Goals & Priorities

The 2040 Dubuque Vision Statement

Dubuque 2040 is a sustainable and resilient city, an inclusive and equitable community where ALL are welcome. Dubuque 2040 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 2030 

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

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.

2025 – 2027 Top Priorities (in alphabetical order):

  • Commercial Air Service Future: Strategy and Action Plan to Sustain and Expand
  • Comprehensive Fire Station Location and Facilities Study
  • Fire Department Staffing Increases
  • Police Department: Full Staffing and Hiring
  • Sanitary Sewer Investments and Implementation
    • Catfish Creek Sanitary Sewer Project
    • Cedar Street Lift Station and Force Main
    • Chaplain Schmitt Island Sanitary Sewer
    • Cooper Place/Maiden Lane Project
    • Grove Terrace Project
    • Harvard Street Project
    • Hempstead Street Project
    • Sanitary Sewer Force Main Stabilization Project
    • Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree Compliance
    • Terminal Street Lift Station and Force Main
    • Other Projects
  • Sports Complex Development
  • Stormwater Management Investments and Implementation:
  • Street Maintenance/Rehabilitation Program

2025 – 2027 High Priorities (in alphabetical order): 

Management in Progress and Major Projects

Under each City Council goal are items listed as Management in Progress and Major Projects. These are items and projects that are underway and budgeted. Staff is implementing and providing updates to City Council.

Download a PDF of the 2025 Dubuque City Council Goals and Priorities brochure.