IDED State Planning GrantMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: IDED State Planning Grant Application
DATE: August 10, 2010
Dubuque
Wail
All America Cfty
lip!
2007
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is recommending submittal of a grant
application to the Iowa Department of Economic Development for a State Planning
Grant. The proposal is for creation of a public participation plan for the City's future
update of the Comprehensive Plan in the next three years and conducting a housing
needs assessment.
Partners were sought for the application. East Central Intergovernmental Association,
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Dubuque Main Street, Dubuque Initiatives,
Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation and the Community Foundation of
Greater Dubuque all agreed to partner with the City. This State Planning Grant will be a
good complement to the HUD Regional Sustainability Planning Grant that East Central
Intergovernmental Association is submitting this month, with the City and Dubuque
County as partners.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
ti■
el C. Van Milligen
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MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director, East Central Intergovernmental
Association
Rick Dickinson, Executive Director & COO, Greater Dubuque Development Corp.
Dan LoBianco, Executive Director, Dubuque Main Street
Bill Callahan, President, Dubuque Initiatives
Angela Petsche, Executive Director, Washington Neighborhood Development
Corporation
Nancy Van Milligen, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuque
Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Dave Heiar, Economic Development Director
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager* CC../
SUBJECT: IDED State Planning Grant Application
DATE: August 10, 2010
Dubuque
AU- America (My
11111!
2007
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum transmits an application, a resolution, a concept outline, and a letter of
support to the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) for a State Planning Grant,
for City Council review and approval. Information about the grant program also is enclosed.
BACKGROUND
The IDED solicited proposals from cities in Iowa for help with comprehensive plans, updating
zoning ordinances, creating public participation plans, and other municipal priorities (housing,
economic development, transportation, and storm water management). The call for cities to
participate in the planning grant proposal is enclosed.
City staff from the Planning Services, Engineering, Economic Development, Housing and
Community Development, and City Manager's Offices met to develop the Dubuque application.
The proposal is for creation of a public participation plan for the City's future update of the
Comprehensive Plan in the next three years, and conducting a housing needs assessment.
Partners were sought for the application. ECIA, GDDC, Dubuque Main Street, Dubuque
Initiatives, Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation, and Community Foundation of
Greater Dubuque all agreed to partner with us. This State Planning Grant will be a good
complement to the HUD Regional Sustainability Planning Grant that ECIA is submitting this
month, with the City and Dubuque County as partners.
The Dubuque application was submitted by the July 30 deadline. IDED received responses
from more than 40 cities across Iowa. IDED selected Dubuque to be one of 9 cities IDED will
include in their application to HUD.
DISCUSSION
The City of Dubuque was selected to be a project partner with IDED for the "Iowa Smart Cities
Project" HUD Community Challenge Planning Grant application. While Dubuque has been
selected to participate in the IDED application, our city's inclusion in this application does not
guarantee us any assistance. The State Planning Grant is contingent on IDED receiving a HUD
Community Challenge Planning Grant. The HUD Community Challenge Planning Grant
Program is a national competition and it is possible that IDED's application could be denied by
HUD.
IDED State Planning Grant Application Page 2
If IDED is awarded the HUD grant, cities will not receive financial assistance or any direct
funding. Dubuque would not be receiving a grant or procuring services with these funds. IDED
would administer the HUD grant, and the assistance to cities would be in the form of technical
assistance, planning services, and local capacity - building. IDED will procure services and enter
into contracts, and will involve Dubuque in that process.
To continue to be included in this application, Dubuque will be expected to work with IDED to
provide feedback and documentation related to our participation in the project, in support of
preparing the application. This involvement includes, but is not limited to:
1) Providing a letter of commitment and support, including documentation of local cash or
in -kind match.
2) Circulating a concept paper about the proposed project to local partners, elected
officials, and others as necessary.
3) Communicating with IDED about the timeline and work plan to be submitted in the grant,
to ensure the timing of various services will be supported locally.
The enclosed IDED concept outline specifically mentions Dubuque's services. Dubuque will
involved in developing a more specific scope of work and description for the HUD application
based on local needs and the HUD grant, budget parameters, and livability principles. IDED has
begun and will continue to receive input from subject matter experts about how the services are
defined, and how to make the project both comprehensive and innovative. IDED will want to
have more clarification on the housing assessment details and the public participation details
from the City and our partners.
BUDGET IMPACT
The IDED estimate for creating a public participation plan is $30,000 and for conducting a
Housing Needs Assessment is $30,000 for a total of $60,000. A 10 -20% local match (cash and
in -kind) is required. A $5,000 cash match can be met from savings in the Bi- Lingual Trail
Signage Project (CIP #100 - 1015). A $5,000 in -kind match can be provided by City staff time.
This brings the local match to $10,000. The enclosed letter of support includes the cash and in-
kind commitment.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the City Council approve enclosed resolution, the submittal of the enclosed
application, and the enclosed letter of support to IDED for a State Planning Grant, and to direct
City staff to work with IDED and our partners to support preparation of the IDED grant
application to HUD.
