing to diversify choices is a
focus of the Plan. Key community recommendations include:
0 Enhance the existing housing stock
O Continue to improve access to quality, affordable housing throughout the community
0 Expand opportunities for workers to live close to their jobs in Dubuque
O Provide targeted incentives to promote great places for all to live
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
A key role of local government is to provide services that enhance the quality of life in a community — such things
as access to clean water and wastewater treatment, flood protection, education, streets, parks, hiking/biking
trails, etc. To support existing and future residents, key recommendations for community facilities address:
❑ Maintenance and future expansion of water and wastewater systems
❑ Continued use of sustainable stormwater management practices
O Expansion of fiber optic networks and services
❑ Enhance partnerships between schools, the City, faith -based groups, and non -profits
❑ Explore potential satellite facilities like a police substation or a West End library branch
TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
Efficient use/access to transportation systems is critical to sustainability. Residents suggested a focus on:
❑ Implementing Complete Streets, i.e. roadways designed for all modes of travel, throughout the community
❑ Continued refinement of Jule bus service and paratransit services
❑ Enhanced regional connections, particularly via air and rail services
❑ Addition of roundabouts and technology enhancements to existing roadway system
❑ Strategic expansion of roadways to meet community demand
LAND USE
A key component of any Comprehensive Plan is an examination of existing and desired future Land use
patterns. The Plan and Map guides future development, and allows for strategic planning of infrastructure
investments. Key resident -driven land use recommendations include:
❑ Promoting mixed-use, walkable, development patterns including residential, commercial, and
institutional uses
❑ Encourage infill development where possible, and protect important environmental assets as growth
occurs to the west and south
Executive Summary 1 Imagine Dubuque 1 Page 0-3
•
IMAGINE
• DUBUQUE
•
•• 2037: A CALL TO ACTION
Just as the Imagine Dubuque Comprehensive Plan was built on community participation, partnerships and
collaboration will be the key to implementing the plan recommendations listed below. Measuring successful plan
implementation must focus on outcomes to make Dubuque a more viable, livable, and equitable community.
Robust Local Economy Livable Neighborhoods and Housing
O Continue to diversify Dubuque's economy 0 Review codes/incentives to promote fair, quality, affordable housing
O Develop a'hyper-local' approach to diverse talent attraction/development 0 Link neighborhoods with community groups (health, arts, etc.)
• Strengthen start-up businesses and entrepreneurial programming 0 Promote appropriate mixed-use development
O Promote economic resiliency 0 Support the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative and inspections
0 Identify markets and sites for new homes
❑ Enhance broadband service
O. Strengthen Dubuque's rote as a regional retail destination
Sustainable Environment
0 Complete and monitor Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation
O Implement the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan
Q Implement the Climate Action + Resiliency Plan
O Support mobile air quality monitoring
❑ Continue Healthy Homes strategies
❑ Implement a Comprehensive Tree Management Program
▪ Increase native plant, pollinator, and edible landscaping
O Conserve natural areas
❑ Promote children's environmental education
0 Improve backyard and curbside composting
Q Explore a community -wide Zero Waste Policy
Vibrant Community
❑ Address mental health and addiction issues
❑ Increase institutional use of local foods
❑ Promote in -school healthy foods
❑ Work with health providers to promote healthy choices
❑ Support food production spaces, Community -Supported Agriculture
❑ Network with other"food cities"
❑ Promote healthy foods preparation
❑ Harvest local solid waste for compost
❑ Support front yard food gardening
❑ Implement the Community Solutions Action Plan
O Improve trash collection in downtown
❑ Ensure safe lighting of active pedestrian zones
❑ Enhance sidewalk connectivity
❑ Support community policing efforts
❑ Support safe neighborhoods through community partnerships
Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation
❑ Update the Parks and Recreation Plan
❑ Community Health + Wellness/Recreation Center
❑ Make Dubuque more dog -friendly
❑ Further efforts of Inclusive Dubuque
O Expand childcare options and resources
❑ Bring events to all neighborhoods
❑ Co -market community events
❑ Encourage new forms of culture and art
❑ Promote preservation, adaptive reuse of buildings and materials
❑ Communicate benefits of historic preservation
❑ Utilize emerging funding sources to support rehabilitation
❑ Expand programs to train preservation -related building trades
Monitor affordability and housing stress
Promote self-sufficiency opportunities
Increase availability of scattered Housing Choice Voucher units
Community Facilities
❑ Expand sanitary sewer system to meet needs
❑ Address water system needs
❑ Integrate Vernon Township and Barrington Lakes water systems
❑ Update the city-wide stormwater management ordinance
❑ Expand fiber optic network access
❑ Monitor progress toward environmental goals
❑ Explore 911 Communication Center needs
❑ Evaluate cost/benefits/needs for police substation
❑ Explore need for/relocation of a southwest fire station
❑ Explore potential for a West End Library branch
❑ Implement the Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan
❑ Repurpose the Five Flags Civic Center
Transportation + Mobility
❑ Apply Complete Streets principles throughout Dubuque
❑ Orient new development to the street
❑ Monitor bus routes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
❑ Expand passenger air and rail service
❑ Target new development near the airport; restrict residential
❑ Leverage technology to improve vehicular mobility and safety
❑ Implement the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study 2045
Long Range Transportation Plan
Land Use
❑ Promote access to education, recreation, and services in all neighborhoods
❑ Link neighborhoods via trails and open space
❑ Integrate development into the environment
❑ Encourage a mix of housing options for all
❑ Encourage multi -family development near jobs/walkable, mixed-use areas
❑ Adjust zoning regulations to promote mixed-use development
❑ Explore a new school. site to serve future development along Southwest Arterial
❑ Explore opportunities for limited commercial in neighborhoods
❑ Concentrate commercial uses downtown and along major corridors
❑ Allow for new or expanded industrial parks
❑ Provide recreational opportunities for all
❑ Explore additional riverfront recreational opportunities
❑ Explore potential for a mountain biking facility
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Planning Services Department
Dubuque
ul•Aierip City
VDONOLGIVCIFACIF
1111 p.
2007.2012
2013.2017
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Opioid use and overdose deaths represent a public health crisis requiring innovating, evidence -based re-
sponses 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 pre-
vention 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 admin-
istration, use, and education on the opioid Prescription Monitoring Program.
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 facilitated by Mercy
Medical Center has assembled and is meeting regularly. To date, they have educated 435 community and
health professionals, along with 168 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.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Pass "good Samaritan" legislation protecting individuals
from arrest and prosecution for possession or use when
they are saved from overdose or for calling 911 to save
others who overdose;
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 insur-
ance -eligible offenders when released from incarceration,
including coverage of naltrexone prescriptions for addict-
ed offenders;
Direct the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to
collaborate in requiring physician, pharmacist, and eligible
prescribers participation in the state prescription monitor-
ing program; to enable inter -state exchange of prescrip-
tion information; to assure provider adherence to the CDC
Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain; and to
limit opioid prescriptions to 7 -day supplies, enabling closer
patient supervision by pharmacist and physicians and re-
ducing opportunities for diversion;
Advance responsible, evidence -based opioid prescribing
and counseling through pain management education,
safe prescribing training, and addiction training for all pre-
scribers and dispensers throughout medical schooling
and beyond, including physicians, nurses, physician as-
sistants, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists.
Create a new public long-term treatment facility for dual -
diagnosis patients;
Direct the Department of Human Services and Iowa Insur-
ance Division to assemble a comprehensive report con-
taining the following elements: Coverage and payment
policies for diagnosis and treatment of substance use dis-
orders by insurance companies, Management care organ-
izations and third party administrators on behalf of self-
funded plans;
Aggregate utilization data by county on the number of
people treated, services provided, costs incurred and pay-
ments made;
Prospects/research on the success of abuse -deterrent
opioid pharmaceuticals.
