Social + Cultural Vibrancy

Social + Cultural Vibrancy includes 31 recommendations across 7 sub-categories: Food, Empowerment, Arts and Culture, Preservation, Safety, Health, and Recreation. The bar chart below highlights the status of the 31 recommendations. Scroll down to the Recommendation Tracker for details. Status information reflects the community's work toward each recommendation.

Recommendation Highlight - Through partnerships with the Multicultural Family Center, senior citizen organizations/providers, the city’s educational system, and local universities, explore ways to expand how residents think about “culture” and “arts” to include new and emerging forms and expressions. - C3d

Click the image to learn about the MFC STEP Program's Storm Drain Mural Project.

The Collective Impact Model

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, which is the 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. Click here for an infographic illustrating the model.

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 Social + Cultural Vibrancy Category, contact Connector Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager at the City of Dubuque, 563-589-4110 or cburbach@cityofdubuque.org.

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

Tracking Definitions

At Risk: Recommendation implementation has not yet begun, has a roadblock or made little progress. Needs will vary and may include funding, coordination, time, and staffing.

Off Track: 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.

On Track: Recommendation implementation is moving forward, with multiple actions in motion and steady progress being made towards realizing the recommendation, or recommendation implementation is ongoing with continuity and growth in progress.

Achieved: Recommendation has been completed and work on it has ended.

City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023

City Council Priorities reflect recommendations throughout Imagine Dubuque. Annually Council sets goals that contain Top and High Priorities. Thirteen priorities align with the 110 recommendations, some identifying with more than one. Additionally, the implementation of Imagine Dubuque was also identified as a High Priority.

To see a list of 2021-2023 City Council Priorities, click here. Additionally, look for language in the progress section for each recommendation to see if a priority aligns with it.

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

Recommendation tracker

Social + Cultural Vibrancy: 31 recommendations

• At Risk • Off Track • On Track • Achieved

Food Empowerment Arts + Culture Preservation Safety Health Recreation

Food

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Increase institutional use of local foods - 3.1.1
► Support food production spaces, Community-Supported Agriculture - 3.1.2
► Network with other “food cities” - 3.1.3
► Integrate healthy food and education in recreational programming - 3.1.4
► Consider food access as an element of City transit systems - 3.1.5
► Harvest local solid waste for compost - 3.1.6
► Support front yard food gardening - 3.1.7 *

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Colleges, institutions - consider purchasing from more than one contracted vendor to increase local purchasing. 3.1.1 - Coordinator: Brittany Demezier, demezier@iastate.edu

► Status: On Track

K-12 Schools: Dubuque’s schools purchase more local products in the fall when there is a greater range of items available. Centralized kitchens, large quantity needs, and budget constraints pose challenges to purchasing and preparing locally sourced foods. Food hubs and larger area producers have been able to supply the quantity needed on a seasonal basis. Several resources, publications, and planning tools have been made available to schools to assist in planning for local purchases.
Colleges: Colleges prefer to use local products for special events and activities, as well as for a few daily offerings like salad greens, cheese, milk, and other dairy products. Select colleges use local fruit, vegetables, and meat products on a seasonal basis.
Hospitals: The desire for "track and trace" transparency makes sole-sourcing, which takes on that responsibility, more appealing for these institutions.
State of Iowa and USDA grants are making local food sourcing for schools and childcare centers more accessible. (June 2022)

Support food production spaces & establishment of Community Supported Agriculture; make City land available for food production. 3.1.2 - Coordinator: Cori Burbach, cburbach@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

Community Development Block Grant funds are being used to support the construction of aquaponic systems to act as community gardens in low-moderate income neighborhoods on vacant lots, helping to bring fresh, healthy foods to food deserts. As well, CDBG funds are being utilized to create edible gardening for programming at Lincoln School. (July 2022)
- The City earmarked nearly $100,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds to support local organizations to develop hydroponic food systems, which grow plants without the use of soil. (July 2022)
  - The City of Dubuque received a $300,000 grant to increase food accessibility through hydroponic and indoor production.
Valentine Park's Community Garden were developed in 2022 to provide vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers to area residents. (July 2022)
The Dubuque Rescue Mission operates on City of Dubuque land, with greenhouse, gardens and education. (July 2022)
St. Luke's Methodists mini-community gardens at their parking lot encourages passerbys to sample new and interesting healthy foods.
The volunteer-led Salvation Army garden provides over 1000 pounds of produce annually for the mobile food pantry and for use at senior living facilities. (June 2022)
Convivium Urban Farmstead's pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure good use of garden produce. Partnering with Project Rooted after schools shut down helped feed school children at a time in need. Their Community Casserole program, produces and distributes free, healthy vegetable, grain and protein-based casseroles to local residents in need, and has given away over 20,000 casseroles since it started in 2020. (June 2022)
Convivium is planning expansion at 2900 Central Avenue with a new commercial kitchen, to support the Community Casserole Program, classes and a community kitchen, which supports popups for restaurants and entrepreneurs needing intermittent access to the kitchen. (October 2021)
As most farmers market vendors are from Wisconsin and Illinois, the recent developments in Dubuque County with the county government and Sustainable Iowa Land Trust investment in food producing farms will positively impact local food production. (June 2022)

Communicate with other “food cities” to share ideas as this (C1b) develops in Dubuque. 3.1.3 - Coordinator: Gina Bell, gbell@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The Growing Sustainable Communities Conference continues to be an ideal venue for both sharing and learning from other communities with best practices. (May 2022)
The Food Resource Guides, coordinated through the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, are great models for other communities to utilize to increase access to local, affordable and healthy foods. (May 2022)