LC /mkr
Enclosures
cc: David Harris, Housing and Community Development Director
Dave Heiar, Economic Development Director
Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director, ECIA
F:\ USERSWIrettenb \WP \COUNCIL\MEMO \IDED state planning grant mvm memo.doc
Prepared by: Laura Carstens, City Planner Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St, Dubuque, IA 52001 Telephone: 589 -4210
Return to: Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St, Dubuque, IA 52001 Telephone: 589 -4121
RESOLUTION NO. 310-10
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STATE PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION TO IOWA
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Whereas, the Iowa Department of Economic Development has solicited proposals from cities
for a State Planning Grant for updates of comprehensive plans and housing needs assessments;
and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque plans to update the 2008 Comprehensive Plan in the next
three years; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque has identified that a housing needs assessment is a priority.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The Planning Services Manager is hereby authorized to submit an application to
the Iowa Department of Economic Development for a State Planning Grant, and to coordinate the
required staff and partner support for preparation of the IDED grant application for a HUD
Community Challenge Planning Grant.
Section 2. That in the event said IDED application is approved, the City Manager is hereby
authorized to allocate funds from the City budget for the required local catch match and to direct City
staff to provide the requisite in -kind match in staff time for this planning grant.
Passed, approved and adopted this 16th day of August 2010.
At =s
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
F: \USERS \LCARSTEN \WP \Comp Plan 2010 \IDED State Planning Grant App Resolution.doc
Roy D` : uol, Mayor
Applicant:City of Dubuque
Contact Person and title: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Address:
50 W. 13 Street
City:Dubuque
State:IA
Zip: 52001
County: Dubuque
Phone #:563.589.4210
Fax #:563.589.4221
E -mail
Icarsten @cityofdubuque.org
Address:
IOWA Call for Cities to Participate in Planning Grant
Proposal
lz a changing
I Deadline for Responses: July 30, 2010
REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN APPLICATION
Applicants may provide additional information as attachments to this request.
Background Questions
1) What local support and interest exists for pursuing and implementing planning?
The City of Dubuque engages citizens in multiple visioning processes that help to formulate policy
decisions for sound community growth. In 1990 -1995, the City of Dubuque engaged the
community in the Vision 2000 visioning process, from which we then defined a comprehensive
plan that links aspects of the community that often are not discussed in a city master plan or
related to one another through a community engagement process -- before smart growth and
sustainability were international buzzwords.
Dubuque is a long- standing, award - winning Main Street Community working in partnership with
the Iowa Main Street Office and Dubuque Main Street. In 2002, the City Council adopted the Port
of Dubuque Master Plan — an implementation strategy for the downtown riverfront. Dubuque also
completed a downtown visioning process that involved more than 2,000 individuals in community
meetings, a citizen questionnaire, and validation survey. In 2004, the City Council adopted the
Downtown Dubuque Master Plan, a strategic plan for the central business district and contiguous
residential neighborhoods and industrial districts. In 2009, the City Council adopted the
Downtown Design Guidelines Manual for property owners planning exterior alterations and
additions to or the rehabilitation of existing buildings or designing new structures. The guidelines
help property owners understand the historic character of downtown and assist owners when
planning repair, maintenance, rehabilitation and new construction.
The citizens of Dubuque are accustomed to providing citizen input in decision making at all levels.
In Dubuque you will find efforts of collaboration from active neighborhood associations helping to
create more livable neighborhoods, to our most recent collaboration known as Envision 2010 --
10 community proiects by 2010. In 2005, the community was engaged in the Envision 2010
visioning process, which generated more than 2,000 ideas through focus groups and town
meetings attended by thousands.
The region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was developed by East
Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA), the Regional Council of Governments. The CEDS
4
is utilized in the region to monitor and evaluate long term economic goals and strategies and to
coordinate economic development activities.
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) strategically coordinates a
variety of programs on a regional basis, including housing, economic development public works,
engineering, transit, and planning, to develop projects addressing complete streets, safety,
security, clean air and transit to attain livable, sustainable communities. The DMATS Long Range
Transportation Plan, prepared by ECIA staff, links directly to Dubuque's Comprehensive Plan
future land use goals, objectives, and map.
The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC), the private, non - profit economic
development organization for the Dubuque area, has undertaken Phase II of the River Valley
Initiative, a five -year plan for growth. Phase II of the plan serves as the catalyst for the following:
New Jobs -- aggressively promote the creation of 5,500 jobs (especially those at or above
$16 /hour) through growth at new and existing companies: and New Growth -- realize $300 million
in new construction proiects and new business development.
2) Please provide a clear statement of conditions or challenges that participation in grant would
address.
Despite the City's commitment to public participation in its planning efforts, public involvement
levels are less than desired. While we can fill a room to over - capacity on a controversial zoning
issue, we struggle at times to achieve the same level of citizen engagement for the periodic
updates to the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan. The City of Dubuque seeks IDED assistance with
creating a public participation plan that will help us to take advantage of the growing interest in
local government, and an increasing variety of tools and venues to reach people of different ages,
backgrounds. and interests.
3) Does the city use a previously- adopted Comprehensive Plan? Yes ® No ❑
If yes, when was the last Comprehensive Plan adopted? 2008
4) Is the city planning to update its Comprehensive Plan within 3 years?
Yes.
5) Does the city have a zoning code? Yes ® No ❑
6) Is the city planning to update its zoning code within 3 years?
