Global Green Grant ApplicationMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Global Green Grant Application
DATE: December 23, 2013
Dubuque
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AI- America City
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2007 • 2012 • 2013
Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser recommends City Council approval of the
submission of a Sustainable Neighborhood Assessment Grant for the Washington
Neighborhood.
Global Green USA is an organization whose mission includes working with communities
to create greener and more vibrant neighborhoods. Recently Global Green received
funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide technical
assistance for up to seven communities in 2014 to improve ecological functions,
enhance economic growth and support social equity. The focus of the grant is to use
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for neighborhood design
(LEED -ND) to help reduce impact risks and increase adaptive capacity at the
neighborhood level to introduce resiliency and sustainability into neighborhoods.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
lidmAd() Pr.,
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
THE CITY OF
Dui
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Global Green Grant Application
DATE: December 23, 2013
Introduction
The purpose of this memo is to request approval for submittal of a Sustainable
Neighborhood Assessment grant.
Dubuque
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AI- America City
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2007 • 2012 • 2013
Discussion
Global Green USA is an organization whose mission includes working with communities
to create greener and more vibrant neighborhoods. Recently Global Green received
funding through the US Environmental Protection Agency to provide technical
assistance for up to seven communities in 2014 to improve ecological functions,
enhance economic growth and support social equity. The focus of the grant is to use
LEED for neighborhood design (LEED -ND) to help reduce impact risks and increase
adaptive capacity at the neighborhood level to introduce resiliency and sustainability
into neighborhoods.
As part of this process, Global Green is looking for cities that meet the following criteria:
• Have a catalytic project located in or adjacent to the proposed neighborhood;
• A neighborhood that includes low- income and historically disadvantaged
communities;
• Has an active neighborhood organization;
• Has support from the city and other policy decision makers to engage around the
effort; and
• Can show how the project and neighborhood contribute to a larger vision for the
community.
In reviewing the criteria and the application with city staff, the project area that is being
nominated for this technical assistance is the Washington Neighborhood. Attached is
the final application that was submitted along with the necessary attachments including
a map of the district and a letter of support from Mayor Buol.
Recommendation
I recommend approval of the attached application for a Sustainable Neighborhood
Assessment grant.
Cc: Maurice Jones, Economic Development Director
Megan Starr, Economic Development Coordinator
Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist
THE CITY OF
Dui
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
LEED -ND Technical Assistance Grant
Global Green USA
Dear Global Green USA Team,
Dubuque
hititi
All - America City
1 '
2007 • 2012 •2013
Office of the Mayor
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864
www.cityofdubuque.org
December 20, 2013
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to apply for the
LEED -ND Technical Assistance Grant. When I ran for Mayor in 2005, my motto during
the campaign was "engaging citizens as partners." As I went door to door talking to
thousands of citizens, I heard a consistent theme revolving around sustainability. In
2006, after my election and at my urging, the City Council adopted sustainability as our
top priority and it has been our number one priority since. Our achievements around
this initiative, in particular our citizen task force and our unique collaboration with
partners, have allowed us to understand the need for an engaged citizenry working
hand in hand with government.
The Washington Neighborhood is one of our oldest and most treasured neighborhoods
and has officially been a city priority since 2006. But our work didn't start then. In 2004,
the City of Dubuque and the neighborhood initiated the "Washington: Revitalize!"
improvement effort which was designed to give residents and other local stakeholders
the tools needed to enhance the quality of life within the neighborhood and thereby
strengthening its sense of pride. A citizen group helped to create a plan to inspire local
residents, business and property owners to collaborate with the City of Dubuque to
continue with neighborhood improvement efforts and revitalize the City's historic core.
Local neighborhood organizations, not - for - profit agencies and City departments have
already taken steps towards addressing issues and much has been accomplished
because we have rolled up our sleeves and are working together. But more needs to be
done and we have a unique opportunity in front of us with the Bee Branch Watershed
project a portion of which is located in this neighborhood. For these and many other
reasons, I would ask you to consider our application for the LEED -ND Technical
Assistance Grant. With our committed leadership, committed staff and engaged
citizenry, you will not be disappointed.
