Five Flags Civic Center Assessment and Study

BACKGROUND

The Five Flags Civic Center has long served as an important community asset for Dubuque and its residents. Significant changes have occurred within the event facility industry nationwide and the City of Dubuque is working with residents ands stakeholders to determine the most appropriate path forward for the Five Flags Civic Center and its ongoing role in Dubuque.  In August 2018, the Dubuque City Council identified "Five Flags Center: Direction and Funding" as a top priority for its 2018-2020 policy agenda.

PHASE 1: ASSESSMENT & STUDY

To assist in this process, the City hired a consultant, Conventions, Sports and Leisure International (CSL), in 2017 to conduct a comprehensive study and assessment.  "An Assessment and Study Regarding the Future of Five Flags Civic Center" was presented to the Civic Center Commission on May 3, 2018, and at a City Council Work Session on May 14, 2018.  The purpose of Phase 1 was to assess the status and included: study kickoff and initial project planning, local market conditions and visitor industry assessment, analysis of existing Five Flags Civic Center operations, industry trends review, competitive/comparable facility analysis, and market surveys. At the July 2, 2018, City Council meeting, the Five Flags Civic Center Commission forwarded their unanimous recommendation from the June 25, 2018, Commission meeting to receive and file the Five Flags Civic Center Assessment and Study completed by Conventions, Sports and Leisure International (CSL).  Additionally, they unanimously recommended, based upon the response of the Dubuque community and all the public input, that the Council choose scenario four for the Five Flags renovations. The City Council placed the Assessment and Study on file.

For complete details on the Phase 1 Assessment and Study, CLICK HERE.

To watch the July 2, 2018, City Council meeting discussion, CLICK HERE.

Following the review and discussion of the assessment and study, the City Council contracted again with CSL in November 2018 to perform Phase 2 planning for an expanded and improved Five Flags Civic Center scenario #4 from the Phase 1 Assessment and Study. The report was to be presented to staff by December 7 and City Council on December 17, 2018.

PHASE 2: DECEMBER 2018 UPDATE

 The "Summary of Phase 2 Planning for an Expanded/Improved Five Flags Center" was submitted to the City from CSL, Betsch Associates, and FEH Design on Dec. 12, 2018.  The study was discussed at the Dec. 14, 2018, Five Flags Civic Center Commission meeting and at the City Council at their Dec. 17, 2018, meeting.  The City Council placed the Phase 2 Study on file at their Dec. 17, 2018, meeting. 

The City Council has not yet made a decision on the future of the Five Flags Civic Center.  If the City Council would choose to pursue the plans as outlined in the Phase 2 study, the issue would need to be approved by the community first through a ballot referendum.

For complete details on the Phase 2 Report, CLICK HERE.

To watch the Dec. 17, 2018, City Council meeting discussion, CLICK HERE.

Click to learn about Phase 2

FFC Phase 2 Report Cover