Recreation programming can have cooking classes addressing social (food insecurity/cost), educational (enhanced learning) and cultural (inclusion, communication) needs. 3.1.4 - Coordinator: Umaru Balde, ubalde@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

Multicultural Family Center cooking classes and educational events use food as a way to engage and educate.
The Pacific Islander Health Project continues a variety of educational programs to bring healthy foods to our Marshallese population in Dubuque, including the use of fresh herbs and vegetables. (August 2021)
Cooking and gardening classes through Convivium Urban Farmstead help educate the community about sustainable and healthy approaches to feeding families.
- Convivium is expanding at 2900 Central Avenue with a new commercial kitchen, to support the Community Casserole Program, classes and a community kitchen, which supports popups for restaurants and entrepreneurs needing intermittent access to the kitchen. (June 2022)
Project Rooted rose to the occasion through the pandemic by meeting needs to feed children safe at home with healthy, free meals. The collaboration also brought together farm-to-table dinners where participants learned about the farmers and systems behind local, fresh and healthy foods. (June 2022)
Collaboration of administration and parents at Lincoln School are planning for reconfiguration of the outdoor space to create healthy food and plant/soil lifecycle lessons for students. Creation of raised gardens and planting of perennial fruits will provide classes with learning opportunities and the school options to outreach to the neighborhood with workshops or plant-share opportunities. Community Development Block Funds are being sought for the support of the project and other playground enhancements. (June 2022)

Consider food access as an objective of the City's transit systems. 3.1.5 - Coordinator: Ryan Knuckey, rknuckeycityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The Food Resource Guides, coordinated through the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, help with safe management of Little Free Food Pantries and provide citizens with information related to location and transportation services. (May 2022)
The City's Transit system serves Dubuque’s food deserts to provide some access to points at or within a block of:
- major and specialty food stores such as three HyVees, Fareway, Aldi and Natural Grocers, and
- at the summer and winter Farmers Markets, respectively downtown and at the the Kennedy Mall.

Evaluate whether local solid waste can begin to incorporate a compost component, similar to Des Moines, that would provide a source of compost for local gardens & production. 3.1.6 - Coordinator: Ken Miller, kmiller@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) has established community compost bunkers, providing up to a cubic yard of USCC STA Certified compost at no cost to residents at the Landfill and the City of Dubuque Municipal Service Center. In addition, larger quantities of compost are available for purchase at the landfill compost facility. Agreements for additional small quantity bunkers with other municipalities/public entities in Dubuque County have been established with the cities of Cascade. (June 2022)

Consider an active policy supporting front yard food gardening. 3.1.7 * - Coordinator: Mary Rose Corrigan, mcorriga@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

Food gardens in front yards are allowed per city code.
The City of Dubuque expanded the Unified Development Code in June 2021 to define community gardens and list them as a permitted use in all Residential districts, including Office Residential (OR).
Demonstration of free public gardens at St. Luke's Methodist Church and Convivium Urban Farmstead help educate the public with active engagement of utilizing new spaces for food production. (June 2022)

Empowerment

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Implement the Community Solutions Action Plan - 3.2.1
► Support community learning on equity and inclusion - 3.2.2 *
► Expand childcare options and resources - 3.2.3

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Incorporate and support recommendations from the 2017 update of the Community Solutions Action Plan into the implementation program for Imagine Dubuque. 3.2.1 - Coordinator: Alex Baum, alex@dbqfoundation.org

► Status: On Track

Every Child Reads, a program of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, is helping to expand understanding of the barriers and opportunities around childhood reading proficiency. Strategies for improving the outlook for young Dubuquers include the launch of a new summer learning program aimed at improving literacy offerings throughout the community, the Books In Hands program, and the development of the “Be a Health You! in Dubuque” children’s book focused on social and emotional learning for local students and their families." (June 2022)
Dubuque Dream Center's academic programs interspersed with their In-Your-Life Mentoring is helping erase the summer slide and provide aftercare services during the school year for Washington Neighborhood youth, focusing on math and literacy. The center's planned expansion to take over old Fulton School brings similar services to Dubuque's Northend Neighborhood. Partnership came from Dubuque Community Schools discounting the sale price of the school, and additional acquisition dollars came from the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Racing Association. (September 2022)
St. Mark Enrichment Program provides wraparound services year-round for increasing literacy in elementary and preschool age children. Their dynamic virtual storytimes during the COVID-19 pandemic creatively outreached to families when childcare options were limited. (June 2022)

Support and further community learning about best practices in equity and inclusion. 3.2.2 * - Coordinator: Clara Lopez Ortiz, clara@dbqfoundation.org

► Status: On Track

The Race in the Heartland Conference started in 2019, partnering with the Human Rights Commission and Loras College, to provide valuable learning opportunities to create an affordable, community forum around issues of education, housing, criminal justice, and the work place. (June 2021)
The Dubuque County Disabilities Council was restructured in 2021, made up largely of a diverse group of people experiencing a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities. The group is empowered to identify issues relevant to people and families with disabilities, provide technical assistance and develop and monitor a strategic plan. Issues identified in 2021 range from accessibility of public spaces, affordable housing, resource guides for families and shifting the dynamic of cultural acceptance and competitive employment. (September 2021)
The Historic Preservation Commission's undertaking of the Black Heritage Survey engages community to help research those places, events, families and people that are important to Dubuque's Black history, in an effort to tell a more complete story of Dubuque. (July 2022)
The Pacific Islander Rising Center helps integrate 21st Century skills in transnational cultures, teaching leadership, initiative and communication skills through art, development of presentations, and online and print publications. (July 2022)
The All of Us campaign aims to celebrate and educate about the diverse citizenry of Dubuque. The project is locally supported under a national movement. (June 2021)
The United Way sponsors the 21-Day Equity Challenge to help immerse community in better understanding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) principles and how they apply to every day life.
The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) convenes the Brain Health Task force, working to bring professionals and citizens together around the needs and responses for long-term solutions. A new working group is focused specifically on children's brain health, currently holding listening sessions to better understand issues and needs. (August 2021)
In 2017, the I'm a Dubuquer campaign launched to expand the awareness of what it means to call Dubuque home. (June 2021)