In 2009, the City of Dubuque's new Unified Development Code (UDC) went into effect. The UDC
updates and consolidates zoning, subdivision, site development, historic preservation, and sign
regulations into a single city code. Our UDC incorporates sustainable design while meeting smart
growth objectives. We expect to make minor updates to the UDC as needed within three years.
7) Has the city participated in Living Roadways, Horizon or other community visioning /planning
activity within last 3 years? Yes ® No ❑
8) What demonstrated action exists at the local level in support of Livability and Smart Planning
Principles?
The City of Dubuque has employed smart growth principles in planning and managing the
community's growth and development for years. Since 1995, the Dubuque Comprehensive Plan
has included goals and objectives that incorporate "smart growth" principles. The Dubuque
Comprehensive Plan looks at the city as a whole and the surrounding region, with policy
statements, goals, and objectives established for the physical, economic, and social
5
environments of the community. As a result, our Comprehensive Plan has reflected the three
principles of sustainability -- environmental, economic, and social equity needs — since 1995.
In 2006, the Dubuque City Council identified Sustainability as one of its top priorities. From here,
the Mayor and City Council simply could have defined sustainability for the community. Instead,
they created the Sustainable City Task Force in 2007 to help develop a vision statement and
principles that would further define the sustainability initiative through community involvement and
input. The task force included representatives from local government, schools, utility companies,
neighborhood associations, business stakeholders, as well as non - profit, religious, environmental
and youth organizations.
In 2007, 150 community members participated in stakeholder meetings to discuss targeted
visions and ideas and more than 860 community surveys were collected. The stakeholders' input
and the survey results, along with other data collected by the task force, were used to help guide
the development of the sustainability vision statement and guiding principles. The Sustainable
Dubuque model has three pillars of sustainability: economic prosperity, social /cultural vibrancy,
and environmental /ecological integrity.
The American Institute of Architects selected Dubuque in 2007 for the Sustainable Design
Assessment Team (SDAT) program, which brought design professionals from across the country
to work with local stakeholders to help shape the community's strategy for sustainability. The
SDAT recommendations were incorporated into the Sustainable Dubuque Plan and the UDC.
In 2008, the U.S. Conference of Mayors named Dubuque as the "Most Livable" Small City in the
country with the Outstanding Achievement Award for Cities under 100,000 Population. This
award honors manors and their city governments for developing programs that enhance the
quality of life in urban areas.
In 2008, Smarter Cities, a project of the Natural Resources Defense Council, ranked Dubuque
#12 in the nation among small cities (50,000 — 99,999). This ranking is based on several criteria
including air quality, energy production and conservation, environmental standards and
participation, green building, green space, recycling, transportation, standard of living, and water
quality and conservation. Smarter Cities is a multimedia web initiative whose mission is to foster a
little friendly competition, as well as provide a forum for exploring the progress American cities
are making in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.
The city of Dubuque was featured as a PBS Newshour special in June 2010 for its growing
sustainability and livability efforts. The nearly 10- minute video titled, "Former Factory Town in
Iowa Eyes Green Future," was part of the PBS Blueprint America series. It featured the
downtown area and its revitalized riverfront, including features like the Grand River Center,
Natioanl Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Grand Harbor Resort and other newly
constructed facilities. The video also featured IBM, and how this new employer has had an
economic and green impact on the region.
9) Any major transportation projects anticipated within next 5 -10 years? (including downtown
streetscapes and significant road/ highway reconstruction projects through the community)
The Dubuque City Council, the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, the Dubuque Metropolitan
Area Transportation Study (DMATS), the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, and GDDC
have all identified the completion of the Southwest Arterial project as the No. 1 surface
transportation priority in the Dubuque area. The Southwest Arterial project will be a 6.1 -mile four -
lane divided freeway with priority 1- access control between Highway 61/151 and Highway 20.
6
The City of Dubuque recently was awarded an FHWA $5.6 million TIGER grant for a Complete
Streets pilot project in the Historic Millwork District. The Complete Streets concept involves the
design of streets in a fashion that facilitates use by the broad range of users, including drivers,
public transportation vehicles and riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, older people, children, and
people with disabilities. Based on the results of the downtown pilot project, the City will develop a
regional Complete Streets strategy and policy for the entire metropolitan region.
The U.S. Highway 20 corridor in Dubuque is the primary east -west route in the city. Future traffic
projections indicate that U.S. 20 alone will not provide sufficient capacity for east -west travel in
the city. Capacity along alternate east -west corridors will need to be improved to provide
connectivity between the western growth areas and the downtown. The purpose of the East -West
Corridor Study was to analyze east -west traffic flow in the city and identify corridor improvements
or modifications needed to support growing traffic demands between downtown and the west
side. Additionally, consideration was given to transit needs, pedestrian needs, and sustainability.
In addition to reviewing the east -west corridor needs for the city of Dubuque, Asbury Road west
of the Northwest Arterial, including Asbury Road within the city of Asbury, was reviewed to
determine recommended improvements for the corridor.
10) Identify any brownfields that are high priority for reutilization by the community, and related plans
that may exist for them.
