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, livable and equitable community.

sustainabledbq_horz

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 equity 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. Find out more about how the model works

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 focuses on disaster preparedness. We are no longer accepting applicants for 2022-2023.


Renew DBQ Solar Program

The City is helping residents with low-to-moderate incomes access solar infrastructure through its Renew DBQ program. Starting in 2021 as a pilot program, Renew DBQ was able to help 10 families with low- to moderate-incomes (LMI) overcome the initial up-front cost hurdle of going solar by creating an informal Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) market. This project takes a three-part approach to sustainability by reducing monthly energy bills for residents with LMI, serves as an economic multiplier/job creator for local installers, and helps the City to reach its 50% by 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goals, achieving a triple bottom line. For the 2022-2023 cycle, the program plans install solar on 20 homes throughout the City. At this time, the City is no longer taking applications but check back for updates. 

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 click the “Apply Now” button to fill out and submit your electronic application.

Grant applications are reviewed bi-annually, based on funding availability. Deadlines for 2023 are March 15 (spring cycle) and Sept. 15 (fall cycle).

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: Only applications received via the online form will be accepted. 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. Then submit receipts using the Grant Reimbursement Request Form.

Download the Sustainable Dubuque brochure to see how Dubuque is Creating a National Model for Sustainability. 

Contact Us

  1. GinaBellGina Bell  |  email
    Sustainable Community Coordinator

    Phone: 563-690-6038


     

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

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

    facebook