Work with community providers including non-profits, faith communities, and Dubuque-area colleges and universities to expand childcare options and resources, whether through on-site programs, clearinghouses for providers, or other means. 3.2.3 - Coordinator: Alex Baum, alex@dbqfoundation.org

► Status: On Track

Governor Kim Reynolds awarded $26.6 million through The Child Care Business Incentive Grant to 23 projects across Iowa intended to increase child care opportunities. Three of those projects are in Dubuque County and account for nearly $7 million of the awarded grant. Dubuque Initiatives received $2.15 million and plans to create a Multi-Employer Child Care Center at Dubuque Industrial Center West. Cottingham & Butler’s Project Stork was awarded $3 million, and Dyersville Industries received $1.75 million. Together, the three regional projects are forecasted to create up to 538 new child care slots in the Greater Dubuque region. (September 2022)
In January 2022, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and Dubuque Initiatives put forth an assessment of recruitment and retention barriers related to child care.
The City of Dubuque amended the Unified Development Code in 2021 to reduce barriers associated with securing permission for a Registered Child Development Home by expanding locations to all office, commercial and industrial zoning districts. (September 2021)
Childcare Resource and Referral helps connect families with providers. With support from Dubuque County, they also continues to provide funding to help with startup costs for new providers. (June 2022)
The Dream Center's expansion of service to provide licensed day care increased the quality of services to families in the Washington Neighborhood in 2021, and is supported by the City of Dubuque. The center's planned expansion to take over old Fulton School brings similar services to Dubuque's Northend Neighborhood. Partnership came from Dubuque Community Schools discounting the sale price of the school, and additional acquisition dollars came from the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Racing Association. (September 2022)
The Marita Theisen Childcare Center at Steeple Square in 2019 created new care opportunities in the Washington Neighborhood. Their expansion into the free four year old preschool program expands options for critical learning opportunities. (June 2021)
Northeast Iowa Community College's (NICC) Early Childhood Education Certificate program increases the community's capacity to supply qualified childcare. (June 2022)
Hirschbach Motor Lines announced in December 2021 they would be adding a childcare facility to help meet the needs of employees. They join the ranks of other area institutions that provide options to attract, serve and retain employees and students. Examples include MercyOne Medical Center, Northeast Iowa Community College and Holy Family Schools.
The Holy Ghost Early Childcare Center continues to expand its services and provide safety and site enhancements, in part with support of Dubuque County. Holy Family has also used recent stabilization grant to increase the pay for its early childcare workers, increasing retention and drawing new applicants.” (June 2022)
A group of stakeholders convened by the City of Dubuque continue to meet to discuss strategic options for improving childcare availability and advocating for additional funding to childcare providers. This group is closely monitoring the state’s Shared Service project and reviewing how to implement it locally.
Several local childcare providers, such as the ABC Learning Early Childhood Center, are using available state and federal funding to expand their offerings.
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Childcare Initiative

Arts + Culture

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Bring events to all neighborhoods - 3.3.1
► Evaluate transit to ensure access to arts and culture facilities - 3.3.2
► Co-market community events - 3.3.3
► Partner to encourage new forms of culture and art - 3.3.4

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Work with the City’s Leisure Services Department to consider where and how recreation programming and use of public parks can bring cultural and arts events to neighborhoods that are isolated or distant from downtown. 3.3.1 - Coordinator: Jenni Petersen-Brant, jbrant@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The Rec & Roll Trailer is a mobile outfit from Leisure Services reaching out to area schools (Prescott, Audubon, etc.) and parks (Comiskey, Marshall, Bee Branch, etc.) to take activities to where children are. Partnerships with non-profit organizations like Bell Tower Theater offer arts-based enrichment activities taught by theater professionals performers that elevate and expand Leisure Service's work. The result is a variety of arts and creative play activities through music, puppet theater, and interactive performative experiences that positively impact children social and emotional well-being. (June 2022)
Leisure Services' ongoing partnership with Northeast Iowa School of Music provides scholarships to low-moderate income families to access music lessons at the music school's location on Dubuque’s west side.
The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs regularly convenes conversations between the Leisure Services Department and community organizations to foster partnership across programs and events.

Evaluate public transit and municipal parking policies relative to their success or gaps in providing weekend and evening access to key arts and culture facilities, particularly in Downtown Dubuque and around emerging areas and venues. 3.3.2 - Coordinator: Jacob Ironside, jironsid@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The City of Dubuque is working with consultants to develop Move DBQ, a Smart Parking and Mobility Management Plan. This plan will serve as a comprehensive study and examination of parking needs downtown that will provide the City with guidance on the future. The plan will examine the implementation of smart parking technologies and expanding accessibility to alternative transportation methods such as walking, bikes, and scooters. (June 2022)
Expanded services to 9:00 pm for bus routes were curtailed due to demand at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, running until 7:00 pm on weekdays and 5:45 pm on weekends. The Jule continues to monitor ridership and demand with plans to extend evening service hours once again in the future. (June 2022)
A new fare collection system on The Jule fixed route service went live in August 2021, offering passengers more convenient options to purchase rides via a smart card pass or through a mobile app on their smart phones.