In the late 1990s, the community came together on a project that would forever change the
downtown riverfront of Dubuque: America's River. The America's River project became a $188
million revitalization effort, one of the most successful in Iowa. America's River transformed 90
acres at the Port of Dubuque into a destination that captures the historical, environmental,
educational, and recreational majesty of the Mississippi River. By reclaiming brownfield property
for mixed -use development and creating a place where people reconnect with the river, it
provided a much needed boost to Dubuque's struggling economy, tourism, and image. The Port
of Dubuque received USEPA's Phoenix Award in 2005 as one of the nation's outstanding
brownfield redevelopment projects. Future phases of America's River will transform the remaining
brownfield sites.
11) Identify local organizations that are actively engaged in community development, housing,
environmental and business development activities.
The City of Dubuque is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement community,
and works with a number of local organizations through CDBG- funded projects and programs for
housing, economic development, neighborhood and public services, and public facilities. In
addition to the City's Planning Services, Housing and Community Development, and Economic
Development Departments, there are a number of local organizations actively engaged in
community development, housing, environmental and business activities. These local
organizations include: ECIA, GDDC, Dubuque Main Street, Dubuque Area Chamber of
Commerce, Dubuque Initiatives, Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation,
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and Dubuque County.
There are also a number of partnerships for these activities, including the following examples.
Project HOPE is a City initiative designed to serve as a catalyst that helps service providers,
employers and individuals seeking employment to build bridges to rewarding, long -term
employment. Every Child, Every Promise is an umbrella organization (but not a service provider)
that connects people to resources and assists service providers in delivering the Five Promises to
youth, and a catalyst that facilitates collaboration among youth serving agencies. Smarter
Sustainable Dubuque is a unique public /private partnership between the City of Dubuque and
IBM Research, the division of IBM responsible for its "Smarter Planet" campaign. The project was
initiated in September 2009 when the City of Dubuque and IBM announced their intentions to
7
make Dubuque one of the first "smarter" sustainable cities in the U.S. after IBM chose to bring a
1,300 - employee global service center to downtown Dubuque.
The following local organizations agreed to serve as partners in this propsal, and will be involved
in planning activities. Three organizations and their contact information are listed below: Dubuque
Main Street, GDDC, and ECIA. The 3 other organizations below also agreed to serve as partners.
Dubuque Initiatives is a sustainable, non - profit organization working as a community partner to
undertake challenging projects involving job creation and community revitalization that improve
the quality of life for the citizens of Dubuque. Contact information: Bill Callahan - President,
Dubuque Initiatives, c/o Economic Development Department, 50 W. 13 St. Dubuque IA 52001
Phone: 563.589.4393. Email: wcallahanadubuquebank.com or adeionqacitvofdubuque.orq.
Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation, a new non - profit corporation to promote
revitalization efforts in the Washington Neighborhood. Contact Information: Angela Petsche -
Executive Director, Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation, 1690 Elm Street,
Dubuque IA 52001 Phone: 563- 582 -1111 Email: apetscheagwestoffice.net.
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, a tax - exempt public charity that provides community
leadership and nonprofit support. Contact Information: Nancy Van Milligen - President and CEO,
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, P.O. Box 902 Dubuque, IA 52001 Phone:
563.588.2700 Email: nancyvanm(a,dbgfoundation.orq.
12) Identify your type of electric and gas utility service provider (investor- owned, Rural Electric
Cooperative, municipal utility)
Alliant Energy is the electrical utility service provider and Black Hills Energy is the natural gas
utility service provider in Dubuque. Both companies are investor -owned utilities.
13) If available, please provide information on vacant properties in the city limits. This could be any
inventory of, number of, percentage, or estimate of land that is considered a vacant property or
infill site.
Most vacant developable land lies on the City's urban fringe. There is very little vacant
developable land in the core of the city, and this demonstrates Dubuque's commitment to
compact and cost - efficient urban development. Dubuque's long -range planning projections are
that the community will need approximately 3,900 acres to meet its development needs for the
next 20 years. Currently, it has about 2,400 acres in its vacant developable land inventory.
14) Identify any known needs to improve stormwater management, such as combined sanitary and
storm sewer, or lack of stormwater infrastructure.
Many drainage problems are of a localized nature, involving the drainaqe of only a few
residences. The City of Dubuque adopted a stormwater detention policy in the early 1990s to
prevent developments from creating new flooding problems. However, due to a growing number
of citizen complaints the City Council authorized the development of a Drainage Basin Master
Plan (DBMP) for two of the major watersheds - the North Fork Catfish Creek and Bee Branch
drainage basins. The DBMP determined that approximately 1,150 homes and businesses are at
risk of flood damage during heavy rains and it recommended a series of improvements in both
watersheds. The City Council created a stormwater utility that is funding these improvements.
Each year stormwater management projects and programs are identified in the five year Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) budget to maintain and improve the City's existing drainage system.
CIP projects range from the construction of new detention basins and the extension of storm
sewer systems to the rehabilitation of existing storm sewer systems. CIP programs also range
8
from public ditch, storm sewer, and detention basin maintenance to a program to maintain and
improve the water quality of stormwater runoff.
15) What is the city's population, and related decline or growth trends?
the city of Dubuque has overall experienced population growth since 1850, except between 1980
and 1990 when economic hardship fell causing residents to move to find work. The city has
continued to see moderate growth with a 2000 Census population of 57,686. Since 1990, the
number of households in Dubuque has continued to increase while the number of persons per
household has decreased.