Please feel free to contact me directly at 563 -564 -5455 or Rdbuol cityofdubuque.orq
or Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser at 563- 599 -2767 or
csteinhai cityofdubuque.orq with any questions regarding this application.
Thank you for your consideration and for all your work to help make cities and our world
more sustainable.
Sincerely,
Ai I Zd-,
7
Mayor
City of Dubuque
EPA Project 2013
Section 1 of 1
Section 1
Please visit www.globalgreen.org /articles /global /59 for 2012 -2013 Summary Reports/Recommendations.
Name of Local or Tribal
Government
Primary Contact
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Contact Phone Number
Email
Name of Proposed
Neighborhood
Neighborhood Boundaries
(streets and /or topographic or
natural features)
Describe the selected
neighborhood and its immediate
need and commitment to
creating a sustainable
neighborhood. (2,400 characters
or apx. 300 words max)
City of Dubuque Iowa
Cindy Steinhauser
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque
Ia
52001
563 -589 -4110
csteinha @cityofdubuque.org
Washington Neighborhood
Dubuque is the oldest city in Iowa and the Washington Neighborhood is one of the oldest areas
in Dubuque. The neighborhood covers 55 square blocks and sits directly north of the City's
downtown and is bounded by Elm Street on the East, 22nd Street to the North, Central Avenue
on the West and 11th Street on the South. The area is constricted by the Mississippi River and
railroad lines to the east and large limestone bluffs to the west.
The Washington Neighborhood is one of Dubuque's oldest, most diverse and densely developed
neighborhoods and is home to 1,900 residents. This is a predominantly residential neighborhood
with nearly three - quarters of all the buildings constructed before 1884. The Washington
Neighborhood is a mixed use area that retains a high level of its historic character. However, the
loss of longtime residents and community institutions has contributed to a decline exceeding that
experienced in other Dubuque neighborhoods. Challenges of housing and building conditions, a
concentration of distressed properties, aging infrastructure and a need for education, services
and training have required a coordinated revitalization effort between the City, local businesses
and investors. From 2004 to 2009, commercial property values grew by 39% citywide — but fell
by 6% in this flood prone area. While not eligible under the federal definition of a food desert,
residents in this area have one grocery store and often use the corner drug store as their source
for food.
Despite these barriers, the Washington Neighborhood area has seen some success with projects
such as the restoration of Washington Court, a large warehouse building that now houses
apartments, a social service agency and a community health center. Focused housing initiatives
are slowly helping to restore quality housing by removing lead and other hazards, a new park and
community garden are completed, and additional city services that are helping to address the
physical infrastructure. These efforts, coupled with our partnership with the Washington
Neighborhood Development Corporation (WNDC), make this area well positioned to be the
model for what an economic and socially sustainable neighborhood should look like. By
continuing to engage residents and businesses the WNDC and the Washington Neighborhood
Association (WNA) can develop an on -going sustainable impact on neighborhood visibility,
economic development and overall neighborhood revitalization.
If your neighborhood was affected by Hurricane Sandy, please skip the next three questions.
Is there a specific project yes
planned or underway in the
neighborhood (transit station,
affordable housing,
environmental restoration,
business improvement, etc.)
If a project is underway, please
provide a brief description of
the project, and how it can be a
catalyst for change in the
neighborhood. (2,000 characters
or apx. 250 words max)
The Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project is a holistic infrastructure improvement
that will remove over 1,100 homes and businesses in the North End and Washington
Neighborhoods from repeated flooding. The Bee Branch Watershed, including the Washington
Neighborhood, encompasses neighborhoods offering some of our most affordable workforce
housing and is continually hit hard with flash flooding. Six Presidential Disasters have been
issued between 1999 and 2011 due to flash flooding, with estimated damages of $69.8 million.
This Project will also improve water quality, stimulate investment, and enhance quality of life by
including the construction of vehicular and pedestrian bridges, bike /hike trails trees and
landscaping, overlooks, safety and security measures, parking, and education and recreational
components.