Promote partnerships to co-market events at the University of Dubuque’s Heritage Center and the Arts @ Clarke series as part of the City’s overall offerings. 3.3.3 - Coordinator: Jenni Petersen-Brant, jbrant@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

Established online community calendars, such as those operated by Travel Dubuque, Dubuque 365 Ink, the Telegraph Herald, and various other media outlets, offer opportunities for all to post and promote community event for free. Many of these media outlets translate the online postings into print materials, radio PSAs, and social media content.
The City actively promotes events and programs co-sponsored or funded by through the City’s social media platforms.
The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs hosts bi-weekly virtual convening open to all of Dubuque’s non-profit arts and culture organizations. Convenings offer an opportunity for organizations to share event information, building awareness within the sector about upcoming programs and activities, promoting collaboration and cross-promotion throughout the sector.
The Branding & Communications Working Group of the City’s Arts & Culture Master Plan has contracted with Gigantic Design to develop a community-wide arts and culture focused branding and communications campaign. The campaign’s development is informed by community surveys (2020) and broad stakeholder engagement (2021). The effort is funded by the Iowa Arts & Culture Marketing Grant program through the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs using federal pass-through CARES Act funding in combination with Travel Iowa’s Iowa Tourism Grant program that leverages a 25% cash match from the City of Dubuque. Campaign implementation anticipated by Fall 2022.
Support and promotion of University of Dubuque’s Captain Robert L. Martin Black Heritage Tribute initiative, September 2021-February 2022, through the City’s Arts & Culture Special Projects grant program.

Through partnerships with the Multicultural Family Center, senior citizen organizations/providers, the city’s educational system, and local universities, explore ways to expand how residents think about “culture” and “arts” to include new and emerging forms and expressions. 3.3.4 - Coordinator: Jenni Petersen-Brant, jbrant@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The Dubuque Arts Council's 50-year running Artist-in-Residence program, in partnership with area school districts and the University of Dubuque’s Heritage Center, brings diverse, professional multicultural music performance and artists to 20,000+ students in 31-area schools annually.
Voices Productions’ ongoing mural project engages community through education, training, and involvement in the creation of public art. Since 2015, Voices Productions has worked to secure funding and build relationships with private property owners to transform the streets of Dubuque with public art. To date, Voices has directed the creation of 40+ large-scale outdoor murals in Dubuque while cultivating a talent pool of local muralists through workshops and other community engagement efforts.
A long-standing partnership between the Dubuque Museum of Art and the Dubuque Community and Holy Family schools offers an annual exhibit of K-12 student artwork each Spring in a professional museum setting. Due to COVID-19, the show was presented virtually for an entire year, with an online presence of 150 student artworks from April 9, 2021 through April 15, 2022.
Through intentional outreach to and involvement of the BIPOC community, a working group of the City’s Arts & Culture Master Plan is fostering relationships to building connections between local BIPOC creatives and established arts organizations under what is being called the Dubuque Renaissance Project. In seeking to celebrate and recognize the contributions of BIPOC creativity in Dubuque, provide new opportunities, and nurture greater accessibility, inclusion, and representation of historically marginalized communities, the Arts & Culture GARE Regranting program was launched in Spring 2022 with funding from the Government Alliance on Race & Equity. Projects supported by this pilot program will carried out by June 30, 2023.
In October 2021, the Multicultural Family Center hosted Dubuque’s first Latinx Festival in Washington Park to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The event featured performances by Aztec Dance Chicago and Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico, displays of Capoeira by local instructors, and food vendors serving Hispanic cuisine.
The Multicultural Family Center's hosting of the Pride Family Picnic welcomed over 550 attendees in 2022, even with foul whether, when MFC was able to utilize their new facility, MFC South, as an alternate location.
The City's Arts & Culture Special Projects Grant program funds arts-based projects and events that embrace principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to cultivate new and emerging arts experiences and expose all Dubuquers to diverse and underrepresented stories.

Preservation

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Promote preservation, adaptive reuse of buildings and materials - 3.4.1
► Communicate benefits of historic preservation - 3.4.2
► Utilize emerging funding sources to support rehabilitation - 3.4.3
► Expand programs to train preservation-related building trades - 3.4.4

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Recognizing the importance of historic preservation and adaptive reuse, promote waste recovery, and consider recruiting a Habitat for Humanity ReStore or other building reuse retailer. 3.4.1 - Coordinator: Ken Miller, kmiller@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The Dubuque / Jackson Counties Habitat for Humanity Restore is open, providing donors and buyers options for landfill diversion and reuse of building materials, furniture and appliances.
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) supports building part recycling through education and grants.
The Reuse Shed at the DMASWA offers paints, stains, household cleaners and automotive chemicals for reuse.
Iowa Waste Exchange provides outreach and marketing for businesses to donate, trade and sell used equipment, building parts, and furniture on a larger scale.
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Historic Building Rehabilitation/Preservation

Illustrate the tangible economic and sustainability benefits—direct, indirect, and induced—to Dubuque’s economy and community from the work done by the City’s historic preservation programming and the city’s private and public sector partners. Communicate these benefits consistently to all of Dubuque’s many constituencies. 3.4.2 - Coordinator: Duane Hagerty, dhagerty@heritageworksdbq.com