16) Identify current upper story housing in the downtown district including vacant units, the range of
rental rates, and vacant space that has upper story residential potential or plans underway.
Include numbers or percentages to the extent that they exist or can be provided as estimates.
The City of Dubuque and Dubuque Main Street do not have this information readily available for
the upper story housing units in the downtown, which is why we are seeking IDED assistance
with a Housing Needs Assessment as our #1 priority for this application. The City would like to
have a housing needs assessment to include a statistically valid survey, to give us additional
information about work force and upper story housing supply and demand in our community. A
2009 Rental Market Overview of Dubuque indicated that insufficient rental housing exists, and
that the ideal units would be near or accessible to downtown given current redevelopment efforts
and IBM's location.
Recent job creation projects within the City of Dubuque have caused a significant demand for
downtown living options from new residents preferring to live near work and entertainment
opportunities. Recent economic study of housing in the City of Dubuque has shown unmet
demand for this housing type.
Dubuque has been successful in encouraging job creation in the community for several years.
Several great projects have begun or continue this year including:
• IBM is currently hiring new employees to reach 1,300 employees in Dubuque by the end
of 2010. Many new hires are coming from outside the community.
• Hormel Foods began operations in the winter of 2009 in their facility on Chavenelle Court.
• Medline Industries has been growing steadily and has additional capacity in their new
facility. Corporate management is committed to growing the operation in Dubuque.
In seeing this influx of new positions coming to Dubuque and with the employee recruitment of
other existing businesses, GDDC created a Newcomer Relations Coordinator to help new
residents find housing, get information about the community, and get connected with services and
organizations within the community. GDDC has expressed difficulties in finding quality housing,
particularly in the downtown area. Many of Dubuque's new residents have a strong desire to live
near work and entertainment. This desire needs to be met for Dubuque businesses to attract and
retain a quality workforce.
The City does not want to reduce the ability of our existing businesses from expanding or
replacing employees because of the lack of housing. A Housing Needs Assessment is critical.
Attributes
Indicate the presence of the following attributes by checking the adjacent box. You can share further
details about these attributes in the space provided.
(Double click in box and select "checked" for all the categories that apply)
9
Local Partner Organization:Dubuque Main Street
Services Listing
Contact Person and title: Dan LoBianco, Executive Director
1
Address:
1069 Main Street
Please see number 16 above.
City:Dubuque
State:IA
Zip: 52001
County: Dubuque
Stormwater Analysis and Green
Infrastructure Integration Strategy
Phone #:563.588.4400
Fax #:563.588.0645
E-mail
dan @dubuquemainstreet.org
Address:
Priority Rating
Services Listing
Additional Information
1
Housing Needs Assessment
Please see number 16 above.
Market Analysis
Stormwater Analysis and Green
Infrastructure Integration Strategy
Context Sensitive Solutions
Transportation Planning Services
Attributes Listing Additional Information
Main Street Iowa Community
Iowa Great Place
Cultural Entertainment District
Certified Local Government
Low - income demographic (40% or more
according to last US Census)
Housing assessment completed
Housing plan in place
Complete Streets policy in place
Initiatives to preserve historic buildings
City located in a 2008 presidentially
declared disaster area
Historic commercial district still intact
Active downtown revitalization effort
Stormwater utility
Disaster mitigation plan
Other (please specify) Design Guidelines
Additional Services Interest
Indicate local priority services for your city by putting the applicable number signifying their importance.
Please include why such services would be helpful and any additional information you deem beneficial.
(1 — most important, 2 — important, 3— somewhat important, 4 — least important)
Participation in Project
1) List local partners to involve in planning activities.
Local Partner Organization:Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
10
Primary Contact Organization:City of Dubuque
Contact Person and title: Kelley Deutmeyer, Executuve Director
Contact Person and title: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
City:Dubuque
Address:
50 W. 13 Street
Zip: 52002
City:Dubuque
State:IA
Zip: 52001
County: Dubuque
Fax #:563.557.1059
Phone #:563.589.4210
Fax #:563.589.4221
E -mail
Icarsten @cityofdubuque.org
Address:
Local Partner Organization:ECIA
Contact Person and title: Kelley Deutmeyer, Executuve Director
Address:
7600 Commerce Park
City:Dubuque
State:IA
Zip: 52002
County: Dubuque
Phone #:563.556.4166
Fax #:563.556.0348
E -mail Address: KDeutmeyer @ecia.org
Secondary Contact Organization:ECIA
Contact Person and title: Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director
Address:
7600 Commerce Park
City:Dubuque
State:IA
Zip: 52002
County: Dubuque
Phone #:563.556.4166
Fax #:563.556.0348
E -mail Address: KDeutmeyer @ecia.org
Contact Person and title: Rick Dickinson, Executive Director
Address:
300 Main Street
City:Dubuque
State:IA
Zip: 52001
County: Dubuque
Phone #:563.557.9049
Fax #:563.557.1059
E -mail
gddc @greaterdubuque.org
Address:
2) Provide an amount of local city funding as cash match, in -kind match, and/ or other sources of
funding you would intend to leverage locally if grant is awarded, and how much. This can be public or
private funding.
City Cash Match: $5,000
In -kind Match: $5,000 City staff and resources
Other Local Leverage, amount and source:
Additional information:
3) Identify one or two primary individuals who would be a point of contact and involved throughout the
duration of the project.
