Land Use

Land Use includes a total of 24 recommendations across 7 sub-categories: Single-Family, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Institutional, Commercial, Industrial, and Parks. The bar chart below highlights the status of the 24 recommendations. Scroll down to the Recommendation Tracker for details. Status information reflects the community's work toward each recommendation.

Recommendation Highlight - Attract large employment centers with access to infrastructure - G6a

Photo: Telegraph Herald

The Collective Impact Model is the vehicle we use to implement the plan. It relies on organizations working together in a structured way, to achieve social change. The model relies on:

A Common Agenda
Shared Measurements
Mutually Reinforcing Activities
Continuous Communication
A Strong Backbone Organization

Each of the seven categories has a Connector and every recommendation has a Coordinator or subject expert. Champions are the boots-on-the-ground; they are the programs, organizations, people, projects, events and initiatives doing the work of the plan.

Recommendation Identification

Connect With Us

A dedicated team of Dubuque residents and community partners are helping turn our city's comprehensive plan, into a reality. These coordinators, connectors, and champions are tracking progress across each of the 7 categories, 32 subcategories and 110 recommendations of Imagine Dubuque.

For information on the Land Use Category, contact Connector Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Manager at the City of Dubuque, 563-589-4210 or wwernimo@cityofdubuque.org.

For additional information on Imagine Dubuque, contact Planning Technician Jason Duba at the City of Dubuque, 563-589-4223 or jduba@cityofdubuque.org.

Tracking Definitions

Needs Resources: Recommendation implementation has not yet begun. Needs will vary and may include funding, coordination, time, and staffing. The impacts of Covid may be a root cause of resource needs, deferment, and disruption of implementation timelines.

Getting Started: Recommendation implementation is in the early stages of moving forward by way of active organizing, connecting with partners, planning and data collection, and/or a few early action items.

Underway: Recommendation implementation is moving forward, with multiple actions in motion and steady progress being made towards realizing the recommendation.

Complete / Ongoing: Recommendation implementation has been completed or is ongoing with continuity and growth in progress. Many recommendations will never be complete because ongoing focus and attention is required to maintain and further the success of each recommendation.

- Data will be updated bi-annually to align with Council Reports -

Recommendation tracker

Land Use: 24 recommendations

• Needs Resources • Getting Started • Underway • Complete/Ongoing

Single Family Multi Family Mixed Use Institutional Commercial Industrial Parks

Single Family

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Promote access to education, recreation, and services in all neighborhoods - G1a
► Link neighborhoods via trails and open space - G1b
► Integrate development into the environment - G1c

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Serve neighborhood needs such as education, housing, and recreation equitably while maintaining a viable, livable atmosphere and reducing environmental impacts. G1a - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Completed/Ongoing

New residential subdivisions: BlueSky, Rustic Point, South Point.
Housing TIFs are providing incentives for building in Dubuque and are generating funds for affordable housing.

Integrate future neighborhoods into Dubuque via access to trails, open space, and other recreational and educational amenities and connections to needed goods and services. G1b - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

New subdivisions are incorporating walkability and natural amenities: Rustic Point and South Point.
Walking/biking trails are being developed and extended using grant funding.

Integrate new development into the natural environment by protecting significant woodland, prairie, and wetland areas and avoiding steep slopes. G1c - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Unified Development Code and site design standards enable and encourage imaginative solutions for development.
Flood plain regulation protects watersheds from stormwater, erosion, siltification, and surface pollutants.
Developers utilize Sustainable Subdivision Development Tools to incorporate preservation of natural areas, reduction of impervious surfaces, stormwater management, and solar orientation.

Multi Family

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Encourage a mix of housing options for all - G2a
► Encourage multi-family development near jobs- G2b
► Encourage multi-family development in mixed-use areas - G2c

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Encourage a mix of housing affordable for all segments of Dubuque’s population throughout the community, including options for those who might be saving for their first home. G2a - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

First-time Homebuyer's Program through Housing & Community Development provides no-interest and low-interest loans for purchase, along with classes for budgeting and homeownership.
Recent developments: Millwork District, Marquette Hall, Full Circle, Gardens of Dubuque, and Roosevelt West.

Encourage new multi-family development in proximity to jobs to minimize transportation costs. G2b - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Recent development: Gardens of Dubuque at Radford Road, and Roosevelt West.
Proposed development: Merge Development at the Port of Dubuque.

