The Dubuque City Council completed its annual goal-setting sessions on Thursday, Aug. 24.  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 2023-2025 policy agenda as well as in-progress projects and capital projects for 2023-2025.

The 2038 Dubuque Vision Statement

Dubuque 2038 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 2028 

• Vibrant Community: Healthy and Safe
• Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization: Sustainable, Equitable, 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.

2023 – 2025 Top Priorities (in alphabetical order):

• Air Service: Future Strategy and Action Plan
• City Workforce Retention and Attraction
• Comprehensive Study of Fire Station Locations and Staffing
• Police Department Full Staffing
• Street Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program

2023 – 2025 High Priorities (in alphabetical order):

• Bee Branch Detention Basin Pump Replacement
• Catfish Creek Sanitary Sewer Project Pump Station
• Central Avenue Corridor Revitalization Plan
• Leveraging Federal and State Infrastructure Grant Programs
• RAISE Grant & Matching Funds for Construction (14th St. Railroad Overpass and Elm St. and 16th St. Corridor Complete Streets)