Deadline for Responses
11
July 30, 2010 (5:OOpm deadline)
Submit Electronic Request to Participate to:
Stephanie Weisenbach, Special Projects Coordinator
Iowa Department of Economic Development
Community Development Division
Email: Stephanie.weisenbach( iowa.bov
12
August 9, 2010
Iowa Smart Cities Project - Concept Outline
A. Background
The Iowa Department of Economic Development is applying for the HUD Community Challenge
Planning Grant, due August 23, and has undertaken a review process to select the following 9 cities to
include in the application to HUD: Centerville, Dubuque, Garner, Grinnell, Independence, Manning,
Muscatine, Storm Lake, and West Union. If IDED is awarded the funding, services would be provided to
these cities.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Challenge Planning Grant
program was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 and funded at a level of $40
million. The nationally competitive grant program is intended to "foster reform and reduce barriers to
achieving affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities" and is designed to "target
housing, economic development, and land use planning strategies that will increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of a related transportation project being planned."
IDED anticipates hearing from HUD anytime after September 15, 2010, regarding their decision on this
application. The proposed project is outlined to be completed within 3 years. Each city would receive
assistance in the form of services, not direct funding. Development of the local Comprehensive Plan
would be the nexus of where all of the related services would overlap.
B. Services
These 9 cities would each be receiving services tailored to their local needs, while addressing the
Livability Principles defined by HUD and the Iowa Smart Planning Principles passed into law in the
2010 legislative session. IDED would provide staff support to manage the project, procure services, and
work cooperatively with the city to integrate federal Livability Principles and Iowa Smart Planning
Principles into the project. The City of Dubuque would receive assistance developing a public
participation process for the update of the Comprehensive Plan and housing needs assessment that
could help shape the plan as well, in addition to serving other purposes.
The city would have involvement and opportunities for input in the process of defining the services to be
procured, reviewing and selecting service providers, and coordinating implementation of services. If the
grant is awarded, a Memorandum of Understanding between IDED and the City of Dubuque would
need to be completed to ensure a clear understanding of roles.
C. Training and Capacity Building
In addition to providing services to the selected cities, IDED would coordinate a training and capacity -
building component to the project. This would help ensure that the local staff and stakeholders involved
with planning have an understanding of planning concepts and implementation strategies. In addition,
Chester J. Culver, Governor
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PaNdudge,Lieutenant
Bret L Mills, Director • 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa USA 50309 • Phone: 515.725.3000 • Fax: 515.725.3010 • www.iowalifechanging.com t;.4
the selected cities would serve as pilot projects for other communities and development professionals
to learn from.
A few examples of trainings:
• IDED would work with Iowa Department of Transportation to expand training opportunities
related to Context Sensitive Solutions, Bicycle Facility Design, and Pedestrian Facility Design.
• IDED would work with the Urban Conservation Program at the Department of Agriculture and
Land Stewardship to develop and deliver training related to best management practices to
manage stormwater.
• Periodic webinars and sessions using the Iowa Communications Network to provide updates
about community planning activities and share lessons learned.
D. Iowa Smart Planning Principles
1. Collaboration.
Governmental, community, and individual stakeholders, including those outside the jurisdiction of the
entity, are encouraged to be involved and provide comment during deliberation of planning, zoning,
development, and resource management decisions and during implementation of such decisions. The
state agency, local govemment, or other public entity is encouraged to develop and implement a
strategy to facilitate such participation.
2. Efficiency, transparency, and consistency.
Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should be undertaken to provide efficient,
transparent, and consistent outcomes. Individuals, communities, regions, and governmental entities
should share in the responsibility to promote the equitable distribution of development benefits and
costs.
3. Clean, renewable, and efficient energy.
Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should be undertaken to promote clean and
renewable energy use and increased energy efficiency.
4. Occupational diversity.
Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should promote increased diversity of
employment and business opportunities, promote access to education and training, expand
entrepreneurial opportunities, and promote the establishment of businesses in locations near existing
housing, infrastructure, and transportation.
5. Revitalization.
Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should facilitate the revitalization of
established town centers and neighborhoods by promoting development that conserves land, protects
historic resources, promotes pedestrian accessibility, and integrates different uses of property.
Remediation and reuse of existing sites, structures, and infrastructure is preferred over new
construction in undeveloped areas.
Chester J. Culver, Governor
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Parry Judge, lieutenant Governor
Bret L Mills, Director • 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa USA 50309 • Phone: 515.725.3000 • Fax 515.725.3010 • www.iowalifechanging.com
6. Housing diversity.
Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should encourage diversity in the types of
available housing, support the rehabilitation of existing housing, and promote the location of housing
near public transportation and employment centers.
7. Community character.
Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should promote activities and development
that are consistent with the character and architectural style of the community and should respond to
local values regarding the physical character of the community.
8. Natural resources and agricultural protection.
Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should emphasize protection, preservation,
and restoration of natural resources, agricultural land, and cultural and historic landscapes, and should
increase the availability of open spaces and recreational facilities.
9. Sustainable design.
Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should promote developments, buildings,
and infrastructure that utilize sustainable design and construction standards and conserve natural
resources by reducing waste and pollution through efficient use of land, energy, water, air, and
materials.