The Bee Branch project provides a unique opportunity to help stem the tide of disinvestment and
re- establish the Washington Neighborhood as a vibrant, livable neighborhood. The Sustainable
Neighborhood Assessment grant would allow the city and its partners to build from this project to
create a stronger sense of place for businesses and residents while incorporating smart,
sustainable practices around land -use and urban development. We recognize that LEED -ND has
been an effective way for cities to implement smart growth development in older neighborhoods
because of its emphasis on complete streets, transit - oriented development, mixed use
development and urban living and we have been seeking ways in which to incorporate this
process into our community. Because of the current momentum and identification as a top
priority for the city, the Washington Neighborhood is ripe for this process.
What is the schedule for the The Bee Branch Watershed Project has twelve phases, all of which impact the Washington
project's implementation?
(1,600 characters or apx. 200 Neighborhood. Most improvements will occur over the next six years as shown below.
words max)
Phase Description Status
1 Carter Road Detention Basin Completed 2003
2 West 32nd Street Detention Basin Completed 2009
3 Historic Millwork District Completed 2012
4 Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Est. Completion 2014
5 Flood Mitigation Gate Replacement Est. Completion 2015
6 Impervious Surface Reduction Est. Completion 2033
7 Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Est. Completion 2016
8 22nd Street Storm Sewer Improvements Est. Completion 2020
9 Flood Mitigation Maintenance Facility Est. Completion 2020
10 North End Storm Sewer Improvements Est. Completion 2019
11 Water Plant Flood Protection Est. Completion 2020
12 17th Street Storm Sewer Improvements Est. Completion 2020
Phase 6 has one of the largest impact to the Washington neighborhood area as it involves
replacement of impervious alley surfaces with pervious pavement systems to convey the
stormwater into the ground. Of the 245 alleys within the Watershed, eight have been
reconstructed and another 73 will be done by 2015, many of which will be located in this
neighborhood. The remaining alleys will be phased in by 2033.
Continue here, if' the neighborhood was affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Was the neighborhood impacted
by Hurricane Sandy and in EPA
Regions 1 or 2?
Describe the rebuilding effort
that has taken place to date
post Hurricane Sandy. (1,600
characters or apx. 200 words
No
n/a
max)
Describe the level of impact
caused by Hurricane Sandy to
the selected neighborhood, the
degree of need for the technical
assistance, and the level
commitment to sustainability
and increased resiliency. (2,000
characters or apx. 250 words
max
Describe to what degree the
identified neighborhood includes
low - income and historically
disadvantaged
communities. (2,000 character
or apx. 250 word max)
Is there a representative
neighborhood organization that
is actively working in the
community? If so, how will that
organization participate in the
technical assistance process?
(2,000 characters or apx. 250
words max)
Describe the city's commitment
to actively engage community
leaders so that they will
participate in the technical
assistance process. (2,000
characters or apx. 250 words or
less)
n/a
The neighborhood has a low homeownership rate with approximately 35% owners and 65%
renters. Based on a 2006 US Census American Community Survey. The owner -to- renter ratio
for the entire City of Dubuque was the reverse with 73% owners and 27% renters. While single
family detached houses are the predominant type of housing structure, many of them are used as
rental properties or converted to multiple rental units. About 150 of the rental units are used for
Section 8 housing. There exists a higher than average percentage of transit dependent residents
who live in this area who must use a limited, fixed route bus service that does not run at night or
on Sunday. Over 50% of the top 20 public transit stops are found in the greater Downtown and
Washington Neighborhood area. According to the Dubuque MSA, median income in the
Washington Neighborhood averages $27, 640 as compared to $46,754 city -wide. The Washington
neighborhood is predominately white but it has a higher percentage of Hispanics (9 %) and
African Americans (9 %) than the rest of Dubuque which only has 2% Hispanic population and
1% African American. Lastly according to the Dubuque MSA there are a few college graduates
in the area but a majority only have a high school level education. Most residents are working
families, many are elderly - - those least able to recover from repetitive flood loss. For over a
decade, businesses and homes have suffered losses from water damage and disinvestment.