Peer to Peer support: Recognize and support the im-
portance 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.
Iowa PMP: Doses Dispensed
Controlled Prescription Drugs, Schedule 11 -IV
350,000.000
300,000,000
250,000.000
200,000,000
150,000.000 -
100 000,000
50,000.000 -
0
303M+
The U.S. makes up < 5°fn of the rarld's population, but
consumes about 75% of its prescription drugs,
ncluding 81% of Its oxycodone and 99% of its hydrocodone.
UN
2009 2010
DUBUQUE COUNTY OPIOID STATISTICS
YEAR
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2012 2013 2014 2015
Iowa Departmental Pubic Health, board al Pttarmaty, 2016
OVERDOSES
DEATHS*
NARCAN
USED**
5
2
2
23
16
20
1
9
19
17 6 8
16 4 13
All Dubuque Police Department staff
trained on Narcan delivery in March
2017. Officers issued Narcan in July
2017. Three known uses of Narcan by
officers since then.
*Deaths are included in overdoses
**Narcan delivered by first responders
(Dubuque Fire Dept. or Police Dept.)
THE CITY OF
DUB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
krerd
All -America City
1 I'
2007.2012
2013.2017
December 2017
/ 1 /
ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT
// fall 2017 //
Building a bright future
CITYFOCUS
In This Issue
2 > City Manager’s Message
3 > City Council Goals & Priorities
4 > Business Retention & Expansion
8 > Tax-Increment Financing (TIF)
10 > Downtown Transformation
16 > Workforce Solutions
19 > Sustainable Innovations
22 > Improving Connectivity
CITYFOCUS
Highlighting issues important to Dubuque residents
/ 2 /
Now is not the time to be satisfied with the progress made. As
the business author and former Stanford University professor Jim
Collins says, “Good is the enemy of great.” Yes, we have gone
from 37,700 jobs in Dubuque County in the 1980s (with 24 percent
unemployment) to over 60,000 jobs today (with 2.1 percent
unemployment), but if we are not vigilant, history could repeat
itself. The 1960s were economic good times in Dubuque but with
the lack of planning (until a new plan was adopted in 1995, the
most recent comprehensive plan was dated 1936), being left off
the interstate highway system, the 1965 Mississippi River flood,
and structural changes in the U.S. economy, the 1980s were the
depth of despair with Dubuque losing almost 10 percent of our
population. The future of Dubuque is in your hands!
As detailed on the facing page of this publication, Dubuque’s
Mayor and City Council identified eight five-year goals to support
the City’s mission to contribute to an equitable and sustainable
community; plan for the city’s future; and facilitate access to
critical human services. This issue of City Focus reviews efforts
related to the first goal:
Robust Local Economy: Diverse Businesses and
Jobs with Economic Prosperity
• Business retention and expansion efforts focus on supporting
our local businesses to continue to succeed and grow.
• Tax-increment financing and historic tax credits are critical in
these efforts.
• Downtown transformation is an ongoing priority to ensure
Dubuque’s urban core is a vibrant area and home to a variety
of businesses and employers.
• Workforce challenges are identified and programs supported
to make sure our employers have the employees they need to
succeed, a special challenge with 2.1 percent unemployment.
We must make sure Dubuque is a community of choice to
retain and attract a diverse, skilled workforce.
• Public/private partnerships to develop alternate energy
sources.
• Improved connectivity, through both improved broadband
capacity and transportation systems, must be supported to
maintain a healthy local economy.
These topics are explored in detail throughout this publication
but additional projects and programs are important to Dubuque’s
economic development efforts.
Equity
An equitable community is welcoming, fair, and just with the
opportunity for people to have the realistic hope of achieving their
goals. The City of Dubuque is partnering with Inclusive Dubuque
CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE
// Michael C. Van Milligen //
Economic Development Through the Equity Lens
ON THE COVER:
ALLIANT SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM NEAR THE LOWER BEE BRANCH.
Photo credit: Bob Felderman - General Bob Photography, Dubuque, Iowa
and their over 50 network partners to ensure all Dubuque residents
can experience success. Initiatives like Inclusive Dubuque, the
Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Opportunity Dubuque, Dubuque
Works, and others are critical to making our community a viable,
livable, and equitable place where residents feel they can stay,
succeed, and lead meaningful lives.
Greater Dubuque 2022
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation launched its Greater
Dubuque 2022 campaign in July and has already raised $11 million
from public and private investors to support the five-year campaign’s
goals:
• Dubuque County total non-farm employment of 64,000;
• $800 million in residential/commercial construction;
• median household income of $60,000; and
• a Dubuque County population of 100,000.
Arts & Culture Master Plan
With an estimated $47 million impact to the local economy, the arts
contribute significantly to our economic vitality. In 2016, the Mayor
and City Council acknowledged this impact when they adopted the
Arts and Culture Master Plan, a 10-year plan for arts and culture in
Dubuque developed after an extensive public engagement process. To
get involved, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/artsandculture.
Planning for Sustainability and Resiliency
Economic prosperity, along with environmental integrity and social/
cultural vibrancy, is a key element of the Sustainable Dubuque model.
Likewise, economic prosperity is one of the seven focus areas of
Dubuque’s new comprehensive plan, Imagine Dubuque 2037: A Call to
Action. More specifically, the plan focuses on:
• Workforce retention/recruitment and skills challenges to maintain
strong employment growth and occupational diversity
• Attracting young professionals and promoting entrepreneurship
• Providing quality, affordable housing choices
• Supporting both industrial and commercial business growth
• Promoting opportunities for walkable, mixed-use development
It is the responsibility of all residents and stakeholders to develop
Imagine Dubuque 2037 action steps, create the strategies for
success, be inclusive in our efforts, and make our community
sustainable and resilient.
Earlier this year, Dubuque was named an All-America City by the
National Civic League, an unprecedented fourth time in just 10 years!
This award recognizes communities whose citizens work together
to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve
uncommon results. We must continue to work together to foster a
robust local economy to build a bright future for our children and
grandchildren and the many newcomers we will be welcoming to
become Dubuquers. u
Sincerely,
/ 3 /
ROY D. BUOL
MAYOR
RIC W. JONES
AT-LARGE
DAVID T. RESNICK
AT-LARGE
KEVIN J. LYNCH
1ST WARD
2006-2017
LUIS DEL TORO
2ND WARD
JOYCE E. CONNORS
3RD WARD
2002-2017
JAKE A. RIOS
4TH WARD
DUBUQUE CITY COUNCIL
2032 VISION STATEMENT
Dubuque 2032 is a sustainable and resilient city and an inclusive and
equitable community. Dubuque 2032 has preserved our Masterpiece
on the Mississippi and has a strong, diverse economy and expanding
connectivity. Our residents experience healthy living and active lifestyles;
have choices of quality, livable neighborhoods; have an abundance of fun
things to do; and are engaged in the community.
CITY COUNCILGOALS & PRIORITIES
Each year, the Dubuque City Council goes through a goal-setting process. Over the course of three evening sessions, City Council members
reaffirmed the 15-year vision statement and mission statement and identified eight five-year goals for the city. They also identified top and
high priorities for a 2017-2019 policy agenda as well as a management agenda for projects and initiatives planned for 2017-2019.
CITY MISSION STATEMENT
Dubuque city government is progressive and financially sound
with residents receiving value for their tax dollars and achieving
goals through partnerships. Dubuque city government’s mission is
to deliver excellent municipal services that support urban living;
contribute to an equitable, sustainable city; plan for the community’s
future; and facilitate access to critical human services.
