City Council Completes Annual Goal-Setting Sessions

Over the course of three evening sessions, City Council members affirmed the 15-year vision statement and mission statement and identified eight five-year goals for the city. They also identified top and high priorities for a 2025-2026 policy agenda as well as in-progress projects and capital projects for 2025-2026.

The 2040 Dubuque Vision Statement

Dubuque 2040 is a sustainable and resilient city, an inclusive and equitable community where ALL are welcome. Dubuque 2038 has preserved our Masterpiece on the Mississippi, has a strong, diverse economy and expanding connectivity. Our residents experience healthy living and active lifestyles; have choices of quality, affordable, livable neighborhoods; have an abundance of diverse, fun things to do; and are successfully and actively engaged in the community.

Mission Statement

Dubuque city government is progressive and financially sound with residents receiving value for their tax dollars and achieving goals through partnerships. Dubuque city government's mission is to deliver excellent municipal services that support urban living; contribute to an equitable, sustainable city; plan for the community's future; and facilitate access to critical human services.

City of Dubuque Goals 2030

• Healthy and Safe Community
• Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization: Sustainable and Effective Service Delivery
• Robust Local Economy: Diverse Businesses and Jobs with Economic Prosperity
• Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to Live
• Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural Resources
• Connected Community: Equitable Transportation, Technology Infrastructure, and Mobility
• Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities
• Partnership for a Better Dubuque: Building Our Community that is Viable, Livable, and Equitable

Policy Agenda

Policy agenda items are issues that need direction or a policy decision or a major funding decision by the City Council, or issues that need City Council leadership in the community or with other governmental bodies. The policy agenda is divided into top priorities and high priorities.

2025 - 2027 Top Priorities (in alphabetical order):

• Commercial Air Service Future Strategy and Action Plan to Sustain and Expand
• Comprehensive Fire Station Location and Facilities Study
• Fire Department Staffing Increases
• Police Department: Full Staffing and Hiring
• Stormwater Management Investments and Implementation:
  • 17th and Elm Street Stormwater Project
  • 17th and Locust Street Stormwater Project
  • Bee Branch Gate & Pump Station Project
  • Detention Ponds Maintenance
  • Individual Neighborhood Investments
  • Kaufmann Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements
• Sanitary Sewer Investments and Implementation
  • Catfish Creek Sanitary Sewer Project
  • Cedar Street Lift Station and Force Main
  • Chaplain Schmitt Island Sanitary Sewer
  • Cooper Place/Maiden Lane Project
  • Grove Terrace Project
  • Harvard Street Project
  • Hempstead Street Project
  • Sanitary Sewer Force Main Stabilization Project
  • Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree Compliance
  • Terminal Street Lift Station and Force Main
• Sports Complex Development

2025 - 2027 High Priorities (in alphabetical order):

• Continued Implementation of Central Avenue Revitalization Plan
• Downtown Master Plan Update
• Dubuque Law Enforcement Center (DLEC) Short-Term Facility Enhancements and Future Plan
• East-West Corridor/Roundabouts Projects
• Next Phases of Chaplain Schmitt Island Development
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan Adoption and Implementation
• Water Resource and Recovery Center Facility and Process Improvements and Odor Reduction