Despite the physical and social challenges of this neighborhood, there exists a strong foundation
of organizations who are helping to guide the transformation of this area. Included are
organizations such as the WNDC, Washington Neighborhood (WIN) Tool Library, WNA,
Crescent Community Health Center, Project Concern, Maria House and the faith community.
In 2007 a Citizen Coordinating Committee (CCC) was formed, consisting of residents and
stakeholders to create a plan to address the neighborhood's issues. The CCC facilitated an
active citizen participation process that ensured adequate representation of differing interests
and one that would lead to residents taking ownership of neighborhood improvement efforts.
The neighborhood's three core issues areas were identified as:
1. Economic Development
2. Families Youth & Education
3. Housing
This work is now undertaken by the WNDC who is seen by the city as the lead organization to
achieving solutions to the neighborhood's key issues in a focused and managed manner to
minimize repetitiveness, maximize effectiveness, and encourage the sharing of ideas, resources,
and success stories.
The city has hired a Development Specialist whose sole focus is to serve as a conduit and bridge
builder for the Washington Neighborhood area. This person works closely with WNDC,
residents, businesses and organizations as well as the city's Neighborhood Development
Specialist and Community Engagement Coordinator as part of this process. Collectively, they
represent a unified voice for the area and can communicate progress and identify practical
solutions while allowing stakeholders to take part in these grassroots efforts.
The city of Dubuque has a long history of engaging citizens and mobilizing partners around
challenges and opportunities. Two examples include:
• Envision 2010 brought together over 12,000 residents over one year to identify 10 projects that
were "Big ideas with broad acceptance that will impact the growth and quality of life of the
greater Dubuque community." All 10 citizen projects are now complete or underway.
• Sustainable Dubuque has been a city top priority since 2006. The Council appointed a 40+
member citizen task force to define what sustainability means to Dubuque. The result was a
powerful vision statement, a model that includes Environmental Integrity, Social /Cultural
Vibrancy and Economic Prosperity and 12 Sustainability principle that are the lens with which we
now view every initiative.
The Washington Neighborhood has been a focus for reinvestment by the City of Dubuque since
2005 and we have invested over $9 million in the neighborhood, leveraged over $12 million in
private investment and over $13 million in other government investments. Many public, private
and civic efforts have coalesced to address community needs and emphasized physical
infrastructure improvements. Since 2008 there are 34 new homeowners, 61 properties have been
rehabbed and 18 rentals have been converted to single homes. This is the result of bundling
financial incentives and targeting them for this area. As previously mentioned, this area is a top
priority for the City Council and staff will continue to leverage the momentum of projects and
relationship with our partners to transform this area.
Please email a letter of commitment and support for the technical assistance effort from the Mayor, City Council Chair, Tribal Council
Chair, or other official in PDF or Word format. Email letter to: leedndtechassist @globalgreen.org
Can the city appoint a local Yes
coordinator for the duration of
the technical assistance effort?
If a coordinator can be
appointed, what position does
the coordinator have within
your organization?
Describe what mechanisms exist
within the city to implement
potential recommendation in
the areas of walkability, density,
energy efficiency, waste
management, and transit access?
(2,000 characters or apx. 250
word max)
Describe how the project
contributes to the larger vision
of the community. (1,600
characters or 200 words max)
Economic Development Coordinator for the Washington Neighborhood
The City of Dubuque has several tools that could help implement recommendations, including:
• Comprehensive Plan has 14 elements with goals and objectives that reflect the City's three
pillars of sustainability and Iowa's Smart Growth legislation.
• Washington Neighborhood Revitalization Plan has an action plan for implementation of its
three core strategic issues: Economic Development; Housing; and Families, Youth and
Education.
• Downtown Master Plan guides business and retail development, aesthetics, transit
development, parks & open space, art & cultural opportunities.
• Design Guidelines manage investments so the area's traditional character is respected while
accommodating compatible improvements.
• Historic /Architectural Survey /Evaluation of the neighborhood provides building data for state
and federal tax credit applications.
• Urban Revitalization district provides tax abatement for projects to make them cost - effective
and maintain the historic fabric and character of the neighborhood.
• Financial Tool Kit includes grants, forgivable loans and low or no- interest loans for residential,
commercial and mixed -use developments.