CITY OF DUBUQUE GOALS 2022
• Robust Local Economy: Diverse Businesses and Jobs with Economic Prosperity
• Vibrant Community: Healthy and Safe
• Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to Live
• Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization: Sustainable,
Equitable, and Effective Service Delivery
TOP PRIORITIES (in alphabetical order)
• Central Avenue Revitalization: Streetscape and Business Development
• Citywide Flower Planting Program
• Communitywide Solar Strategy
• Comprehensive Plan: Adoption
• East-West Corridor Study Implementation
• Master Plan for Chaplain Schmitt Island
• South Port Redevelopment Master Plan
• Splash Pad
HIGH PRIORITIES (in alphabetical order)
• Crime Prevention Program Expansion
• Dilapidated Buildings/Structures
• Five Flags Center Study
• Inclusive Dubuque
• Kerper Boulevard Revitalization Report
• Multicultural Family Center: Colts Building Direction and Funding
• River Cruise Docking Facilities
• Roosevelt Road Water Tower
2017-2019 POLICY AGENDA
• Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural Resources
• Partnership for a Better Dubuque: Building Our Community that is
Viable, Livable, and Equitable
• Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities
• Connected Community: Equitable Transportation, Technology
Infrastructure, and Mobility
TOP PRIORITIES (in alphabetical order)
• CHANGE Program: Implementation
• Citywide Traffic Signal Synchronization
• Comiskey Park Expansion and Renovation
• Crescent Community Health Center: Development Agreement
• Greater Dubuque Development’s Finding Dubuque’s True North
• Residential Housing Upgrade/Flood Protection Program
• Westside Water System: Implementation
HIGH PRIORITIES (in alphabetical order)
• Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Plan: Development
• Cartegraph Partnership: High-Performance Government
• City Performance Measures/Open Data Catalog/Data-Driven Governance
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Fellowship International Exchange
• Leisure Services Department Assessment
• Parking Ramp Maintenance: Direction/Funding
• Teen/Young Professionals/Seniors: Jackson Park Pilot Program
• Water & Resource Recovery Center Nutrient Trading
2017-2019 MANAGEMENT AGENDA
BRETT M. SHAW
1ST WARD
KATE M. LARSON
3RD WARD
NEWLY ELECTED CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
/ 4 /
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
FLEXSTEEL PROJECT
HIGHLIGHTS COMMITMENT
TO EXISTING BUSINESSES
Flexsteel has called Dubuque home since
1936. In September 2016, representatives of
Flexsteel Industries, Inc. announced their intent
to close their facility at 3400 Jackson Street
in Dubuque, much of which was built in 1897,
because it was inefficient and costly to maintain.
At that time, Flexsteel expressed a desire to stay
in Dubuque, where they built their corporate
headquarters in the Port of Dubuque in 2012.
Over the course of the subsequent nine months,
the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, Dubuque
Initiatives, Northeast Iowa Community College,
Iowa Economic Development Authority, and
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
worked with Flexsteel to develop a financing
package that would allow the company to operate
competitively and build a new production
facility in Dubuque Industrial Center South on
Seippel Road -- and to achieve the eventual
redevelopment of the company’s existing site at
3400 Jackson Street. A plan to achieve those
goals was finalized and approved by all the
parties involved in May 2017. A major reason
this was possible was the successful collective
bargaining agreement involving Flexsteel and
the company’s three unions, including United
Steelworkers Local 1861, Teamsters Local 120,
and Operating Engineers Local 234.
FLEXSTEEL’S CURRENT JACKSON STREET LOCATION
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PRODUCTION FACILITY
RENDERING OF NEW PRODUCTION FACILITY
/ 4 /
/ 5 /
In those agreements, Flexsteel’s commitments
include:
• Retaining a minimum of 200 positions.
• Purchasing from Dubuque County 22 usable acres
in Dubuque Industrial Center South.
• Constructing a facility of not less than 250,000
sq. ft. at an estimated cost of $25 million.
• Donating the former company facility and the
approximate 43 acres at 3400 Jackson Street
to Dubuque Initiatives for demolition and then
redevelopment.
• Funding an escrow account of $2,660,000 which
will be used by Dubuque Initiatives for demolition
and environmental remediation costs related to the
structures at the Jackson Street site.
• Agreeing to hold harmless and indemnify Dubuque
Initiatives and the City of Dubuque from any
environmental remediation costs, such as soil and
water.
Dubuque Initiatives’ commitments include:
• Accepting ownership of the 43-acre site at 3400
Jackson Street.
• Demolishing all structures and conducting any
necessary remediation of the site structures as
soon as possible after the transfer of title to the
property.
• Applying for federal and state grants to assist
with the funding of environmental remediation.
• Marketing the site for light industrial
redevelopment, with the net proceeds from
any sale going 50 percent to Dubuque County,
17 percent to the City of Dubuque, and the
remainder to Dubuque Initiatives.
Dubuque County’s commitments include:
• Purchasing two parcels from the City of Dubuque:
22 usable acres in Dubuque Industrial Center
South and 3.8 usable acres in Dubuque Industrial
Center West for $3,320,000.
• The 22-acre parcel will subsequently be sold to
Flexsteel as the location for the new facility.
• The 3.8-acre parcel will be retained by Dubuque
County for use as a site for future Dubuque County
facilities or as an economic development parcel.
On May 15, 2017, the Mayor and City Council approved a Development Agreement
between the City of Dubuque and Flexsteel and a Redevelopment Project Agreement
between Flexsteel, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque Initiatives, and Dubuque County.
This investment and the efforts of all involved to
keep Flexsteel Industries, Inc.’s manufacturing
operation in Dubuque and to save these 200 jobs
is a great example of the Dubuque community’s
commitment to retaining existing employers.
/ CONTINUED /
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ROASTING SOLUTIONS/
VERENA STREET COFFEE
TRISTATE
QUALITY
METALS
FUTUREFLEXSTEEL
SITE
KEY
US HWY 52/ SOUTHWEST ARTERIAL (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
CURRENT ROADWAYS
INTERCHANGE RAMPS, FRONTAGE ROADS (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
INTERCHANGE RAMP ROUNDABOUT, (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
>> TO HWY
151/61
/ 6 /
Roasting Solutions/Verena Street Coffee,
a Dubuque County family-owned business, recently
invested approximately $7 million to construct a
new 34,000 square-foot national headquarters
location and manufacturing facility in the Dubuque
Industrial Center South on the north side of
Seippel Road. The new facility is four times larger
than the company’s previous location on U.S. 52.
A grand opening was held in November 2016.
Led by the fourth generation of the Gantz family,
Eric and Michael Gantz, the company’s coffee
brands are sold in more than 700 grocery stores.
The project enabled the company to quadruple
its roasting capacity and will create at least 10
new jobs. The City of Dubuque entered into a
development agreement with Roasting Solutions,
Verena Street’s parent company, that included
a $721,800 acquisition grant covering half the
purchase price of the industrial park property. The
agreement also provided the company with a 100
percent rebate (minus debt service, the School
District Physical Plant and Equipment Levy and
the Instructional Support Levy) on the incremental
increase of the new property tax for the next 10
years. u
Cottingham & Butler, headquartered in Dubuque
and the nation’s 30th largest insurance broker,
announced in October 2017 its plans to make
an estimated capital investment of $2.3 million
and add 20 employees to its Dubuque staff over
the next three years. In August 2016, the firm
announced its plan to invest $1.2 million and add
90 new employees by April 2019 to its leased
space at the Roshek Building. This follows their
2015 decision to invest $1.2 million and add
90 employees to their offices at 1000 and 1030
Main Street by March 2018. Each of these three
expansions is supported by the Iowa Economic
Development Authority’s High Quality Jobs Program
through training fund reimbursement and direct
financial assistance. u
The Iowa Economic Development Authority
is providing a $1 million forgivable loan for the
demolition and environmental remediation of
3400 Jackson Street, providing an Investment Tax
Credit estimated at $293,200, and providing a
Sales, Services and Use Tax Refund estimated at
$750,000.
