Comprehensive Plan Update Report
Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563)589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TOD
planning@cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org
THE CITY OF G~
DUBUetuE
~~~
September 29, 2006
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall - 50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: September 2006 Report on 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update Process
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The Long Range Planning Advisory Commission has provided the following public input
opportunities on the adopted goals and objectives of the 2002 Comprehensive Plan and
the drafl2030 Future Land Use Map since our August 2006 report:
~ Public hearings on September 20, 2006 on the Health and Housing Elements.
On September 20, 2006, the Commission reviewed the final revisions to the
Environmental Quality, Economic Development, and City Fiscal Elements of the
Comprehensive Plan. By a vote of 5 to 0, the Commission respectfully recommends
approving the enclosed Environmental Quality, Economic Development, and City Fiscal
Elements as submitted. The Commission's recommended new language is shown in
italics, and recommended deletions are shown crossed out.
The City Code requires a public hearing prior to adoption of any amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan. A City Council public hearing on the 2006 Comprehensive Plan
update is planned for January 2007. Consequently, this report and the Commission's
recommendation for approving the Environmental Quality, Economic Development, and
City Fiscal Elements is submitted for the City Council to receive and file, and to provide
direction to the Commission as needed at this time.
Respectfully submitted,
~ fJJc~umIL
Charles Winterwood, Chairperson
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
Enclosure
F:/uSERSIl..CARSTENMlPICOUNCILJComp Plan Monthly Report/LRPAC Septtmber 2006 report ~ Councill.eUer.doc
Service
People
Integrity
Responsibility
Innovation
Teamwork
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY GOALS HUlst aEidi"e3s the are a balance between
respoHsillle stewardship and protection of our environment and the impacts of urban living. Aftd
while there is grovlffig pHillie IPN&reRess tluit persmllH health aHEi safety caR Ile direstly effested
BY the livaBility !lad SlI3t!linaBility of 611r immediate ew.<ir6RlReHt, it mHrK alse Be l:IReersteed that
a community can both affect and be affected by local, regional and even global environmental
issues. Dubuque's natural and built environments establish the city's appearance and image as a
healthy, safe and viable place to live, work, play, and learn.
1. To create a sustainable environment that successfully balances urban growth and
development with ecological constraints.
1.1 Encourage expansion and recruitment of environmentally conscious businesses.
1.2 Maintain and plan for biodiverse green space as development and public improvements
occur.
1.3 Identify, preserve, and promote linkages or connections of open/green spaces.
1.4 Promote and enforce ordinance programs that minimize soil erosion.
1.5 Promote outdoor lighting practices that encourage existing businesses and residential
subdivisions to add retention basins and/or on-site infiltration systems to further control
flooding and run off.
1.6 Promote appropriate lifestyles and irifrastructure changes to reduce causes and impacts
of global climate change.
2. To promote conservation practices that result in responsible use of non-renewable
natural resources.
2.1 Consider the potential for agri6lllttwel. laad preservatieR llfIEiler pr-eel:letieR open space in
any actions relative to land use.
~ Faeilitate tae a'Wtlfea0SS, ae~relel3meat, &Be l:lse Elf alternative eaergies:
~ 2.2 Promote awareness and use of alternate, renewable resources.
~ 2.3 Encourage .;;eatherimtiea ami eRergy eeaserwltieB me&S1:!fes is httildiag
eeHst.:lIetiolllremaeeliag green building principles.
H 2.4 Promote programs to improve energy efficiency.
2.5 Promote planting and preserving of trees to reduce energy use.
2.6 Promote walking, mass transit use, and cycling through infrastructure development to
reduce energy consumption.
2.7 Encourage public organizations to lead by example by purchasing and using energy and
fuel efficient vehicles.
3. To educate citizens about environmental issues affecting their lives and their
community.
3.1 Partner with educational institutions and media to report environmental indicator status
and trends to the community concurrently with updates of the Comprehensive Plan
yearly.
3.2 Develep Encourage the use of environmental projects and ongoing environmental
education programs for citizens of all ages, including the human health effects of
environmental issues and problems, e.g. radon and lead hazard reduction.
3 .3 EdtieBte the eelRlBl:lnity eft the Ifttmllft he<k e:lfeets ef e1tvirellffteftt&l iSSI:Ies lllld
prealems. Remove barriers to, explore incentives for, and encourage green building
principles.
3.4 Encourage coordination of community organizations concerned with environmental
issues and local ecosystems.
4. To protect and preserve existing water supplies and air quality and ensure that
future water and air quality is safeguarded.