10. Transportation diversity.
Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should promote expanded transportation
options for residents of the community. Consideration should be given to transportation options that
maximize mobility, reduce congestion, conserve fuel, and improve air quality.
E. HUD DOT — EPA Livability Principles
1. Provide more transportation choices. Develop safe, reliable and economical transportation
choices to decrease household transportation costs, reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil,
improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote public health.
2. Promote equitable, affordable housing. Expand location- and energy- efficient housing choices for
people of all ages, incomes, races and ethnicities to increase mobility and lower the combined cost of
housing and transportation.
3. Enhance economic competitiveness. Improve economic competitiveness through reliable and
timely access to employment centers, educational opportunities, services and other basic needs by
workers as well as expanded business access to markets.
4. Support existing communities. Target federal funding toward existing communities — through such
strategies as transit - oriented, mixed -use development and land recycling — to increase community
revitalization, improve the efficiency of public works investments, and safeguard rural landscapes.
5. Coordinate policies and leverage investment. Align federal policies and funding to remove
barriers to collaboration, leverage funding and increase the accountability and effectiveness of all levels
Chester J. Culver, Governor
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Pattyjudge,tieutenantcovemor
Bret L Mills, Director • 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa USA 50309 • Phone: 515.725.3000 • Fax: 515.725.3010 • www.iowalifechanging.com ;�
of government to plan for future growth, including making smart energy choices such as locally
generated renewable energy.
6. Value communities and neighborhoods. Enhance the unique characteristics of all communities
by investing in healthy, safe and walkable neighborhoods — rural, urban or suburban.
Chester J. Culver, Governor IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Pattoudge.LieutenantGavemor
Bret L Mills, Director • 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa USA 50309 • Phone: 515.725.3000 • Fax: 515.725.3010 • www.iowalifechanging.com
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
AI-AmedaC4
2007
Stephanie Weisenbach
Iowa Department of Economic Development
200 E Grand Ave
Des Moines IA 50309
Dear Ms. Weisenbach:
Office of the Mayor & City Council
City Hall
50 West 13 Street
Dubuque, IA 52001 -4805
www.cityofdubuque.org
August 16, 2010
The City of Dubuque, as a project partner with the Iowa Department of Economic Development,
is pleased to provide this support letter for the "Iowa Smart Cities Project" HUD Community
Challenge Planning Grant application.
As a partner in the State Planning Grant, the City of Dubuque commits to providing $5,000 in
cash and $5,000 of in -kind match in support of the project, for services that would be available
to Dubuque. If IDED is awarded the grant, the City of Dubuque will enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with IDED specifically outlining responsibilities and expectations.
The City of Dubuque's elected officials, staff, and local partners understand that we will have
meaningful and accountable involvement in the services provided. This involvement includes:
• Identify and secure participation in the project by a wide variety of organizations and
stakeholders in and around the city, and region as applicable;
• Participate in capacity - building and training assistance opportunities;
• Respond to inquiries related to grant reporting;
• Assist in convening, organizing and promoting events and meetings that would occur
locally.
• Work closely with IDED in selecting service providers to perform the services, review
and provide input into the development and delivery of services;
• Commit to integrate and implement the Iowa Smart Planning Principles and HUD
Livability Principles into planning, policy, regulation and development activities of the city
as applicable and appropriate to local conditions;
• Promote and support strong levels of participation from citizens in the planning process
as applicable to the services. Participation will be encouraged of all the city's residents
including any minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, non -
English speaking persons and persons with disabilities.
Thank you including City of Dubuque's proposal to participate in IDED's application for the State
Planning Grant. We look forward to working with you to ensure a successful IDED application.
Sincerely,
Roy D. Buol
Mayor
F :\USERS\Mrettenb \WP \COUNCIL\MEMO \City Letter of Support IDED Grant.docx
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
IOWA
Call for Cities to Participate in Planning Grant
Proposal
life I changing® Deadline for Responses: July 30, 2010
Purpose
The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) intends to respond to a Notice of Funding
Availability for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Challenge Planning
Grants.
IDED is seeking cities that would be interested in receiving planning services coordinated by IDED,
understanding this would only occur if IDED is successful in receiving a HUD Community Challenge
Planning Grant. If awarded, the project would be completed within 3 years.
Cities interested in participating in the grant application can submit a "Request to Participate" form to
IDED, included in pages 4 — 7 of this document. After evaluation of request forms, IDED intends to select
cities for inclusion in its application to HUD.
Through participation of project partners and professional service providers, IDED would coordinate
services that advance the Livability Principles as adopted by the HUD - DOT -EPA Interagency Partnership
for Sustainable Communities.
http: / /portal.hud.gov /portal /page /portal /HUD /program offices /sustainable housing communities /Six %20
Livability %20Principles
1. Provide more transportation choices
2. Promote equitable, affordable housing
3. Enhance economic competitiveness
4. Support existing communities
5. Coordinate policies and leverage investment
6. Value communities and neighborhoods
These Livability Principles are compatible with the Iowa Smart Planning Principles passed into law during
the 2010 legislative session.
http: / /www.rio.iowa.gov /resources /legislation /2010 SF2389 smart planning. pdf
Services for selected cities
Interested cities selected by IDED would receive local planning assistance by service providers selected
by IDED, matching locally - identified needs and interests. Each city would receive assistance in the form
of services, not direct funding. The approximate monetary value of services provided to each city would
likely range between $50,000 and $200,000.