Northeast Iowa Community College committed
to Workforce Training and Economic Development
funding (estimated at $100,000) for training
existing Flexsteel employees.
The City of Dubuque’s commitments include:
• Selling the two parcels of property totaling 25.8
acres to Dubuque County for a total purchase
price of $3,320,000, paid by Dubuque County
from the proceeds of a subsequent sale of 22
acres to Flexsteel, with the balance due paid
over seven years.
• Providing Flexsteel 10 years of tax-increment
financing (TIF) rebates for property taxes paid on
the new facilities in Dubuque Industrial Center
South, with an estimated value of $4.1 million
in rebates.
• While the City will retain $660,000 (50 percent
of the value of the land) of the $3,320,000
industrial park land sale price, $660,000 will
be provided to assist with demolition of the
buildings at the current Flexsteel site, 3400
Jackson Street. The additional $2,000,000 of
the sale price will be paid by Dubuque County
to the City over a seven-year period and provided
to Dubuque Initiatives to assist with estimated
$5.4 million demolition of buildings at 3400
Jackson Street.
The total value of the local and state incentives
package for Flexsteel is $10,223,200. This
investment and the efforts of all involved to keep
Flexsteel Industries, Inc.’s manufacturing operation
in Dubuque and to save these 200 jobs is a great
example of the Dubuque community’s commitment
to retaining existing employers. u
BUSINESS EXPANSIONSFLEXSTEEL PROJECT / CONTINUED /
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION
/ 7 /
Rite-Hite manufactures doors, seals and shelters,
barrier systems, and other aftermarket products at
its Dubuque production facility at 4343 Chavenelle
Drive in the Dubuque Industrial Center. The company
is in the midst of a $8.9 million expansion project at
its Dubuque location to add 138,000 square feet of
manufacturing space and 24 new employees. u
Heartland Financial USA, Inc. is a multi-bank
holding company with community banks in Iowa,
Illinois, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Arizona, Montana,
Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas, and California,
with a total of 121 banking locations serving 88
communities. Heartland Financial is headquartered
at 1398 Central Avenue and currently employs
350 individuals in Dubuque. In 2012, the
company expanded employment and leased a floor
in the Roshek Building. Thanks to growth and
acquisitions, Heartland is expanding again and will
lease an additional floor of the Roshek Building to
facilitate that growth. The company plans to spend
approximately $1.2 million for remodeling and
$860,000 in equipment, software, and furnishings
to accommodate at least 31 new employees. In
September 2017, the Iowa Economic Development
Authority board approved an $80,000 forgivable loan
and more than $120,000 in tax credits to Heartland
through the State’s High Quality Jobs Program to
support this expansion. Under the terms of the state
incentives, 20 of the new workers must be paid at
least $22.37 per hour. A $150,000 loan from the
East Central Intergovernmental Association serves
as the local match and $1.8 million in financing by
Heartland will complete the funding of the project. u
BUSINESS EXPANSIONS
ROASTING SOLUTIONS / VERENA STREET COFFEE
RITE HITE
ROSHEK BUILDING
/ 8 /
When a TIF district is created, a “base” valuation
of the property value is established. The base
valuation accounts for assessed values prior to the
TIF designation. The tax revenue from this base
value remains with all taxing authorities. Increases
in the assessed value over time over and above the
base are called the “increment.” The TIF authority
(in this case, the City of Dubuque) may access the
tax revenue generated by the increment, to fulfill the
designated purpose of the district.
TIF is typically used by cities to fund public
improvement projects or private project-based
financial assistance, in conjunction with developing
or redeveloping different parts of a city. This may
include upgrading areas of the city suffering from
slum and blight, helping residential development
efforts, and enhancing economic development
activities. Depending on the size of the project, cities
may use the annual increment to provide project
funding or may need to incur debt to finance an
improvement, such as installing infrastructure.
Cities can use tax-increment financing to pay the
cost of streets, water, sanitary and storm sewers,
parks, trails, and related public improvements for
new housing development by creating Housing TIF
Districts.
LEVERAGING JOBS
THROUGH TAX-INCREMENT
FINANCING (TIF)
Housing TIFs
Housing TIF Districts support reinvestment and
redevelopment activities in the urban renewal area
and support revitalization throughout the community
for low- and moderate-income families. Cities can
establish Housing TIF Districts within their corporate
limits and within two miles of their corporate
boundaries with the consent of the County Board of
Supervisors.
Using Housing TIF enables Dubuque to implement
projects to support workforce retention and
development, increase the local tax base, and
address the city and school district’s stagnant
population growth.
Tax-increment financing (TIF) is an important and flexible tool used in communities
for three main purposes: promoting economic development, eliminating slum and blight, and facilitating housing development.
/ 9 /
By state law, when TIF is used for housing development, approximately 38 percent of Dubuque’s future tax
increment revenues from the project must be used to provide housing assistance anywhere in the city to low-
and moderate-income families whose incomes are no greater than 80 percent of the median income. This is
starter housing for Dubuque’s current and future workforce, and our most vulnerable residents, the elderly and
disabled.
Initial plans call for much of the affordable
housing assistance to be provided in downtown
neighborhoods through the City’s CHANGE
(Comprehensive Housing Activities for
Neighborhood Growth & Enrichment) Program.
From 2016-2022, Dubuque’s four Housing TIF
districts are projected to generate $3.9 million for
affordable housing over 10 years. u
Each of these Housing TIF Districts has an Urban Renewal
Plan that describes the specific use of tax increment funds,
such as providing tax rebates, installing public infrastructure,
or other planned expenditures. These Housing TIF Districts,
consistent with state law, currently set aside approximately
38 percent of project cost increment, thus providing funding
for the benefit of low- and moderate-income family housing
opportunities anywhere in the city of Dubuque. u
By utilizing Housing TIF, the City of Dubuque plans to increase the average number of new
single-family homes built per year in Dubuque from 100 to at least 150. The City has created
four Housing TIF Districts, all with the consent of the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors.
NORTH CASCADE ROAD HOUSING TIF DISTRICT
• Formed in 2014 to promote residential options in Timber Hyrst
subdivision, leading to the development of 203 homes.
• Assisted with funding for 2018 road and utility improvements
along North Cascade Road, which will facilitate safer travel
by straightening some curves.
• Allowed City to install needed water, sanitary, and storm
sewer infrastructure.
• Build a new city park and extend fiber optic conduit.
ENGLISH RIDGE HOUSING TIF DISTRICT
• Formed in 2015 to promote creation of additional
residential options in Dubuque, leading to the
development of 222 homes.
• Provide funding for water main installation.
• Build a new city park and extend fiber optic conduit.
SOUTH POINTE HOUSING TIF DISTRICT
• Intended to generate funds for improved roads
and utilities in the designated area, leading to the
reconstruction of some of North Cascade Road.
• Build a new city park and extend fiber optic conduit.
DERBY GRANGE HOUSING TIF DISTRICT
• Intended to generate funds for installation of sewer and
water utilities related to housing/residential development
along John F. Kennedy Road and Derby Grange Road.
• Build a new city park and extend fiber optic conduit.
Tax-increment financing (TIF) is an important and flexible tool used in communities
for three main purposes: promoting economic development, eliminating slum and blight, and facilitating housing development.
