Main St Award Ltr D. LoBianco
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DUBUQUE
MaIn Street
Ltd.
October 13, 2004
Dubuque City Council Members
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:
As many of you know, in 1995 Dubuque was named one of the inaugural recipients of the Great
American Main Street Award (GAMSA). The award recognizes exceptional accomplishments in
revitalizing America's historic and traditional downtown commercial districts. Only five equal awards
recognizing overall achievement are given each year. Our bronze GAMSA plaque is on display,
attached to the pedestal on the west side of the Town Clock.
On behalf of the board of directors and staff of Dubuque Main Street, Ltd., I ask you to adopt by
resolution an endorsement of our application to again be recognized for the investment and
accomplishments to which the City and so many city center stakeholders have contributed. The timing
of this application to become the first two-time recipient likely could not be better, as 2005 is the 10th
Anniversary of the award and Dubuque Main Street's 20th Anniversary.
The first award was undoubtedly predicated on many things, but primarily given to our community for
taking a downtown plagued by 55 percent first floor vacancy at the inception of Dubuque Main Street
in 1985 and bringing vacancies down below 15 percent, while recruiting some major, new-market
employers. Today we "hang our hats on" the frankly unmatched investments made to take our districts
to the next level, not the least of which is public improvement dollars you have invested. In the first 10
years of the Main Street program in Dubuque, there were $5.6 million dollars spent on public
improvements, since then over $21.1 million have gone to ramps; infrastructure; streets; and
amenities, such as the river walk. That figure does not even include the Grand River Center, which we
consider "new construction" money. The private investment these City dollars have helped leverage
are also remarkable.
We ask you to join us in pursuing this national recognition.
If anyone has questions about, or wishes to receive additional information on, the Dubuque Main
Street application for the GAMSA, please contact me at 563-588-4400.
Sincerely,
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Daniel L. LoBianco
Executive Director
cc:
Mike Van Milligen
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909 Main Street. Suite 22LL. Fischer Building. Dubuque. Iowa 52001
Phone: 563-588-4400 . Fax: 563-588-0645 . E-mail: dbqmainst@mwci.net
RESOLUTION 392--04
IN SUPPORT OF THE 2005 GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET
AWARDS APPLICATION OF DUBUUE MAIN STREET, LTD.
Whereas, the economic health and cultural vibrancy of downtown
Dubuque is crucial to the overall well-being of the City of Dubuque, Iowa; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque works in cooperation with Dubuque Main
Street Ltd. to coordinate a downtown revitalization program aimed at the creation
and retention of jobs, prevention and elimination of slum and blight,
enhancement of the local tax base and the capturing of private investment; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque has experienced significant investment in
public improvements, façade improvements, building rehabilitation and real
estate sales in Downtown Dubuque since the inception of Dubuque Main Street
Ltd.; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque believes that downtown revitalization in
Dubuque represent an important part of the city's quality of life;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Dubuque fully supports
Dubuque Main Street Ltd.'s entry into the Great American Main Street Awards
competition.
Section 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to sign this
resolution on behalf of the City of Dubuque.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 18th day of October, 2004.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
Jeann