► Status: On Track

The City's Commitment to Historic Preservation (updated 2022) demonstrates the breadth of work and impact from the City's preservation program.
The Historic Preservation Commission is undertaking Dubuque's Black Heritage Survey in order to tell a fuller history of Dubuque.
Heritage Works' educational programs like the wood window and siding workshops, and walking tours of historic neighborhoods (Architrek) and places help bring awareness and resources to Dubuque's citizens, building appreciation, skill and knowledge. The organization's newsletter helps further outreach about these programs.
Heritage Works' brochure Energy Efficiency in Historic Homes helps provide resources and tips for approaching efficiency with historic structures, demonstrating the best return on investments (ROI) and dispelling myths of making older buildings efficient.
Heritage Works advocates to protect and maintain the effectiveness of federal and state tax credits and incentives that help to preserve and redevelop our historic infrastructure.
The Fall 2018 Issue of Preservation Magazine (National Trust for Historic Preservation) featured Dubuque as the cover story, outreaching nationally to educate about Dubuque's work.
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Historic Building Rehabilitation/Preservation

Work with Dubuque’s regional development community to identify and access new and emerging funding options, including crowd funding, to support the ongoing rehabilitation of the city’s historic properties. 3.4.3 - Coordinator: Duane Hagerty, dhagerty@heritageworksdbq.com

► Status: On Track

Heritage Works has established a Tax Credit Investment Partnership program, vetted and approved by the IRS, that allows The organization to utilize its nonprofit tax-exempt status and historic preservation mission to partner with projects to help them defer federal income tax on the receipt of their state historic tax credit, bringing millions of additional dollars of funding to projects to help them fill gaps and complete difficult projects. The fees they generate through this program will allow it to develop funding streams for small projects to help them pay for pre-development costs and fill small gaps in funding. Heritage Works plans to leverage this funding with additional private donations to provide more impactful funding opportunities for small projects in Dubuque. (August 2022)
A new housing incentive program through the City's Economic Development Department favors historically appropriate renovations to create new affordable housing along the Central Avenue Corridor from 11th to 22nd Streets. (November 2021)
New programs are especially important in the light of the fact that the in the 2022 Iowa legislative session, the legislature passed tax reform which impacted the refundability of Iowa State Historic Tax Credits. Currently, the Iowa Historic Tax Credit is 100% refundable and most small project owners use the refund to help pay off their construction loans or invest the refund into additional projects. Beginning in 2023, the Iowa Historic Tax Credit refundability will be reduced by 5% each year until it is only 75% refundable by 2028. This will have the impact of making smaller projects more difficult to fund. (August 2022)
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Historic Building Rehabilitation/Preservation

Expand existing programs, such as HEART, to train additional local workers in preservation-related building trades. 3.4.4 - Coordinator: Becky Bodish, becky@fourmounds.org

► Status: On Track

The Housing Education and Rehabilitation Training (HEART) program has a variety of facets to address needs in the community, and is a partnership of Four Mounds, the City of Dubuque, Northeast Iowa Community College, Dubuque Community Schools and other community organizations and businesses:
- The HEART Build Dubuque Program (Adult programming) provides both classroom experience and paid, hands-on training at authentic restoration sites in Dubuque's north End, preparing adults for work in the high demand construction industry. Tracks include Construction, Cabinetry/Casework
- Four Mounds also provides employment on their Transitional Employment Pathway (TEP) at the Four Mounds site. Individuals on the TEP build a diverse skill set while being paid and receiving mentor support to set goals and overcome barriers to employment. To date, HEART Build Dubuque has served more than 50 adults. More than 80% of those served live in poverty, 35% minority, and 25% female and has a 92% graduation rate. Preliminary data analysis indicates students coming into the program average $16,000 annual income and upon employment after program completion average $38,000.
- The HEART Building Futures program continues as a partnership including Dubuque Community Schools to prepare young people for life following high school graduation. Students spend part of their day in the traditional classroom and part of their day on an authentic restoration site. See the HEART Program in action.
Heritage Works will hosted a wood working/restoration workshop for 18 people over three days with nationally renown trainer Bob Yapp in October 2021.
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Historic Building Rehabilitation/Preservation

Safety

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Improve trash collection in downtown - 3.5.1
► Enhance sidewalk connectivity - 3.5.2
► Ensure safe lighting of active pedestrian zones - 3.5.3
► Support community policing efforts on diversity/understanding - 3.5.4
► Police / organizational training on mental health and public safety - 3.5.5
► Support safe neighborhoods through community partnerships - 3.5.6

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Assess options for improving trash collection in Downtown Dubuque. 3.5.1 - Coordinator: Jake Jansen, jjansen@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Off Track

Individual programs help staff assess viability and effectiveness of different approaches through practice:
- In 2021, a new electronic collection event took place, diverting 1.5 semi-truck loads of material including monitors, laptops and TVs. This successful event was expanded for 2022, with just under 8 tons of material diverted from the landfill. (June 2022)
- Keep Dubuque Clean encourages residents to improve neighborhoods, parks and streets one bag at a time. (June 2022)
- A limited program, utilizing COVID-19 relief funding, provided free "large item" pickups for targeted neighborhoods in 2021.