/ 10 /
DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION
CENTRAL AVENUE CORRIDOR INITIATIVE
The scheduled completion of the Southwest Arterial
in 2019 and subsequent removal of the majority of
truck traffic from the Central Avenue/White Street
corridor, combined with the improved resilience of
the neighborhood thanks to the Bee Branch Creek
Watershed Flood Mitigation Project, will create a
prime environment for the renaissance of Central
Avenue. An initiative is under way to engage
stakeholders in the process to prepare for and guide
this renaissance.
The initiative’s efforts are focused on the Central
Avenue Corridor from 14th Street to 22nd Street.
This corridor connects Dubuque’s central downtown
and Historic Millwork District to the city’s North End.
It features a wide variety of historic buildings offering
commercial and retail opportunities on the ground
floor and residential spaces on upper floors.
The goal of this initiative is the economic
revitalization of the Central Avenue Corridor (CAC)
through community engagement, educational
outreach, and CAC community-informed storefront
and streetscape design. Central Avenue Corridor
stakeholders include business owners, employees,
patrons, residents, landlords, social service agencies,
community leaders, the City of Dubuque, and partner
agencies.
The City entered into a collaborative relationship
with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
(ISUEO) to assist with this initiative. Specifically,
ISUEO is assisting with outreach and community
engagement efforts, asset mapping of buildings
and businesses in the corridor, and identification of
additional partnership opportunities.
/ 10 /
/ 11 /
Design Studio
ISUEO brought students and faculty in the ISU
College of Design’s “Seeing, Making, Doing – The
Art and Design of Social Capital” course to Dubuque
to operate a design studio in the corridor during
the spring 2017 semester. This course explored
strategies and methods for using art and design to
increase social capital in communities. Students
from a variety of disciplines, such as studio art,
architecture, interior design, landscape architecture,
anthropology, and community and regional planning,
worked collaboratively throughout the semester to
learn effective ways to engage communities, facilitate
meaningful community discussions, and use art and
culture to build goodwill and understanding among
diverse populations.
Microlending
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds will be used to offer low- or no-interest loans
to “microenterprise businesses” in the corridor.
Microenterprise businesses have five or fewer
employees. To qualify, the business owner(s) must
be low-to-moderate income. Additionally, the City is
entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with
IowaMicroLoan to operate a microlending program.
To learn more about the Central Avenue Corridor
Initiative, contact the City of Dubuque Economic
Development Department at 563-589-4393 or
econdev@cityofdubuque.org. Additional information
is also available at www.cityofdubuque.org/cac.u
Current Central Avenue Corridor
Building Inventory
(E. 14th Street to Kaufmann Avenue)
• 89 storefronts in 72 buildings in 8 blocks
• 28 storefronts (30%) are vacant or inactive
• Majority of existing building stock built prior to
satellites, cable, electrical lines, and in some
cases, telephone lines
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
$140,000
$160,000
Avera g e A ssesse d Valu e o f Bu ildin g s
with E mp ty S tore fro nts
Mixed-Use
Buildings
Commercial
Buildings
All Buildings
with Storefronts
$140,339
$52,455
$112,586
In the summer of 2017, the City of Dubuque and Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque received a
Partners for Places Equity Grant from The Funders Network and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network.
The purpose of the grant is to build the skills, knowledge, and capacity of City departments and non-profit
organizations located in the Washington Neighborhood so they can better engage with traditionally unengaged
and underrepresented populations in our community. In November 2017, a learning cohort of City and non-
profit staff and residents of the neighborhood kicked off this work by attending a workshop to define a shared
set of community engagement principles. Next steps for the group will include development and completion
of projects and events that will build connections in the neighborhood, additional trainings for staff regarding
outreach and facilitation strategies to better connect with unengaged and underrepresented populations, and
development of City department plans to improve equitable delivery of services. u
PARTNERS FOR PLACES
/ 12 /
DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION
1812 CENTRAL AVENUE
This $390,000 building renovation project by CA Rich Properties received
a $12,133 façade grant from the City (part of Main Street Challenge Grant
program) and $40,000 through the City’s Downtown Housing Incentive Program
for the rehabilitation/creation of four housing units. u
KEY CITY CREATIVE CENTER, 1781 WHITE STREET
Key City Creative Center is a non-profit organization offering a collaborative workspace
where members have 24/7 access to a wide variety of tools and equipment. The center also
features private studio space and plans to offer classes on woodworking, welding, metal
working machines, ceramics/pottery, laser engraving, 3-D printing, and sewing. The City is
supporting this ongoing building renovation project through a $10,000 façade grant and a
$5,000 planning/design grant. u
STEEPLE SQUARE CAMPUS
Steeple Square is a nonprofit organization working to revitalize the former
St. Mary’s Church campus into a collaborative, inclusive center, providing
an attractive hub for social life and community support while preserving
its historic fabric and features. The estimated $15 million project began
in 2016. Dynamic partners will provide programming on the campus. The
former school was converted into market-rate and affordable apartments,
with more than half serving as permanent supportive housing for Opening
Doors graduates. The former rectory will include a childcare center, and
the surrounding area will be transformed into a green space serving
partner nonprofits and the community.
• Former school at 1501 Jackson Street: The City of Dubuque
supported this phase of the project through $35,000 in grants
through the City’s Façade Grant Program, Planning and Design
Program Grant, and Financial Consultant Grant Program. It also
provided $120,000 for 12 housing units through the City’s Downtown
Housing Incentive Program and 10 years of tax-increment financing
(TIF) rebates for the renovation of the building.
• Former church and rectory buildings at 101 E. 15th Street: The City
of Dubuque also supported this phase of the project through $35,000
in grants through the City’s Façade Grant Program, Planning and
Design Program Grant, and Financial Consultant Grant Program. The
project was also awarded 10 years of tax-increment financing (TIF)
rebates. u
/ 12 /
/ 13 /
7 HILLS BREWING COMPANY, 1085 WASHINGTON STREET
The brewpub project by 7 Hills Brewing Company at 1085 Washington Street
in the Millwork District was completed in late August 2017. This 10,000
square-foot renovation project has an estimated total cost of $2.5 million and
created more than 25 jobs. The City of Dubuque supported the project through
$35,000 in grants through the City’s Façade Grant Program, Planning and
Design Program Grant, and Financial Consultant Grant Program. The building
was previously used for parking, Spahn & Rose storage, Eagle Window and Door
production, and for storage by Farley/Loetscher. u
NEW MARRIOTT HOTEL, 1151 WASHINGTON STREET
A ground-breaking ceremony was held in late July 2017 for a TownePlace
Suites Marriott in the Historic Millwork District on the former Spahn &
Rose Lumber property. The four-story, 84-room, extended stay hotel
is being developed by Metx, LLC, and will be managed by Kinseth
Hospitality of North Liberty, Iowa. The $11.5 million project is expected
to be completed in spring 2018. u
1065 JACKSON STREET
This nearly $375,000 project by SR Jackson Real Estate LLC
is converting the former Spahn & Rose Lumber property into
more than 20,000 square feet of commercial space. The City
of Dubuque is supporting the project through $35,000 in grants
through the City’s Façade Grant Program, Planning and Design
Program Grant, and Financial Consultant Grant Program. u
1690 ELM STREET
The building at 1690 Elm Street (the former Lamar Advertising and Frank Hardie Advertising building) has been underutilized
for several years, with only a portion of one floor currently occupied. Metx, LLC, a local developer, purchased the building and
several adjacent parcels in recent years to develop the properties as one project. A $9 million redevelopment of the property
is planned to create a medical campus, including the Crescent Community Health Center. The building will provide the space
necessary for the health center’s expansion and the City sold land to the developer to be used for parking. The project is being
supported by the City through $35,000 in Façade, Design, and Planning and Financial Consultant grants, as well as 10 years
of tax-increment finance (TIF) rebates. The project is expected to be completed by June 2019. u
/ 14 /
DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION
SOUTH PORT CONCEPTS TAKE SHAPE
Plans are being developed to continue Dubuque’s riverfront
development through the adaptive reuse of a brownfield.
