Dubuque Blooms in June

Imagine Dubuque Kick-Start Events and All-American City Designation, all in one month!

Big thanks to everyone who joined us for one, some, or all of our ‘Imagine Dubuque – Let’s Do This!’ Kick-Start events. From hearing about some of the amazing projects already underway at the Mayor’s Luncheon to generating awareness and involvement at the Millwork Night Market, Farmers’ Market, Juneteenth, Food Truck Friday, and more… the Imagine Dubuque Kick-Start Events were all about promoting community action, leadership, and learning about what projects are moving forward.

And what an exciting time it is! For the fifth time since 2007, Dubuque was been named an All-America City by the National Civic League. The award recognizes communities that “leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation to successfully address local issues.” The city was one of 10 communities to receive the designation from the National Civic League during an event in Denver. Part of Dubuque’s application included describing the ‘Imagine Dubuque 2017: A Call to Action’ initiative. So let’s keep the momentum and action moving!

Want to help? Project Leaders are Needed…

What projects are you passionate about? What can you help lead? We need your help. The City is compiling action committees to help lead and implement projects. Click here to get in-touch today and join the growing list of individuals who have already signed up for efforts relating to:

Making Dubuque more dog-friendly
Applying complete streets principles throughout Dubuque
Exploring the potential for a mountain biking facility and trail connectivity

At our kick-start events, we were able to chat with residents and learn about great projects and efforts underway in Dubuque that are improving quality of life for residents.

For example, at the Mayor’s Luncheon we heard from:

Joe Hearn, President of Dupaco Community Credit Union, whose organization was seeking a vibrant and sustainable home, and chose to invest in downtown Dubuque and the Historic Millwork District. | Learn More

Leslie Shalabi, Co-Founder of Convivium Urban Farmstead, creating community around food and partnering with organizations like Crescent Community Health Center on the Pacific Islander Health Project. | Learn More

Robert Kimble, Executive Director of the Dubuque Dream Center, helping to reach our community’s most vulnerable young people through effective programming in partnership with Dubuque Community Schools. | Learn More

Watch Video of Mayor’s Luncheon

At the Millwork Night Market we learned about…

The Healing Harmonies Chorus at Oaks Bible Chapel in Dubuque which:

provides musical therapy for those suffering from memory loss
helps improve functional connectivity in the brain and improve overall health
addresses and supports mental health
provides a therapeutic outlet for even those not suffering from memory loss

… click here to learn more.

Photo Credit: Jessica Reilly, Sioux City Journal | The Healing Harmony Chorus sings memory-infused melodies such as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. In the photo above, music therapist Callie Mescher (far left) leads rehearsal.

“The Healing Harmonies Chorus is a fitting ensemble for the Northeast Iowa School of Music, joining the roster alongside the New Horizons Band for those 50 and older. Rounding that out are music groups dedicated to youth, as well as the women’s ensemble Sweet Adelines International and the Dubuque Community String Orchestra.”
– AP NEWS

We heard about the groovy, new skate park at Flora Park that:

is available to all ages and free of charge
expands diversity of recreational activities for youth and adults
is helping encourage new forms of culture in Dubuque
supports and promotes access to recreation in all neighborhoods
promotes City partnerships (Kids in Dubuque Skate)
attract tourism as a regional destination and recreation attraction
click here to learn more.

3D Rendering of the soon-to-open Skate Park alongside the Millwork Night Market Kick-Start Map wherein a resident noted its location.

“It’s going to foster a great sense of community and be a place that kids can get their physical activity in a place that they can stay out of trouble, a place that parents know that “Hey, my kid is part of this awesome community and is going to be safe and doing something they love.”
– Adam Riegle

We also stopped by the Smokestack and learned about all the events they’re hosting including Latin Club Night, Salsa Dance Night, LGBTQ/Drag Events, Comedy and Local Art Showcases that are:

supporting and encouraging new forms of arts and culture
expanding the efforts of Inclusive Dubuque
enhancing participant diversity and access to events
addressing and supporting mental health
bringing events to all neighborhoods
advancing economic development by attracting tourism

Latin Club Night and lineup of events at the Smokestack

So, let’s get the ball rolling!

Now is the time to move from ideas to action. Show us where projects are taking place! Sign-up to get involved with efforts you’re passionate about. Small steps come together to create BIG leaps. By working together we can make Imagine Dubuque a reality. Teamwork makes the dreamwork, let’s do this!