Review sidewalk implementation and repair plans, particularly for JFK Road and portions of Dodge Street, to identify places where better sidewalks would contribute to greater safety. 3.5.2 - Coordinator: Jon Dienst, jdienst@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The City received a Transportation Alternatives Program grant of $190,000 to help offset costs of the project and also approved the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars available to help low-moderate income residents along this corridor. (August 2021)
A Safe Routes to School project has received grant funding from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The project is the future completion of sidewalks along John F. Kennedy Road between Asbury Road and the Northwest Arterial to make it safer for students to walk and bike to Eisenhower Elementary School.
The John F. Kennedy Road sidewalks project will be completed in the spring/summer of 2023.
City staff continue to pursue grant opportunities to expand the hike/bike trails in the downtown area.
Sidewalks are GIS mapped by the City to identify gaps and needs.
City working with property owners to seek compliance for deficient walks that can inhibit mobility.
The Hike/Bike Trail along Chavenelle Road from Seippel Road to the NW Arterial was completed in 2022.
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Complete Streets Concept Implementation: 16th St./Elm St./14th St. Railroad Overpass Project

Assess areas of sub-standard lighting and investigate the cost and feasibility of installing additional lighting, particularly solar or LED lights; focus on Downtown Dubuque and other areas with cultural, arts, and community facilities that attract or could attract people from throughout the city. 3.5.3 - Coordinator: Jon Dienst, jdienst@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The City of Dubuque provides a dollar for dollar match for residential property owners who install either front yard or rear yard light fixtures that also improve lighting levels on public sidewalks and alleys.
The City has started adding mid-block and alley lights for evening safety, including along Kaufmann Avenue and budgeted for downtown.
Solar lighting is viable choice for stand-along areas, including bike trails and the Alliant Solar field trail.
New fittings in Millwork District accommodate LED lighting.
A demonstration solar light for the Bee Branch trail near the Alliant Solar Field has been purchased and will be installed the summer of 2022. (June 2022)
The City is seeking a Land & Water Conservation Fund grant for glow in the dark trails at Chaplain Schmitt Island. (February 2022)
City Council Priority Alignment 2022-2024:
- Central Avenue Revitalization Plan: Adoption, Direction, and City Actions

Continue to support the Police Department’s policies and initiatives around diversity, community and understanding, including the community liaison role. 3.5.4 - Coordinator: Jeremy Jensen, jjensen@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

Community-Oriented Policing (COPs), with their signature yellow uniforms and bikes, help bridge gaps in our neighborhoods, focusing on face-to-face communication, work through schools and crime-prevention and safety. Engagement at community and neighborhood activities helps build trust with residents.
Training of emotional intelligence (EQ) as informed response for both police and City-staff help raise self-awareness for the City staff interaction with the public. The Police Department is the lead department on EQ and has expanded its training to other City departments. The goal is to have all members of the City’s leadership team trained in EQ.
The City continues the Dubuque Citizens Police Review Committee in order to provide transparency and engage citizens to provide input into policy. (June 2022)

Explore the potential to provide training and financial resources for the Police Department and community organizations around managing mental health issues in the context of public safety. 3.5.5 - Coordinator: Jeremy Jensen, jjensen@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The 2019-2021 Brain Health Strategy & Action Plan helps guide the community.
The Crisis Intervention Team are trained staff from the Dubuque Police Department to respond to vulnerable situations with a nuanced and informed approach. The Police Department expanded training to more first responders, including all Dubuque Fire and 911 Dispatchers. These trainings in Crisis Response provides staff with more tools to readily respond to brain health issues. (June 2022)
The Peer to Peer employee assistance program at the City of Dubuque leads staff to help staff confidentially in times of need. The Police Department's peer program was expanded, and additional City staff were trained. COVID-19 pandemic impacts and the return-to-work aspects showed a heavy need for the peer support staff.
The Jail Diversion Program helps find alternative, effective measures for dealing with non-violent criminal situations. Jail diversion continues to be an active endeavor. The addition of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers has provided many additional diversions from jail and direction to brain health providers. The Police Department is working with partners including Hillcrest Family Services and the Mental Health/Disability Services of the East Central Region to explore development of a formal Access Hub as a drop in-drop off location for people experiencing brain health stressors.

Foster continued partnerships between the Dubuque Police and neighborhood associations to address safety and operations, especially as new or enhanced neighborhood recreation facilities are identified and designed. 3.5.6 - Coordinator: Jeremy Jensen, jjensen@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

Community-Oriented Policing (COPs) (yellow shirts) bridge gaps in our neighborhoods, focusing on face-to-face communication, work through schools and crime-prevention and safety. Engagement at community and neighborhood activities helps build trust with residents. COPs provide assistance on committees and at youth-centered organizations like the Dream Center and Multicultural Family Center.
Community Resource Officer (CROs) program (red shirts) provide practical training and experience for future police officers, while providing greater assistance to the community in non-traditional spaces. Since 2011, over 70% of trained CROs have gone on to become Dubuque Police Officers. The department focuses CRO work on neighborhood visibility and response, while giving potential officers practical training not possible through internships. (June 2022)

Health

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Promote partnerships and policies that support mental health - 3.6.1
► Evaluate community-based options to support mental health - 3.6.2
► Work with health providers to promote healthy choices - 3.6.3
► Promote in-school healthy foods - 3.6.4 *