Historic Tax Credits Driving Transformation
Dubuque’s greater downtown is being transformed through
projects that have utilized the Iowa Historic Preservation Tax
Credits (HPTC) and Federal Historic Tax Credits. Combined with
others, these programs have revitalized Dubuque’s Main Street,
Millwork District, Port of Dubuque, and other adjacent areas.
Downtown historic redevelopment in Dubuque has added
well over 2,000 permanent jobs in buildings that had been
underutilized or were deteriorating or vacant for decades.
NOVELTY IRON WORKS BUILDING
$36 MILLION PROJECT - 76 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
46,000 SQ. FT. COMMERCIAL SPACE
Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be
complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or
contaminant. In 2015, the City of Dubuque was awarded an EPA Brownfields Area-Wide
Planning Grant to partner with the property owners and focus on the South Port area, more
than 30 acres of industrial and vacant land east of Dubuque’s downtown and south of the
Ice Harbor. The South Port is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east, and the Julien
Dubuque Bridge runs through the middle of the site.
/ 14 /
/ 15 /
In July 2017, the City Council received an update from consultants hired
to identify development opportunities for the South Port. The conceptual
plan was designed to build on the success of the Port of Dubuque and was
developed based on feedback from Dubuque residents, South Port property
owners, and a local real estate firm. The conceptual plan includes:
No action has yet been taken on
the plan, which is just a concept,
but provides a starting point for
additional planning and discussions
and private investment for the future
redevelopment of the South Port.
City staff submitted the concept to
the EPA for review this fall.
• a 120-room waterfront hotel, with a rooftop terrace, connected to a
restaurant with outdoor dining;
• a boardwalk and waterfront plaza with a “spray pad,” garden, pavilion
and playground;
• a four- or five-story building offering a mix of condos and retail and
office space connected to a three- or four-story parking garage; and
• a series of three- or four-story residential buildings offering a mix of
apartments or condos with parking on the lower level. u
Historic Tax Credits Driving Transformation
Additionally, 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.
• Dubuque has completed 34 projects to date using the Iowa HPTC program.
• Just over $42 million in Iowa HPTC funding has leveraged over $142 million in private investment.
• Dubuque currently has 20 more projects in the works, with an estimated $19 million in Iowa HPTC
funding, which is expected to leverage approximately $57 million in private investment. u
CONSULTANT’S CONCEPT RENDERING
/ 15 /
/ 16 /
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
DUBUQUE’S WORKFORCE CHALLENGES
Companies around the world share a common challenge – the need to recruit and retain qualified talent. In
the Dubuque area, which currently has 2.1 percent unemployment, workforce advocates are attacking this
challenge by identifying significant skills gaps in the local workforce and developing solutions to fill those gaps.
A 2016 Skills Gap Analysis report conducted by Greater
Dubuque Development highlighted the top 60 occupations
with the highest projected skills gaps over the next 10 years
for occupations paying $16 per hour or more. The top
20 occupational gaps include a mix of careers requiring
training from industry-recognized certificates to advanced
degrees. Most of the identified needs centered around
“middle-skill” careers that do not require a four-year
education, but do require training beyond high school.
Additionally, five out of the top 10 skills gap occupations
could not be filled by entry-level graduates, but are higher-
level positions that represent opportunities for employers to
“up-skill” their existing workforce to advance up the ladder.
As finding a skilled workforce becomes more challenging due to
national and international shortages, it’s imperative that Dubuque
is prepared. Greater Dubuque Development is leading a group
of public and private sector partners to invest the time, talent, and financial resources to provide Dubuque area
businesses with innovative workforce solutions through its Dubuque Works collaborative. To learn more about
Workforce Solutions, contact Kristin Dietzel at kristind@greaterdubuque.org or 563.557.9049. u
Dubuque County
Workforce Indicators
OCTOBER 2017 UNEMPLOYMENT: 2.1%
(IOWA = 3.0%, U.S. = 4.1%)
OCTOBER 2017 TOTAL NON-AGRICULTURAL
EMPLOYMENT = 60,300*
*60% INCREASE SINCE 1983
2016 AVERAGE HOURLY WAGE = $22.58
DID YOU KNOW? There are 396,000 college
students within 100 miles of Dubuque.
/ 17 /
Since 2008, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and
the City of Dubuque have partnered to support Project HOPE.
This initiative is dedicated to increasing access to opportunity
for all community members by supporting provider networks for
change, expanding pathways to education and employment, and
helping families and individuals build financial security.
PROJECT HOPE
HELPING OUR PEOPLE EXCEL
WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED
Through the leadership of the Community Foundation
of Greater Dubuque, Project HOPE has successfully
built a network of partners addressing barriers
to economic opportunity in Dubuque. Some key
accomplishments include:
• Re-engage Dubuque, established in 2012, has
connected over 400 opportunity youth who did
not complete high school to alternative education
options and post-secondary education. Over 160
have received their high school diploma or high
school equivalency diploma. Since Re-engage
Dubuque started, the dropout rate has decreased
by nearly 50 percent and continues to improve.
• Opportunity Dubuque, a training/employment
partnership created in 2012, has accepted
554 students, and 434 have graduated or are
currently in training. Ninety-eight percent of
contact graduates have retained employment or
are continuing their education.
• Created a network map in 2015 highlighting
over 750 relationships between more than 150
nonprofit and government agencies.
• Conducted needs assessments focused on
mental health and child care services to serve
as resources to influence current and future
equity, workforce, public health and economic
development programming and advocacy.
• Convened a multi-sector Local College Access
Network (LCAN) to increase college attainment.
• Charted Dubuque’s financial capacity pathways
and participated in a best practice cohort to
inform strategies to increase the financial
strength and literacy of community members.
WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON
• Continuing the collective work of the LCAN to
increase postsecondary educational attainment
for underrepresented groups.
• Advancing frameworks for increasing community
member’s financial strength by focusing on best
practices and innovative strategies.
• Convening early childhood stakeholders to spur
community solutions to increase childcare
capacity, overcome barriers to childcare access
faced by lower income families, and expand
professional development opportunities and
resources for providers. u
PROJECT HOPE NETWORK MEMBERS
• Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
• City of Dubuque
• Dubuque Community School District
• Dubuque Works
• East Central Intergovernmental Agency
• Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
• IowaWorks
• Northeast Iowa Community College
• Operation: New View
• The Circles Initiative
• United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States
For more information on Project HOPE, visit
www.dbqfoundation.org/initiatives/ProjectHOPE
or call 563.588.2700.
/ 18 /
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
INCLUSIVE
DUBUQUE
Inclusive Dubuque is a peer-learning
network of partners committed to
creating an informed, equitable, and
inclusive community where all people
are respected, valued, and engaged. The
network is comprised of more than 50
organizations across sectors including
faith, government, nonprofit, business,
education, and more.
The network formed in 2012 after
business leaders began to take notice of challenges
related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the
community. Businesses were reporting difficulty
attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. The
Inclusive Dubuque Network works collaboratively to
eliminate bias in our community by providing and
supporting equity learning opportunities, equity tools
and resources, and baseline data to inform decisions and
measure progress. Some key accomplishments include:
• Conducted a Community Equity Profile in 2015 to
learn about the lived experiences of diverse groups
and discover what disparities exist. The profile
engaged 584 participants through dialogues and
1,995 online surveys were completed.
• Sector groups have formed around arts and culture,
education, economic wellbeing, and neighborhoods
to address new challenges and bring the racial/social
equity lens to existing programs and efforts.