4.1 Identify and develop potential controlling measures to safeguard water and air quality.
4.2 Identify lllld 6'\'llIlfllte petenti&l "Ullter SI:Ipplies llIId v,'llter sterage lBellSl:lreS.
~ 4.2 Promote the enforcement of regulations relative to protecting and preserving existing
water and air quality.
44 4.3 Ensure all new development meets the applicable standards for water and air quality
controls.
+.5 4.4 Consider alternatives to incineration of wastewater sludge; e.g. more beneficial use.
4:-e 4.5 Protect, control and maintain the water distribution system to preserve water quality and
meet state and federal mandates.
4,-1 4.6 f.sSlir-e Promote ground water protection and adequate water quality and quantity of our
streams and rivers by expanded infiltration.
5. To assure appropriate control, collection, disposal, and per capita reduction of
stormwater, wastewater, solid wastes and household hazardous wastes.
5.1 Promote reduction and proper disposal of business and household hazardous waste,
including purchasing alternatives.
5.2 Promote reduction and proper disposal of solid waste.
5.3 Assure a safe and sanitary environment along the city's streets, alleys and other
properties.
5.4 Provide a sanitary environment through the implementation of best management practices
in the collection and disposal of stormwater and wastewater.
5.5 Provide a sanitary environment through the proper collection and disposal of solid wastes
in accordance with environmental and aesthetic standards.
5.6 Prevent toxic waste discharge into the wastewater treatment system and/or the
environment through education, monitoring, and enforcement.
5.7 Operate the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency's landfill, Yllfd ',vttSte
eeffilleMing, BfId liellaeileld hftilareells RIllteri&ls meilities and various materials diversion
programs in conformance with state and federal regulations.
6. To promote residential and business programs that reduce, reuse, recycle, and
safely dispose ofthe community's discard stream.
6.1 Continue and expand recycling efforts through increased participation and new
materials, e.g. electronics.
6.2 Promote use of recycled content products _. e.g., compost, and environmentally
preferable purchasing.
6.3 Eaeelifllge Expand the food scrap and backyard composting options and awareness.
6.4 Educate the community concerning recycling and other solid waste minimization and
reduction methods.
6.5 Promote alternative uses other than disposal for construction/demolition materials.
7. To promote the protection, preservation and enhancement ofthe biodiversity ofthe
city's bluffs, and prairies, wetlands, waterways, and aU natural areas, including
partnerships.
7.1 Identity, restore, and protect areas of rare, native and sensitive habitat (including prairies
and woodlands) with SOllserR 18 tile e'/elyiag mlderstanliiag of expertise in current
management techniques.
7.2 Encourage environmentally appropriate public use of, and access to, the community's
bluffs, wetlands and waterways.
7.3 EnhaRse Encourage protection and restoration of these sensitive areas as development
and redevelopment occurs, including along the riverfront bluffs.
7.4 Provide an aesthetically attractive city riverfront for use by industrial, recreational,
residential and commercial interests.
7.5 Encourage natural infiltration from rainfall and snow melt to replenish groundwater and
recharge springs and aquifers.
7.6 Partner with community groups to demonstrate and educate the community on best
management practices for ecological design.
7. 7 Balance the advertising and identification needs of businesses, industries, institutions,
and organizations with on-premise and off-premise sign regulations that protect scenic
vistas, minimize sign clutter, and are consistent with local, state, andfederal sign
regulations.
8. To promote community clean-up and beautification efforts with ether through
public and private iRterests partnerships.
8. J Educate the public on litter prevention and illegal dumping and enforce existing laws.
8.2 Encourage clean-up, beautification, and landscaping for the public, private and business
sectors, i.e. parkland, roadway, and shoreline adoption programs.
8.3 Encourage plantings of native species conducive to urban native wildlife, i.e. birds and
butterflies.
8.4 Encourage downtown and neighborhood clean up and beautification efforts.
8.5 Encourage reduction of non-native, invasive plant and animal species and maintain an
appropriate balance. of native species.
9. To meet or exceed the BlBRdates sf &II Federal, State Bnd loc&llaws regulatiRg
regulations/or environmental quality iR aR I)IlJleditiaus maRRer.
9.1 Gain knowledge of and promote compliance with ffiaRdates regulations.
9.2 ByaIHllte eHffellt lIIla alternative leeal meaSllres fur Supportfederal and state entities in
their monitoring and enforcement of their regulations ffilHlelltesleOffilllillllee net fH'6'I'irkd
by jedera: 9F state entities.
9.3 Baeetlfllge tile eavimftffieBtally eoaseietls Jltlrehase, ase lIIle aiSJlesal ef~afllEllis
eaemieals.