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Actively promote partnerships and policies that address mental health and addiction, focusing on prevention and building community resilience rather than reactions. 3.6.1 - Coordinator: Mary Rose Corrigan, mcorriga@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) convenes the Brain Health Task force, working to bring professionals and citizens together around the needs and responses for long-term solutions. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is offering Brain Health Training scholarships to Nurses, Hospice Care, Law Enforcement, Educators, Recent College Grads (health care field), and Mental Health Professionals in Dubuque County. This scholarship opportunity is being funded by the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors and the Iowa Governor’s Alliance of the East Central Region. (June 2022)
2019-21 Brain Health Strategy & Action Plan helps provide information to help guide resources and services for citizens in need.
UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital and Hillcrest Family Services are collaborating for a year-long assessment of brain health services and gaps, funded through the Dubuque County mental health reserve funds. (July 2021)
A Brain Health Court, modeled on Drug Court, to develop a non-punitive approach to crimes which are neither a DUI, nor sexual or violent in nature, will be explored when the city positions hired for jail diversion and identifying community partners for jail diversion are hired.
Clarke University is expanding their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program by adding a focus in Psychiatric Mental Health. Graduates will be able to treat the body and brain in a wide range of healthcare settings. Options include a full-degree program or a certificate add-on for those already with a DNP. (August 2022)
The Dubuque County Sheriff's Department hired a full-time position of law enforcement liaison in August 2021, to assist with people experiencing brain health crises in Dubuque County. However, this position is not allowed to do brain health work in the city of Dubuque. The Police Department applied for DOJ grant to make two officer full time Crisis Intervention Team. (June 2022)
In January 2022, Dubuque Community School District Hempstead and Senior High Schools opened Brain Health Rooms to help alleviate anxiety in students brought on during or exacerbated by the pandemic. Rooms are staffed by social workers or brain health counselor, to help coordinate educational, developmental, health and other services for families. Plans include expansion to other schools and using additional grant funding to provide wrap around support services for families during and after school hours, starting at the high school level.
The increased need for brain health services during COVID-19 partially led to the opening of a new service provider in Dubuque, Covenant Family Solutions, seeing patients as young as seven years old.
The Brain Health Summit helped educate community members and destigmatize Brain Health, sponsored by Northeast Iowa Community College and Brain Health Now.

Evaluate community-based options for supporting mental health, such as support groups for people experiencing depression, caregivers, and affected families. 3.6.2 - Coordinator: Mary Rose Corrigan, mcorriga@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) convenes the Brain Health Task force, working to bring professionals and citizens together around the needs and responses for long-term solutions. (June 2022)
CFGD secured a $50,000 grant during COVID-19 to help St. Mark's Youth Enrichment and the Dubuque Dream Center deliver Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) programming to children and young people. (July 2021)
CFGD's "Bridging Brain Health Gaps" found that the need for stronger brain health systems increased by two to three fold during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying the increased need for non-traditional supports, including peer-to-peer services. On the other hand, a reduction in brain health stigma left more people open to discussing issues. (August 2021)
Through a generous challenge grant from Jim Theisen, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is seeking funding to develop an endowment to support a new Caregiver Resource Center. Stonehill Health Center will provide the space and services, supported by the endowment revenue, with a goal of opening in Summer 2022. (August 2021)
The Crescent Community Health Center's Brain Health clinic now has 7 FTE providers who saw 2182 client visits and 4000 virtual visits in 2021. Crescent offers Brain Health Services on a sliding fee scale in addition to accepting Medicaid, Medicare and some private insurance. (June 2022)
Hillcrest Family Services launched AccessMeCare's platform in October 2021 to serve residents' needs to find relevant services. The mobile app platform develops relationships between organizations, focusing on both the users and providers. Services cover basic needs, brain health, transportation, primary care and wellness, and housing. Hillcrest intends to also install easy access kiosks in pertinent locations throughout the community. (June 2022)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Dubuque provides support services to individuals and families affected by brain health issues.
Continued reported workforce shortages, as a result of impacts during COVID-19, affect organizations like Hillcrest Family Services and Hills & Dales, which both report rates of over 30% vacancy. The gap challenges the organizations as they work to serve to those experiencing brain health issues and living with disabilities, especially in light of the increased needs for service as a result of the pandemic. (September 2021)
Hillcrest Family Services launched A New Day Walk-in Center and the Telehealth Resource Network to support brain health needs with same-day response and services. Therapy, substance abuse treatment, peer support, and care coordination are just some of the strategies for responding to emergent on ongoing needs. (June 2022)
Hillcrest wants to take a lead role on Brain Health issues in the City and have hired new staff and are planning a 23 hour drop in center upon hiring psychiatric nurses. (June 2022)

Explore the potential for Dubuque area health providers to “prescribe” fruits and vegetables as part of a strategy to combat obesity. 3.6.3 - Coordinator: Mary Rose Corrigan, mcorriga@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Off Track

Crescent Community Health Center's (CCHC) Pacific Islander Health Project helps provide awareness, education/cooking classes, and healthy foods for the Marshallese community who are disproportionately affected by diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and other illnesses.
CCHC is in exploratory phase of expanding their wellness center and training kitchen, which may include a fresh food distribution site, to further help patients with access to healthy food and education.
CCHC is offering Lifestyle Medicine as an option to provide a more holistic approach to wellness for its patients, including nutrition. (June 2022)
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) facilitates and encourages the use of fresh foods by encouraging users to take their food coupons to Farmers Markets.
A 2019 study of prescription programs for youth describes models for this concept.

Promote in-school healthy food actions including school gardens, wellness, and exercise. 3.6.4 * - Coordinator: Allie White, awhite@dbqschools.org

► Status: On Track

Project Rooted responded to the need for feeding children at home during the pandemic in with healthy, convenient food options.
School gardens at Roosevelt and Sageville schools provide fun learning and food-experimentation opportunities for often reluctant children.
Farmers Market bucks were provided for families to encourage exploration of local foods and the experience of shopping at market.
Yoga in school gardens teaches wellness to children with no other equipment than their bodies.
Collaboration of administration and parents at Lincoln School are planning for reconfiguration of the outdoor space to create healthy food and plant/soil lifecycle lessons for students. Creation of raised gardens and planting of perennial fruits will provide classes with learning opportunities and the school options to outreach to the neighborhood with workshops or plant-share opportunities. Community Development Block Funds are being sought for the support of the project and other playground enhancements. (August 2021)
The Dubuque Schools Wellness Committee completed a triennial assessment which will be released in 2022 on their website. (June 2022)

Recreation

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Update the Parks and Recreation Plan - 3.7.1
► Community Health + Wellness/Recreation Center - 3.7.2
► Make Dubuque more dog-friendly - 3.7.3 *