• GIS rooftop solar assessment provides a guide for ways to introduce renewal energy into older
neighborhoods.
• Unified Development Code combines zoning, subdivision, site development, and historic
preservation regulations to promote sustainable design, such as conservation subdivisions, solar
access, low- impact development, and accommodations for pedestrians, bicycles, and public
transit.
• Smarter Electricity Pilot Study, the City's partnership with IBM Research, Alliant Energy and
the Iowa Office of Energy Independence with over 1,200 volunteer households.
• Green & Healthy Homes Initiative not only looks at the structure, but also establishes the link
between social and environmental factors that may affect a family's health and safety.
The Bee Branch project will reduce the risk of flash flood damage and create a sustainable
community attraction. Our campaign for public support began in 2002 and has involved
thousands of citizens that represented a broad cross - section of the community — business,
institutions, residents, churches, non - profits, and neighborhood groups.
• The Stormwater Utility Citizen Advisory Committee recommended the Bee Branch project and
pursuing other funding sources to make this the best project it can be.
Describe whether the
community has received related
technical assistance from EPA,
HUD, DOT, or other federal
agencies in the past that could
be augmented by this Building
Blocks technical assistance
effort. (1,600 characters or apx.
200 words max)
Describe whether the city has
received other sources of
funding, or if the community is
concurrently applying for other
assistance that could support,
leverage, or expand upon the
technical assistance for this
community. (1,600 characters
or apx. 200 words or less)
• The Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee provided a forum for citizens and neighborhood
groups to participate in the project design and implementation. Based on public input, the
Committee recommended that the project include benches, trails, an amphitheater next to
Audubon School to enhance the riverfront and the neighborhoods.
The city has three community goals for a sustainable Dubuque: economic prosperity, social and
cultural vibrancy and environmental integrity; our slogan is to create a community that is viable,
livable and equitable. The Bee Branch Project coupled with the Washington Neighborhood
revitalization effort will provide the fertile ground needed to fulfill this citizen supported vision.
LEED- ND is exactly the mechanism we need to achieve our goals and to actualize our vision.
In 2013, the US EPA selected the city of Dubuque for the Building Blocks for Sustainable
Communities technical assistance program. The city requested the Land Use Strategies to
Protect Water Quality tool offered through the program, centered primarily on the Bee Branch
Creek Watershed. The request for technical assistance was focused on:
• seeking help to educate landowners, businesses, and residents about smarter, greener
practices for watershed stewardship;
• identifying land use strategies that complement and protect the Bee Branch Creek;
• examining existing codes, ordinances, and other policies that may hinder additional water
quality protection
The resulting recommendations from this program included three general strategies:
• promoting infill and compact development
• incorporating green infrastructure BMPs into existing developments;
• stakeholder involvement and education
The Global Green Sustainable Neighborhood Assessment tool would help us build off of the
issues identified as part of the Bee Branch project by create stronger connections and coalescing
local policy through the lens of LEED -ND standards.
The city has identified additional sources and project that will complement this initiative. This
includes a proposal for State funding to create a Workforce & Senior Citizen Housing program.
This program would serve as a catalyst to assist local communities in the development of
affordable workforce and senior housing in older neighborhoods. The focus of our proposal is to
provide gap financing to address slum and blight in one of four ways: 1) create in -fill housing; 2)
create upper story housing in large, abandoned commercial properties; 3) dilapidated repair of
existing rental or homes; and 4) renovation & adaptive reuse of warehouse buildings.
A second proposal for the State Challenge grant has been submitted and would provide funding
for commercial related development in this area. The proposal would focus on facade
improvements to five key commercial structures in the Washington Neighborhood business
district.
Lastly, the city has submitted for a Brownfield assessment grant. This grant would identify
brownfield areas in the Washington Neighborhood and adjacent Millwork District and would
assess barriers to achieving successful redevelopment of these areas.
Please email a map showing the boundaries of the proposed neighborhood and the location of significant projects. Email map to
leedndtechassist@globalgreen.org
Bee Branch Project Limits
Watershed Area
Dubuque City Limits
Washington Neighborhood
THE CITY OF
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