F:/USERSILCARSTEN/WP/Comp Plan Update 2006/com plan update/ENVIRONMENTAL QUAUTY GOALS comments LRP AC final
reo.doc
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS must continue the active and vital
collaboration between public and private sectors to promote the economic health and well-being
of our region. Economic development encompasses well-informed decisions regarding business
retention and recruitment, work force development, available and appropriate locations for HeW
business and industry, public investment in supportive infrastructure and financial incentives
which can induce private investment and economic growth. The preservation and expansion of
the community's economic base should be a prime objective. Unless lllastiag business and
industry llfe is healthy and there are expanding employment opportunities that pay a living wage,
the population will not be stable, the tax base will decline and government's ability to finance
public services and facilities will be impaired. The future development of the community
depends on maintaining and enhancing local economic development efforts directed towards
these goals.
1. To reduce unemploymeut, achieve economic stability, and increase the standard of
living for all citizens.
1.1 Establish and maintain a broad community consensus regarding the direction of
economic development efforts.
1.2 Continue to diversify the commercial/industrial base.
1.3 Facilitate access to economic incentives for quality job creation and/or tax: base
enhancement.
1.4 Continue to use a unified economic development team, with public/private sector
involvement, to tackle the City's economic development goals.
1.5 Reduce barriers to economic growth, while recognizing the City's regulatory function.
1.6 Identify additional resources to aid in economic development.
1.7 DevelejlB Maintain a community socio-demographic data base as an information
clearinghouse for economic development.
2. To build a highly skilled, flexible work force.
2.1 Work with local educational institutions to coordinate training/skill requirements to meet
the needs of local employers.
2.2 Reduce barriers to obtaining necessary or upgraded job skills.
2.3 Utilize the talents and experience of mature workers who bring special skills and
knowledge to the work force.
2.4 Create and Maintain an informational clearinghouse that coordinates job training,
placement and skills development.
2.5 Continue to develop and deliver educational programming over the widest array of
media.
2.6 Provide information on work skills development and available employment opportunities
through print, electronic and telecommunications media.
3. To concentrate on retaining and expanding existing local businesses.
3.1 Continue an active partnership of business, educational institutions, community
organizations and government to provide information to local businesses.
3.2 Assist local firms in finding appropriate development sites for expansion.
3.3 Encourage existing neighborhood employers to grow "in place", keeping jobs close to
where people live.
3.4 Retain existing manufacturing firms and facilitate their expansion.
3.5 Maintain and strengthen Dubuque's position as a retail center in the trade area.
3.6 Maintain and expand the local health care industry's share of the regional market.
3.7 Retain and expand the base of service industry employment.
3.8 Support downtown revitalization and neighborhood business development.
3.9 Encourage diversified retail shopping.
3.10 Promote retention and expansion of river-dependent uses, while recognizing
environmental constraints.
3.11 Encourage implementation of the Commerce-Business and Commerce-Retail elements of
the Downtown Master Plan.
4. To increase the number of small firms within Dubuque by fostering local
entrepreneurship.
4.1 Work with other agencies and institutions to identify programs and services to assist in
the creation of new small businesses.
4.2 Support start-up businesses with both financial and technical assistance.
4.3 Remove barriers to allowing in-home businesses to be successful.
4.4 Strengthen programs which provide business development, information and technical
assistance.
5. To recruit businesses that are suited to the area, require a highly skilled work force
or are willing to train an entry-level work force and are experiencing growth.
5.1 Offer assistance to businesses and industries that produce exports or import substitutes
and that provide higher wages and benefits to their employees.
5.2 Promote opportunities in the Dubuque area to targeted businesses and industries.
5.3 Continue a collaborative recruitment strategy among business, non-profits and
government.
5.4 Recruit businesses with new technology and renewable resources.
5.5 Recruit businesses that are in line with the State's economic development goals.
5.6 Recruit businesses that utilize the by-products of other businesses.
5.7 Recruit a variety of restaurants and retail establishments, includingfranchises that are
not currently in Dubuque, but that are located within the regional malls that attract
shoppers from Dubuque.
6. To work toward identifying the economic needs ofthe chronically unemployed and
underemployed in Dubuque, and encourage programming -- including education
and retraining - to meet those needs.
6.1 Understand the impediments to employment for this sector of the population.
6.2 Collaborate with unemployed and underemployed persons and potential employers to
find creative ways to overcome barriers.
6.3 Target unemployed young adults (ages 18-24) for job/skills training, providing
supportive services as needed.
6.4 Promote access to resources and tools for education, training and supportive services
through a variety of means and media.
6.5 Bfiftg Continue business, labor, education and government tegether partnerships to solve
7.2 Establish a variety of additional year-round tourist attractions.
7.3 Implement recommendations in the Riverfront Plan to add amenities for both citizens and
tourists along the Mississippi River.