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Re-evaluate the parks and recreation plan, potentially through a strategic update or addendum, to identify opportunities to provide flexible, programmable space; improve active recreation connectivity in neighborhoods; and enhance Dubuque’s “dog-friendliness.” 3.7.1 - Coordinator: Marie Ware, mware@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

Four City funded FY 2022 and FY 2023 planning projects include Comprehensive Park Master Plan, Natural Resources Plan, Quality of Life Assessment for parks and a Deferred Maintenance Assessment for park structures, facilities, grounds and trails. They have a focus on equity, engagement, services and facilities.
The Miracle League Complex engages citizens at all levels of ability, with playground, outdoor and indoor meeting spaces and ballpark facilities. Since completion in 2020, the Miracle League of Dubuque has continued to fundraise and add amenities, responding to the positive community reaction and use. The site has substantially increased awareness and use of the Veteran's Memorial Park in which it is located. It continues to be flexible for the needs of all citizens.
Also at Veteran's Memorial Park are new pickleball courts. An ad hoc group of enthusiasts finds the courts popular and is interested in exploring expansion of facilities and more amenities.
In July 2022, City Council members voted to approve a pre-annexation agreement with the State of Iowa to eventually annex the Mines of Spain property. There is no timeframe to proceed with annexation. This follows up on last year's agreement to for managing the MOS Recreation area and the EB Lyons Nature Center, in collaboration with Dubuque County Conservation board, the IA DNR, and the Friends of the MOS.
A new restroom and redevelopment of the playground is planned for Jackson Park by the end of 2023. This park serves as a start for parades in Dubuque and the site of many festivals and activities, serving the surrounding neighborhood.
Comiskey Park's plan for redevelopment is underway, with expansion of the park to the east, including native plantings, and a new splash pad, playground and basketball courts. The plan reconfigures the park to better meet today's needs. An inclusive community engagement process helped guide development to be user-focused, bringing citizen-led planning to this park that serves the North End and Washington neighborhoods. Phase II will include parking and additional basketball courts at the new east section, mitigating cleanup of a brownfield site that was acquired from Morrison Brothers Co. next door. Learn more about the park plans and community engagement process.
The City, Dubuque County Conservation Board, IA Department of Natural Resources and Friends of the Mines of Spain partnered and approved a management agreement in late 2021 that expanded staff, hours and programs at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center in 2022.
The Multicultural Family Center expansion provides more space for festivities, meetings, classes and community-building. The incorporation of Leisure Services customer service desk as you enter the Ruby Sutton building brought City services closer to families in a downtown location and a more accessible location on a bus line.
FY 2023 has funding available for development of mini parks in Westbrook, Eagle Valley, and English Ridge subdivisions.
Memorial Day of 2020 marked the re-dedication of the Veterans Memorial Plaza on Chaplain Schmitt Island. Additional amenities were added to the site. FY 2023 will see a trail that connects the 16^th Street bridge to Veterans Memorial Plaza.
A trail project added further connection of the Northwest Arterial Trail to the Bergfeld Recreation Area along Chavenelle Road in 2021 and 2022.
September of 2021 saw the addition of Mystique Community Ice Center to city recreational amenities available to the public as well as many ice user groups and the Dubuque Fighting Saints USHL team.
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Comprehensive Parks Master Plan
City Council Priority Alignment 2022-2024:
- Sutton Pool Staffing and Operational Needs: Future Direction and Funding

Initiate a feasibility evaluation for a Community Center, potentially including indoor recreation and indoor/outdoor aquatic facilities, with an eye towards creating a multi-generational and central community gathering place that supports health, wellness, and social interaction among residents. 3.7.2- Coordinator: Marie Ware, mware@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: At Risk

The Multicultural Family Center expansion of facilities in Fall 2021 provides for more options for festivities, meetings, classes and community-building. The incorporation of Leisure Services office on the first floor of the Ruby Sutton building brings City services closer to families in a downtown location.
City of Dubuque Engineering and Economic Development staff presented a City Council Work Session in August 2022 about the potential redevelopment of a 12-acre site in the North Port of Dubuque. They presented results from a Environmental Protection Agency funded Reuse Study for City-Owned 5th Street Site in the Port of Dubuque, regarding the feasibility of developing a sports & recreation facility.
The Dream Center's expansion of service to provide licensed day care increased the quality of services to families in the Washington Neighborhood in 2021, and is supported by the City of Dubuque. The center's planned expansion to take over old Fulton School brings similar recreation, mentoring, academic assistance and childcare services to Dubuque's Northend Neighborhood. Partnership came from Dubuque Community Schools discounting the sale price of the school, and additional acquisition dollars came from the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Racing Association. (September 2022)
The YMCA/YWCA is currently exploring opportunities for a new facility location and potential collaborative partnerships.

Evaluate and revise, as appropriate, the dog-related policies for all of Dubuque’s park and recreation facilities. 3.7.3 * - Coordinator: Steve Fehsal, sfehsal@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

On July 1, 2020, the City of Dubuque enacted a new ordinance permitting leashed dogs and cats in most Dubuque parks, parkways, trails, and open spaces. Click here to learn more about the new policy.
Learn more about the City's approach to a Pet Friendly Community.
Unleashed dogs are permitted in the Pet Park.
As drinking fountains are replaced in areas that allow pets, they are being replaced with fountains that have pet bowls attached.
The City installed 25 pet waste stations in August 2021 along high use areas like parks and trails that were identified by the Pet Friendly Working Group.
The Be AWARE Campaign is working to bring education and programming to responsible pet owners and community members alike. A developing public/private partnership with Leisure Services is starting to provide services at playgrounds and parks.