Cavanagh Receives Mayor of the Year Award

SEPT. 19, 2025

Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh was recently named Mayor of the Year in the Over 10,000 in Population category by the Iowa Mayors Association. The award was presented at the association’s business meeting on Wed., Sept. 17, during the Iowa of League of Cities Annual Conference and Exhibit in Des Moines.

The Mayor of the Year Award was created to recognize individuals who have provided extraordinary public service to their community, the Iowa League of Cities, Iowa Mayors Association, and local government. The award has three population categories: Under 2,000, 2,000-10,000, and Over 10,000. Mayors Przychodzin of Massena and Van Otterloo of Rock Valley won the other categories.

Mayor Cavanagh served as the Iowa League’s board president this past year, leading conversations and partnerships across the state and at the Iowa Capitol. The association noted Cavanagh prioritized transparent public communications, launching a new “Delivering Dubuque with Mayor Cavanagh” video program to explore how the city is making investments, the public improvement initiatives the city is progressing, and key facets of local government for residents.

According to the association, although the position of mayor of Dubuque is part-time, Mayor Cavanagh’s dedication and efforts make it seem like a full-time commitment. Mayor Cavanagh’s talents as a gifted speaker, strategic thinker, and problem solver serve his community well and rank him highly amongst his peers and most deserving of this recognition.

The Iowa League of Cities recognizes and celebrates the engaging and thoughtful leadership of Mayor Cavanagh in meeting the unique needs of Dubuque.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Mike Armstrong, Iowa League of Cities Communications Coordinator
mikearmstrong@iowaleague.org, 515.244.7282