7.4 F0611s reSOlifees 011 ;\lIIeriea's Riyer prejeet. Focus resources on future tourism
initiatives, including those identified in the community visioning process.
7.5 Foster enhanced recreational access to the river as an economic development strategy.
7.6 Implement the Culture, Education, and Entertainment element of the Downtown Master
Plan.
8. Promote and encourage preservation of our historic assets.
8. I Explore ways to increase State and Federal fundingfor historic preservation.
8.2 Explore ways to remove barriers to preservation.
8.3 Continue to educate the public on the economic benefits of historic preservation.
8.4 Implement the Historical Features element of the Downtown Master Plan.
9. To strengthen the local tax base.
9.1 Expand and diversify the tax base.
9.2 Attract and retain capital intensive industries for increased property values.
9.3 Encourage property improvements and revitalization throughout the City.
9.4 Annex additional land, as necessary and as possible according to smart growth principles
to accommodate prejeetea eelftRlereittl alia illoostFial enpallsiell. future expansion.
10. To establish and maintain housing and transportation, communication, and utility
systems which support and foster quality development.
10.1 Coordinate the provision of supportive inframucture in concurrence with new
development.
10.2 Evaluate new development impacts on existing City inframucture and services to ensure
adequate capacity and compensation.
19.3 Captlire the eppeffilaities eftlle iHfeflftll:tiell 9l:IfleffiigWNllY fer eeeaemie develepment.
(Moved to 11.3)
-W4 10.3 Continue efforts to link Dubuque with major transportation networks.
~ 10.4 Coordinate infrastructure investment strategy with government, business and local
institutions.
10.5 1mplement the Residential Living element of the Downtown Master Plan.
10.6 Implement the Transportation element of the Downtown Master Plan.
10.7 Implement the Public Space and Open Areas element of the Downtown Master Plan.
11. To strengthen, maintain and continually upgrade technology infrastructure and
systems, and provide adequate access and capacity for cu"ent and anticipated needs.
11.1 Foster communication with end users regarding current andfuture needs
11.2 Explore feasibility of community wide wireless computer networks, or Wi-Fi (wireless
fidelity).
11.3 Capture the opportunities of the iriformation superhighway for economic development.
11.4 Maintain a computerized Geographic Information System (GIS) to support economic
development.
12. To promote the provision of an adequate supply of vacant, development-ready land
for commercial and industrial use.
12.1 Promote redevelopment of existing vacant, -tlI'-underutilized, and brownfield properties.
12.2 Promote utilization of development ready sites.
12.3 Evaluate potential commercial and industrial development sites, based on the City's
Future Land Use Map.
12.4 Protect development potential of appropriate sites.
12.5 Provide for aeronautical and RaR related industrial park development at the airport.
12.6 Annex growth areas, as necessary and as possible, to ensure adequate supply of
developable land and to control development on the city's fringe.
12. 7 Implement the Port of Dubuque Master Plan.
H13. To encourage development that is environmentally sensitive.
H13.1 Target environmentally sensitive business and industry in recruitment efforts.
H13.2 Facilitate development of businesses and industries that are committed to enhancing local
environmental quality.
H13.3 Promote and encourage sound environment practices with existing business and
industries.
13.4 Promote and encourage the use of alternative and/or renewable fuel and energy sources
for vehicle fleets, building operations, and manufacturing processors.
13.5 Encourage LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building
Rating System@ concepts in building designfor new and existingfacilities.
F:/USERSILCARSTEN/WP/comp Plan Update 2006/comp plan update/Economic Development comments LRPAC final rec.doc
CITY FISCAL GOALS must address the allocation of limited available resources among
competing interests, departments, activities and programs. These goals should develop an
acceptable balance of costs and services with respect to quality, quantity and financing. City
fiscal goals should emphasize policy and budget objectives, demands on and accomplishments of
City governmental units and alternative funding and service levels. The purpose of these City
Fiscal goals is to help focus on the major policy decisions of what services City government will
provide, who will pay for them and the implications of such decisions in achieving the goals in
all elements of the Comprehensive Plan.
1. To promote the fiscal soundness and viability of City government operations.
1.1 Use nonrecurring revenues only to fund nonrecurring expenditures.
1.2 Maintain and strive to upgrade the City's bond rating.
1.3 Monitor changing conditions, trends and legislation as it impacts the City's fiscal position
and promote appropriate fiscal policy and guidelines to maintain the City's sound fiscal
condition.