• Hosted four equity learning opportunities in 2016 and
2017 engaging more than 500 people.
• Hosted four community conversations from November
2016-May 2017 engaging more than 200 community
members.
• Launched the “I’m a Dubuquer” campaign in an
effort to expand the definition of what “Dubuquer”
means and to broaden the understanding of who our
neighbors are.
• The network’s peer-learning council launched “Best
Practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” Over
60 community members across multiple sectors are
attending this nine-month workshop series to learn
best-practice strategies to implement in their own
organizations.
• Published Facing Diversity: Marshallese Stories in
partnership with the national storytelling initiative, The
Facing Project. The book highlighted the stories of 12
Marshallese community members.
WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON
• Continuing “Best Practices in Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion.” The workshops started in October and will
run through June 2018.
• Convening business leaders to provide peer-learning
opportunities around embedding equity and inclusion at
the organizational level.
• Continuing the “I’m a Dubuquer” campaign through
storytelling and targeted community displays and events.
• Convening the arts and culture, education and
neighborhoods sector groups.
• The economic wellbeing sector group is now supported
by the Project HOPE network and is working on gathering
data to inform their work moving forward.
• Producing Facing Diversity: Immigrants and Refugees. u
For more information on Inclusive Dubuque,
visit www.inclusivedbq.org or call 563.588.2700.
/ 19 /
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS
Earlier this fall, Alliant Energy funded and completed
construction of “solar gardens” at two sites in Dubuque
to form the largest solar development in the state of
Iowa. This project was conducted in collaboration with
the City of Dubuque and Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation (GDDC).
Most of the solar panels were installed on 21.14
acres of City-owned property north of Humke Road in
Dubuque Industrial Center West. According to Alliant
Alliant Energy Solar Gardens
In 2016, as part of its efforts to implement the citizen-created Sustainable Dubuque vision, the City of Dubuque
began assessing which of its buildings were best suited to utilize solar power. Dubuque’s fire stations were
excellent candidates given their 24/7 operations and access to sunlight at most of the facilities. In early 2017, the
Dubuque City Council unanimously approved agreements with Dubuque-based Eagle Point Solar for the installation
of rooftop solar arrays at five of the City’s six fire stations.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The impact of this project is significant, both environmentally and economically. Combined, the stations will avoid
emitting approximately 3,740 tons of carbon dioxide over the life of the panels, or the equivalent of the annual
electric use of 425 homes.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), where a third party installs and owns the solar panels and the City purchases
electricity from them, permanently reduce the cost to the City of each kWh of electricity used by more than 30
percent. The only upfront funding required for this project from the City was $2,500 for equipment upgrades to
allow internet connectivity for the solar arrays. u
SOLAR PANELS INSTALLED AT DUBUQUE FIRE STATIONS
Energy, the 15,600 solar arrays installed at this site
are capable of producing 5 megawatts of energy in
ideal conditions, or enough to power more than 725
homes.
Over 3,500 solar panels were also installed on six
acres owned by A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. along U.S.
61/151, near the 16th Street detention basin.
This site is capable of collectively generating 1.2
megawatts—enough to power more than 126 homes.
/ CONTINUED /
/ 20 /
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS
The City’s new wastewater treatment facility, the Water & Resource Recovery Center (WRRC), became operational
in 2013 and began producing biogas through the anaerobic digestion of waste. A new collaboration between
the City of Dubuque and private sector partners involves converting biogas from waste to create economic and
environmental benefits for the community.
Building on Existing Efficiencies
The WRRC has been converting waste into electricity
and heat since the facility upgrade in 2013. The
anaerobic digestion process produces methane gas which
is captured, cleaned, and burned to power turbines
that generate electricity. The heat produced through
this process is used to heat the WRRC complex and
the electricity produced is used to power the facility.
Currently, the facility produces enough electricity to
meet 70 percent of the facility’s needs. Thanks to this
capability and other operational efficiencies, the facility’s
electricity demand has dropped by 70-75 percent since
the facility upgrade for an annual savings of $237,000.
Before the facility upgrade, the biosolids produced at the
CITY ADDS BIOGAS PRODUCTION TO REVENUE STREAM
ALLIANT SOLAR ARRAY NORTH OF HUMKE ROAD
IN DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL CENTER WEST
John Larsen, senior vice president of Alliant Energy
Background
The City of Dubuque and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation partnered to develop the Sustainable Innovations initiative
to create, foster, and prioritize the integration of the best opportunities to improve the sustainability and resiliency of Greater
Dubuque with the best opportunities for continued economic growth and improved quality of life.
An extensive effort is underway to create a comprehensive
strategy for pursuing solar energy development in
Dubuque. The initial goals outlined for the solar strategy
include, but are not limited to:
• Increased economic activity for Dubuque from local
energy production.
• Support from Alliant Energy for solar innovation and
investment in Dubuque.
• Reduction of barriers and soft costs for local solar
developers.
• Creation of green power that is priced so that the
City can achieve its 50 percent by 2030 greenhouse
gas reduction goals without paying a premium over
market.
• Keep Dubuque in its national leadership position on
sustainability and “boost the brand” for retention and
recruitment of industry and workforce.
Pursuant to these goals, GDDC and the City engaged
with Alliant Energy to bring their significant expertise,
infrastructure, and financial capacity to the developing
Dubuque solar effort. u
“This collaboration demonstrates the power of a city, a local business and a utility working
together. The project showcases how we’re looking beyond traditional energy generation to
develop renewable energy for customers.”John Larsen, senior vice president of Alliant Energy
ALLIANT ENERGY SOLAR GARDENS / CONTINUED /
/ 21 /
In order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce utility
bills, and reach the community’s commitment to reduce
greenhouse gases 50 percent below 2003 levels by 2030,
the City has made it a priority to first focus on energy
efficiency measures in its own facilities, and then explore
opportunities for renewable energy generation. The City
continues to work closely with partners to identify ways to
reduce energy use in its own facilities and consider the
best opportunities to shift to alternative energy sources.
For more information on Dubuque’s sustainability priorities
and practices, visit www.sustainabledubuque.org.
plant were incinerated at an annual cost of approximately
$300,000 for fuel oil. Not only does this new anaerobic
digestion process produce savings, it also reduces
greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality.
With the implementation of anaerobic digestion and
elimination of incineration, the City was able to turn an
energy loss into an energy gain.
More Methane Means More Savings
The WRRC produces more methane than can be used at
the facility. The City and Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation researched options for the beneficial use
of this excess methane to: create additional positive
environmental outcomes, generate revenue or reduce
costs, create opportunity for additional economic
development and growth, and not require additional
direct investment or risk from the City.
David Lyons, sustainable innovation consultant with the
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, coordinated
discussions with project partners which identified biofuel
utilization as a potential opportunity. Discussions among
a group led by Omaha-based BioResource Development
LLC, with local partners including Black Hills Energy
(Dubuque’s local natural gas utility) and Unison Solutions
(a local manufacturer of biogas processing equipment),
led to plans for a collaborative and unique biofuels
project.
Plan Implementation
• BioResource Development will co-locate equipment at
the WRRC and further process all biogas produced. It
will deliver that gas to the Black Hills Energy pipeline,
which will qualify for gas revenues and for RIN
(Renewable Inventory Number) payments due to its
use as an advanced biofuel.
• BioResource Development will replace the WRRC’s
biogas with an equal amount of natural gas, which the
WRRC will use to off-set up to all its electricity needs,
off-set up to all of its natural gas needs, and create
additional revenue through the use or sale of excess
electricity generated.
• The City will also receive an annual operating fee
of $10,000 and five percent of gross revenues that
BioResource Development generates from the sale of
any products related to the biogas.
