Goals & Priorities

The 2034 Dubuque Vision Statement

Dubuque 2034 is a sustainable and resilient city and an inclusive and equitable community. Dubuque 2034 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, livable neighborhoods; have an abundance of fun things to do; and are 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 2024

  • Robust Local Economy: Diverse Businesses and Jobs with Economic Prosperity
  • Vibrant Community: Healthy and Safe
  • Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Place to Live
  • Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization: Sustainable, Equitable, and Effective Service Delivery
  • Sustainable Environment: Preserving and Enhancing Natural Resources
  • Partnership for a Better Dubuque: Building Our Community that is Viable, Livable, and Equitable
  • Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities
  • Connected Community: Equitable Transportation, Technology Infrastructure, and Mobility

Policy Agenda

Policy agenda items are issues that need direction or a policy decision by the City Council, or need 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.

2019 – 2021 Top Priorities (in alphabetical order):

  • Dream Center: Facilities & Programs
  • Emerald Ash Borer Program 
  • Human Resources Policies & Handbook Revision 
  • Imagine Dubuque: Implementation
  • Major Street Improvement Plan: Project Priority & Funding
  • Parking Ramp Maintenance: Funding

2019 – 2021 High Priorities (in alphabetical order):

  • Brain Health Strategy & Action Plan
  • Debt Reduction Plan: Re-Affirmation
  • Fountain of Youth: Funding
  • Four Mounds/HEART Program: Funding
  • Street Maintenance Program: Increased Funding 
  • Transit Vehicle Replacement Funding

Management Agenda

Management agenda items are issues for which the City Council has set the overall direction and provided initial funding, may require further City Council action or funding, or are major management projects that may take multiple years to implement.  The management agenda is divided into top priorities and high priorities.

2019 – 2021 Management Agenda Top Priorities (in alphabetical order):

  • Bee Branch Creek Projects: Next Steps 
  • CHANGE Program: True North Housing Initiative & Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program 
  • Equitable Poverty Prevention: Action Plan 
  • Industrial Park Development
  • Leisure Services Facilities Deferred Maintenance Assessment 
  • Multi-Tiered Housing Inspection Program 
  • Park Development Projects for Non-TIF(Tax-Increment Financing), Donated Park Sites: Funding
  • Traffic Signal Synchronization/STREETS(Smart Traffic Routing with Efficient and Effective Traffic Signals): Funding

2019 – 2021 Management Agenda High Priorities (in alphabetical order):

  • Citywide Departmental Work Order System Implementation 
  • Dubuque Riverfront Master Plan (Corps of Engineers) 
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurial Strategy 
  • School Resource Officer: Implementation 
  • Southwest Arterial Business Development 
  • Water & Resource Recovery Center: Nutrient Trading


View the brochure with complete details on the 2019 City Council Goals & Priorities.