Sustainability

Sustainable Dubuque is more than a City initiative; it’s a community value.

Visit the community Sustainable Dubuque webpage to find out more about how businesses and neighborhoods are getting involved, and have access to local and national resources to help you in our quest towards creating a more viable and livable community.

Sustainable Dubuque Logo

Dubuque’s Approach

In 2006 and every year since, the Mayor and City Council identified becoming a more Sustainable City as one of their top priorities for our community. Sustainability is defined by a community’s ability to meet the environmental, economic, and social needs of today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable Dubuque is a holistic approach to making our community more sustainable. Our model involves a three-part approach that addresses:

  • Environmental and Ecological Integrity
  • Economic Prosperity
  • Social and Cultural Vibrancy        

Each of these pieces is important individually and helps contribute to a sustainable community.

Teen Resiliency Corps

The Teen Resiliency Corps (TRC) is a partnership between the Multicultural Family Center (MFC) and Sustainable Dubuque to address community needs related to sustainability and resiliency at the block level. TRC is made up of MFC teens (with adult mentors) who canvasses Dubuque neighborhoods, checking in on residents and focusing on climate action. In 2020, the TRC focused on rapid response to COVID-19, and in 2021 TRC focused on energy efficiency in housing + resiliency building.  2022-2023 programming focused on disaster preparedness. For the next several years, TRC will focus on increasing Dubuque’s tree canopy through tree selection, planting, and maintenance.

Now Hiring TRC Crew Leads for Summer 2026

Must be between 19-24 years of age
TRC Crew Leads partner with the City of Dubuque and Multicultural Family Center program managers and community partners to mentor and supervise youth (ages 14–18) in urban forestry, tree care, nature-based climate solutions, community outreach, and professional development. This role leads the TRC team, overseeing projects such as tree maintenance and natural resource management, while ensuring safety, supervision, project execution, and evaluation.

Learn more and apply for the TRC Crew Lead position!

TRC will also be hiring Crew Members to serve this summer! Job details will be posted this spring. Check back soon!

Sustainable Dubuque Community Grants Available

Grants up to $2,500 for a community project are available to organizations, businesses, and passionate residents. Approved projects will incorporate Sustainable Dubuque principles and include an element of community engagement and/or education. Please review the grant guidelines, application form, and scoring rubric, and then submit your electronic application. Grant applications are reviewed bi-annually, based on funding availability. 

Deadlines are March 15 (spring cycle) and September 15 (fall cycle) annually.

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: Only applications received via the online form will be accepted. The form works best using Firefox or Chrome browsers.

Sustainable Dubuque Community Grants Reporting

If you have completed your Sustainable Dubuque grant project, please fill out the reporting form or email program staff to schedule a verbal report to the Resilient Community Advisory Commission. To be reimbursed, please download and fill out the receipt cover sheet. Next, submit the receipts and cover sheet using the Grant Reimbursement Request Form.

National Model for Sustainability

Read the Sustainable Dubuque brochure* to learn how Dubuque is creating a national model for sustainability.

* This document references concepts prohibited in IA HF856 amending Ch 19 of the Iowa Code.  It was adopted prior to HF856 passage on May 27, 2025. Changes will be made if and when the document is revised.

Contact Us

  1. GinaBellGina Bell  |  email
    Director of Sustainability
    Phone: 563-690-6038
    TTY/TRS: 711 or 800-735-2942 (Relay Iowa)




    City Hall
    50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001

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    Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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