Integrate multi-family development within mixed-use areas identified on the Future Land Use Map for increased access to goods and services in a walkable environment. G2c - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Recent development: Millwork District and Downtown upper-story housing.
Proposed development: Central Avenue Corridor, Merge Development at the Port of Dubuque, and Dubuque Brewing & Malting building.

Mixed Use

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Create places to live, work, and play within close proximity of neighborhoods - G3a
► Adjust zoning regulations to promote mixed-use development - G3b
► Work with property owners/developers to encourage walkable mixed use - G3c
► Integrate mix of housing types in mixed use neighborhoods - G3d

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Create a vibrant environment where residents can live, work, and play within walking and biking distance of their home and opportunity sites throughout the community. G3a - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Redevelopments: Millwork District, Central Avenue Corridor, and Steeple Square.
Proposed developments: Dubuque Brewing & Malting building and Merge Development in the Port of Dubuque.

Evaluate potential modifications to the existing C-2A Mixed-Use Neighborhood Zoning District, or creation of a new zoning classification, to accommodate larger mixed-use areas that may include ground floor residential space. G3b - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Needs Resources

The C-2A zoning district exists within the Unified Development Code (UDC) zoning, however no land is presently zoned as C-2A.
An update of the UDC would be required to evaluate potential modifications.
PUDs like the Historic Millwork District include first floor residential space as an option.

Work with property owners and developers to encourage and create walkable, mixed-use developments in locations identified on the Future Land Use Map. G3c - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

The City is reconvening the Developers Round Table, a ________________________________________________________.
Redevelopments: Millwork District, Central Avenue Corridor, Dubuque Brewing & Malting, and Steeple Square.

Integrate a variety of residential product types in mixed-use areas, including multi-family products such as townhomes and apartments, but also incorporating some single-family housing. G3d - Coordinator: Shena Moon, smoon@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

City allows for Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) that provide for a flexible approach for a variety of residential products.
Developments: Rustic Point, Full Circle Apartments, and Marquette Hall.
Proposed Development: Vintage Estates of Dubuque.

Institutional

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Ensure equitable access to services / essential facilities - G4a
► Explore a new school site to serve future development along Southwest Arterial - G4b
► Integrate new institutional / non-profit uses near the residents they serve - G4c

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Support essential public facilities and services for future growth and ensure that everyone in the community has equitable access to these services. G4a - Coordinator: Gus Psihoyos, gpsihoyo@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Public utilities have been extended to the airport, allowing development on Dubuque's south side.
Completion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration provides low-moderate income neighborhoods protection from stormwater events, while providing access to the Heritage Trail and Bee Branch linear park.
The completion of the Southwest Arterial and its transportation access provides will promote future development.

Explore a new school site to serve future growth areas, particularly within the Southwest Arterial corridor. G4b - Coordinator: Stan Rheingans, srheingans@dbqschools.org

► Status: Getting Started

Dubuque Community School District Board has stated the priority of finding and purchasing land for a new elementary school in the Southwest Arterial area.

Integrate new institutional uses such as churches or non-profits in proximity to residents they serve. Such uses may be particularly appropriate in future mixed-use areas. G4c - Coordinator: Stan Rheingans, srheingans@dbqschools.org

► Status: Project Underway

Churches and non-profit organization uses are permitted throughout all districts in the community.
School improvements to the Dubuque Community Schools' Alta Vista and Holy Family's Resurrection campuses expanded services and footprints into the neighborhood.
University of Dubuque has expanded and completed the Heritage Center, Welcome Center, Student Wellness Center and the second quadrangle.
The Grand River Medical Center's expansion to Westmark Corporate Center.
Clinic expansions of Unity Point Finley and MercyOne Dubuque Medical Centers.

Commercial

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Provide retail and employment that is responsive to market demands - G5a
► Explore opportunities for limited commercial in neighborhoods - G5b
► Concentrate commercial uses downtown and along major corridors - G5c

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Be responsive to market demands and the needs of residents by providing key retail and employment centers. Ensure that such development does not impact the quality of life in adjacent residential neighborhoods. G5a - Coordinator: Jill Connors, jilconno@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Dubuque Main Street supports small and large businesses throughout a 90-block downtown location.
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation provides services to support, retain and attract businesses.
Dubuque technology and industrial center provide employment opportunities.
Unified Development Code has regulations to buffer impacts from commercial and industrial districts.
Central Avenue Corridor redevelopment and pop-up shops provide new retail opportunities downtown and in the northend neighborhoods.