• Lastly, BioResource Development will pay a monthly
rent to the City calculated to cover all costs, which
will be reexamined annually to assure coverage of all
incurred costs.
This project, which continues Dubuque on the path
towards greater use of alternative energy sources and
advances the efforts to meet the Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Goal of 50 percent by 2030, is expected to be
completed and fully operational by early 2018. u
CITY ADDS BIOGAS PRODUCTION TO REVENUE STREAM / CONTINUED /
/ 21 /
John Larsen, senior vice president of Alliant Energy
/ 22 /
IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY
As a smaller metropolitan area, Dubuque faces
some significant challenges to continue to grow its
economy and community. “Connectivity” often plays
a key role when families and companies are deciding
where to locate. In this new “work from anywhere,
connect from everywhere” society, they want to
locate where there is globally competitive broadband
and telephony services. Broadband has become
the “fourth utility.” Just as it is no surprise that
companies and families will not locate where there
is no access to electricity, gas, or water, the same is
now true for broadband fiber and mobile telephony.
In 2015, the City of Dubuque partnered with Greater
Dubuque Development Corporation on a broadband
acceleration initiative. The input gathered through
the initiative from citizens and industry is that
Dubuque must improve its connectivity if it wants to
be competitive with leading communities across the
region and world. That work has already begun as
part of Dubuque’s broadband acceleration initiative
which has, at its core, a very simple but important
focus: to reduce the cost and time needed for new
technology and broadband investment in Dubuque.
More specifically, the initiative is:
• Working with the private and public sectors to
communicate where “last mile” fiber optic and
conduit capacity are currently available in our
community;
• Identifying additional expansion, services, and
competition under consideration for the Dubuque
area and supporting those efforts; and
• Creating a collaborative process between public
and private sectors to identify regulatory process
improvements and infrastructure assets that
could enhance access or reduce costs.
Working primarily through public/private
collaborations, the initiative has achieved solid
progress over the last two years.
Wisconsin Independent Network (WIN) has brought
a new broadband internet connection across the
river on the Julien Dubuque Bridge (Hwy 20),
improving access to southwestern Wisconsin and new
redundant (“always on”) connections for Dubuque.
CS Technologies, a regional telecommunications
service provider, has created over five miles of
new broadband capacity, including new service to
the City’s western industrial parks. Dubuque also
shared costs with Unite Private Networks, a national
company, to bring new service to the Cedar Cross
area and will repeat that process to increase services
on Kerper Boulevard. Collaborations and new services
have been brought to the community by CenturyLink
and Mediacom.
Dubuque is also pioneering the use of “Master
Licensing Agreements” and “Master Shared Service
Agreements,” allowing the public and private sectors
to move faster to keep up with the pace of change
and growing demand for connectivity. It recently
completed the first of what will be a series of
agreements to improve mobile services in Dubuque
through the use of “small cell” telephony. Dubuque’s
geographic challenges, combined with the rapid
growth of internet devices and smart phones, has
created areas of “weak signal” within the community.
Small cells will be located within neighborhoods,
high-use corridors, and difficult-to-reach areas. They
will act like a “hub and spoke,” bringing signals back
to a central antenna and communication facility.
Part of Dubuque’s comprehensive approach included
a review and revision of all City communication
regulations. The goal was to not only update local
regulations to recognize changing technologies, but
to assure that only those regulations that were still
needed were kept and that they would form the
basis for a reasonable, flexible, timely, and easy-to-
use process for industry partners and consumers.
The revised regulations were adopted by the City
Council in August 2017 and are expected to generate
increased revenue and cost-sharing opportunities for
the City. u
Efforts Under Way to Improve
Local Broadband Capacity
/ 23 /
An efficient public transportation system convenient to users
is critical to attracting, developing, and retaining the diverse
workforce needed to compete in today’s world. The Jule,
the City of Dubuque’s public transit system, has worked to
increase its annual ridership nearly 40 percent since 2011
-- giving 553,387 rides in 2016 -- and continues to adapt to
Dubuque’s evolving public transportation needs.
In August 2017, the Jule extended its weeknight evening bus service to 9:00 p.m. to allow residents to work
a variety of shifts, complete shopping trips after work, and attend community events. The changes went into
effect on Monday, Aug. 14, and were made in conjunction with changes to The Jule’s daytime and Saturday
service levels.
The additional evening hours are funded, in part, through reduced Saturday fixed-route service and adjusted
daytime routes to better serve high-ridership areas. The extended service hours apply to both fixed-route and
Minibus service and The Jule’s Nightrider service will continue to operate until 2:40 a.m. on Fridays and
Saturdays during the college school year.
The Jule has nearly 280 bus stops throughout the city and offers a “MyRide” tool to determine the closest
stops and routes for mapping your ride and tracking buses. For additional information on The Jule’s routes
and schedules, visit www.JuleTransit.org or call 563.589.4196. u
The Jule Extends Service Hours
Southwest Arterial Update
DUBUQUE
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11
EAST DUBUQUE
To Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
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Congestion Relief
US 20/Dodge St.
Improved Safety
Locust St./Dodge St.
Intersection
Congestion Relief/
Improved Safety
US 52/Central Ave./
White St.
Improved Safety
Kelly Lane
MIN
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ASBURY
Major progress continues to be made on the
Southwest Arterial (U.S. 52) project and it remains
on schedule to be open to traffic in late 2019.
The completed arterial will be a 6.1 mile, four-
lane, divided freeway connecting U.S. 20 and U.S.
61/151. This project includes three interchanges:
U.S. 20, North Cascade Road, and U.S. 61/151.
These interchanges will be on- and off-ramps with
no traffic signals or stop signs.
This highway will improve safety, reduce congestion
on multiple Dubuque roadways, and positively
impact Dubuque’s economy. More specifically, the
Southwest Arterial will:
• Create a designated freight corridor through the
region
• Connect Dubuque’s Industrial Park (Industrial
Center and Industrial Center West) and
Technology Park, currently home to 48 businesses and 3,500 jobs
• Take hundreds of trucks a day off of Highway 20, Central Avenue, and White Street. u
/ 24 /
VIABLE • LIVABLE • EQUITABLE
2037: A CALL TO ACTION
Postal Customer
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
US POSTAGE
PAID
DUBUQUE IA
MSU
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
FINDING DUBUQUE’S TRUE NORTH
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation focuses on six pillars of its mission:
business retention and expansion, workforce solutions, national marketing,
sustainable innovations, StartUp Dubuque, and Dubuque’s True North. Just
announced in July as part of the Greater Dubuque 2022 Campaign Goals,
Finding Dubuque’s True North was added by Greater Dubuque to bring
transformative change to Dubuque’s vibrant, historic neighborhoods on
the city’s North End. It will be a collaborative partnership of public and
private entities that will continue to bring new energy to the area. The
program goals include removal of slum and blight, fostering of single-family
home ownership, and brownfields redevelopment for new businesses.
For more information on this initiative, visit www.greaterdubuque.org or call 563.557.9049.
DUBUQUE’S
City Focus // Fall 2017 Comments welcome: publicinfo@cityofdubuque.org // 563-589-4110
Just as the Imagine Dubuque Comprehensive Plan was built on community
participation, partnerships and collaboration will be the key to implementing
the plan recommendations. Measuring successful plan implementation must
focus on outcomes to make Dubuque a more viable, livable, and equitable
community. The areas of focus are:
Dubuque has a new comprehensive plan!
• Robust Local Economy
• Sustainable Environment
• Vibrant Community
• Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and
Recreation
Full recommendations and the complete plan are
available to view and download at:
www.cityofdubuque.org/ImagineDubuque
• Livable Neighborhoods and Housing
• Community Facilities
• Transportation + Mobility
• Land Use