IDED would provide staff support to manage the project, procure services, and work cooperatively with
the city to integrate federal Livability Principles and Iowa Smart Planning Principles into the project. Each
city would:
1) Undertake a Comprehensive Plan development process. The plans developed would also
integrate information and resources to help implement the community's new or updated
Comprehensive Plan in a manner that supports the vision of the community.
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2) Receive an analysis of their zoning ordinances and related policies to examine how they could be
adjusted to implement the new Comprehensive Plan.
3) Work with IDED and project partners to design a public participation process to identify methods
for the local residents, businesses and stakeholders to be involved in development of the plan
and related activities.
Additional services would be available to address unique community needs and interests, in addition to
the Comprehensive Plan. The topics related to these services could still be included in each
Comprehensive Plan update, but not as extensive for each community. The additional services would
add value to, and be coordinated with the comprehensive planning process. Each selected community
would receive at least one of the following additional services:
• Housing Needs Assessment: This would include a definition of need for housing, a review of
current housing policies and incentives, energy efficiency opportunities within low- moderate
income housing, recommendations about policies and strategies that would address housing
needs in the city, including upper story housing in historic commercial districts.
• Market Analysis: This would include an analysis of local/ regional market conditions, potential for
local business expansion and recruitment, guide the redevelopment of opportunity sites, and
implementation strategies and incentives.
• Stormwater Analysis and Green Infrastructure Integration Strategy: This would include an
analysis of stormwater runoff volumes and pollutant loads, modeling for best management
practices/ green infrastructure, developing concept plans for implementing green infrastructure in
new development and within already developed areas. Scenarios and cost estimates would be
incorporated into Comprehensive Planning process. More information about these practices can
be found at
http: / /www.agriculture. state. ia. us/ FieldServices /urbanConservation.asp
http : / /cfpub.epa.gov /npdes /home.cfm ?program id =298
• Context Sensitive Solutions Transportation Planning Services: This would include planning
services utilizing a Context Sensitive Solutions approach for a transportation project. More
information about CSS is at: http:// www .fhwa.dot.gov /context/index.cfm
Expectations of selected cities
• Cooperation with agencies / partners: Cities that would participate in this project would be
expected to anticipate regular involvement and technical assistance from the US HUD, US DOT
and US EPA, IDED, other state agencies and partners in the duration of the project.
• Continued participation: Cities would be expected to have representatives (city staff, elected
officials, local partners, etc) present at conference calls and local meetings, review and provide
input into the development and delivery of services, receive capacity - building and training
assistance, and respond to inquiries related to grant reporting.
• Local match: A local cash match is highly encouraged, and may be a pledge associated with a
future fiscal year if local funds are obligated for the current fiscal year. Documented staff time
dedicated to project is permitted as in -kind match. Local match can be estimated as percentage
of services provided through IDED, which represent a monetary value of $50,000 - $200,000.
Local match is encouraged to cover 10 % to 20% of services costs, or a range of $5,000 -
$40,000, as it relates to varying levels of services and cities' ability to contribute.
• Provide content for grant application: IDED would lead coordination and development of grant
application. Cities that are selected in for inclusion in the application would be expected to
immediately work with IDED on content of grant application between August 9 and August 20.
2
July 26,
2010
IDED pre - application due to HUD
July 30,
2010
Cities Submit a Request to Participate (5:00 pm deadline)
August 4,
2010
IDED selects cities to participate in application
August 10,
2010
IDED & selected cities meet to discuss application process & project
August 16,
2010
IDED provides draft project proposal to selected cities
August 19,
2010
Selected cities & partners provide letters of commitment
August 20,
2010
IDED submits proposal to HUD
Sept. 15,
2010
HUD makes award decisions
Cities and/ or local partners would be expected to provide feedback about the timeline and work
plan, provide a map and other local project information, letter of commitment, and evidence of
local matching funds.
Evaluation criteria
An Evaluation Committee at IDED will review all submitted request forms and make a selection using the
following criteria, which are listed in no particular order:
• Benefit and impact for community
Applicant's readiness to implement outcomes of the planning process, local attributes or
conditions favorable toward making measurable, identifiable impact.
• IDED selecting a range of communities and projects
Geographic distribution, different types of projects, and unique community attributes/ needs to
result in a diverse mix of communities and projects for inclusion in the grant application.
• Previous and continued commitment to Livability Principles and Iowa Smart Planning
Principles
Examples of previous or planned projects and activities that enhance quality of life for all
residents, protect natural resources, expand housing opportunities, support transportation
choices and walkability, and re -use existing infrastructure, buildings and vacant land.
• Commitment and capacity to participate in project
Presence of partners, city staff, elected/ appointed officials; amount of local funding pledged as
match or potential leverage; identified availability to participate in conference calls, meetings, and
other activities.
Timeline
Deadline for Responses
July 30, 2010 (5:00 pm deadline)
For questions and /or to submit your Request to Participate, contact:
Stephanie Weisenbach, Special Projects Coordinator
Iowa Department of Economic Development
Community Development Division
Email: Stephanie.weisenbachiowa.gov
Phone: 515- 725 -3007
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