Explore additional opportunities for limited commercial development within neighborhoods to provide enhanced local access to day-to-day goods and services like convenience goods, dry cleaning, etc. Such uses are typically best located at major intersections. G5b - Coordinator: Jill Connors, jilconno@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

The City's Economic Development Department Facade Grant Package programs, often packaged with the New Housing Creation Grants, helps spur redevelopment of un-used or under-developed historic mixed-use structures.
Urban Revitalization and Urban Renewal districts can help provide needed incentives to close the gap on projects.
Opportunities exist at Asbury Plaza, the Central Avenue Corridor, and the old Spahn & Rose building within the Millwork District.

Continue to concentrate commercial uses with a regional draw along major transportation corridors, including downtown. G5c - Coordinator: Jill Connors, jilconno@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Rezoning of the interchange of Southwest Arterial and Highway 20 to commercial.
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation serving in a supporting role, referring clients appropriately as per zoning.
Development occurring along major streets: Central Avenue, Main Street, Seippel Road.
Redevelopment of Plaza 20.

Industrial

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Attract large employment centers with access to infrastructure - G6a
► Allow for new or expanded industrial parks - G6b
► Explore industrial development near airport - G6c

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Attract large employment centers with access to infrastructure facilities. Ensure that such development does not disproportionately impact residential areas. G6a - Coordinator: Rick Dickinson, rickd@greaterdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Vacant buildings in the industrial parks are being redeveloped, such as Simmons Pet Food redeveloping the Flex Steel building.
Dubuque technology and industrial center provide employment opportunities.
Unified Development Code has regulations to buffer impacts from commercial and industrial districts.
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is serving in a supporting role.

Allow for appropriate expansion of existing industrial parks as identified on the Future Land Use Map. G6b - Coordinator: Rick Dickinson, rickd@greaterdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

Available land in industrial parks continues to be purchased and developed for new facilities.

Explore additional industrial development opportunities near the Dubuque Regional Airport, particularly in the U.S. Highway 61 corridor. G6c - Coordinator: Todd Dalsing, tdalsing@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

Water and sewer utilities have been extended to the airport, providing for future development opportunities.
Completion of Southwest Arterial facilitates travel to the airport.
Airport Land Use Master Plan in development.
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is serving in a supporting role.

Parks

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Preserve environment / provide recreational opportunities for all - G7a
► Coordinate with school districts to share facilities with neighborhoods - G7b
► Link all development with open space and trails - G7c
► Explore additional riverfront recreational opportunities - G7d
► Explore potential for a mountain biking facility - G7e

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Preserve key environmental features and provide recreational opportunities for all segments of the population through a variety of demanded active and passive options. G7a - Coordinator: Dan Kroger, dkroger@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Grant funds have supported work at Eagle Point Park, Four Mounds, and Valentine Park.
Subdivision design standards encourage dedication of parks and open spaces.
Miracle League park provides play opportunities for kids of all abilities.
Bee Branch and other hike-bike trails providing recreation and active transportation.

Continue to work closely with the School District to locate and, where appropriate, share facilities to serve existing and future neighborhoods. G7b - Coordinator: Marie Ware, mware@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

Table Mound Elementary School is sharing their yard with South Point subdivision.
All schools share their playgrounds with the community during after-school hours.

Link existing and future development with open space and trail corridors. G7c - Coordinator: Marie Ware, mware@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

Trails being developed along Chavenelle Road and Bee Branch, planned for Southwest Arterial.
Grant funding has been received for some projects and applied for others.

Continue to explore additional recreational opportunities along the riverfront. G7d - Coordinator: Dan Kroger, dkroger@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Project Underway

River Trail being completed in stages along Mississippi River from Lock & Dam to Catfish Creek.
Implementation of Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan includes a trail around the island.

Work with residents and local groups to explore creation of a mountain biking facility in Dubuque. G7e - Coordinator: Dan Kroger, dkroger@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Getting Started

Trails near Dubuque at FDR Park, Proving Grounds, Interstate Power Preserve, and Cloie Creek.

QUESTIONS + INFORMATION

Please contact Jason Duba with the City of Dubuque
jduba@cityofdubuque.org
(563) 589-4223