1.4 Identify and evaluate revenue alternatives to City property tax.
1.5 Minimize program costs by using sound purchasing practices.
1.6 Minimize program costs by using sound risk management practices.
1.7 Maintain adequate reserves to positively impact bond rating and provide flexibility to
implement projects as opportunities come up.
1.8 Use City Council goals and priorities to guide budgeting process.
2. To communicate the City's fiscal management process in language understandable
to the general public.
2.1 Continue to refine the Citizens Guide to the Budget.
2.2 Encourage increased public participation throughout the budget process.
2.3 Continue to help citizens understand local governrnent financing, such as the allocation
of property tax asking between the City, County and schools.
2.4 Celltimle Strive to meet state and national standards for the City's budget presentation.,
lly perieElieally -ZlJ' SIJilmittiag te the Ge'/eFflfBfllIt Fill8Dee ameers Asooeiatien fer
fevlew'.
3. To provide reports and financial data that are accurate, timely and meaningful and
which satisfy the need for sound fiscal policy formulation, efficient City
management and full disclosure of City finances.
3.1 Base all financial reports on generally accepted and appropriate accounting principles.
3.2 Continue to meet national standards for the City's annual financial report, sueh as set by
the Government Finance Officers Association fer re'iievi.
3.3 Continue to meet Municipal Treasurers' Association requirements to have the written
investment policy certified.
4. To minimize the impact of economic swings on the City's operating budget by
lflakiltg the hilt/get 1ff8I'e reeessiH P'lHJj.
4.1 Promote economic development efforts to expand and diversifY the property tax base and
to improve and/or implement "growth" revenues for the City.
4.2 Allocate revenue sources sensitive to economic conditions primarily to deferrable capital
improvement projects, when possible, to allow the City to maintain a steady revenue
stream to fund operating expenses.
5. To emphasize the use offees and user charges to maintain existing City services and
reduce reliance on fetleml aad state fuadiag S9u..ees as "Nell as local property taxes
while remaining sensitive to program access, affordability, and availability for those
with low or moderate incomes or disabilities.
5.1 Pursue federal, state and private funding to help finance City services and minimize the
property tax burden, but avoid service or funding commitments after such outside
funding ends.
5.2 Explore BeW-Options for alternative revenue sources to property taxes.
5.3 Maintain access to and ciffordability and availability of essential City services to low and
moderate income persons and persons with disabilities.
5.4 Establish reasonable user fees and charges for services where appropriate, so that those
who utilize or directly benefit from a City service activity or facility also help pay for it.
5.5 Maximize return on City leases.
6. To improve City government prodnctivity and service delivery and identify
alternative means of service delivery.
6.1 Review all City services and programs for operational efficiencies to improve service
levels and delivery, and/or to implement cost containment measures.
6.2 Review all City boards and commissions on a periodic basis to identify possible changes
for improved performance.
6.3 Identify additional City government activities where volunteers could supplement City
employees, or where services could be "spun off" to non-government groups or sponsors.
6.4 Utilize employee involvement as a means to improve productivity and service delivery.
6.5 Encourage citizen input to help identify productivity and service delivery needs.
6.6 Explore opportunities for cost-saving regional sharing of City services.
7. To determine the work effort required and the costs to meet increased service
delivery requests and/or mandates.
7.1 Support changes in federal and state laws to eliminate or reduce unfunded mandates.
7.2 Identify and forecast impacts, options, and realistic annual and long-term maintenance
and operational costs and responsibilities early in the budgeting process for each service
request or mandate.
7.3 Consider new City services primarily when either additional revenues or expenditure
reductions are demonstrated, or when mandated by state or federal law.
7.5 Focus City policy decisions on what services the City will provide, who will pay for
them, and the implications of such decisions.
8. To make decisions on achieving goals in all elements of the Comprehensive Plan
based on competition for and distribution of limited resources.
8.1 Continue to encourage citizen participation in the City's comprehensive plan and budget
process.
8.2 Use the community visioning process and the comprehensive planning process to assist
the City Council, City administration and community leaders in setting priorities for
implementation.
8.3 Establish a plan for distribution of limited resources based on the City Council's goals
and priorities.
9. To examine pnblic and private funding sources and alternative means to accomplish
goals in all elements of the Comprehensive Plan.
9.1 Collaborate with members of the community to implement City Council goals and
priorities.
9.2 Identify public and private funding sources, and alternative means to accomplish goals
for which the City government has direct authority and responsibility.
9.3 Encourage other area service providers, private entities and community leaders to identify
private funding and other similar means to realize goals within their areas.
F:USERSILCARSTENIWP/Comp P1a.n Update 2006/comp plan update/CITY FISCAL GOALS comments LRPAC final rec.doc