Dubuque, Iowa – September 5, 2025

Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen, the longest-serving city manager in the city’s history, announced his retirement effective June 2027, after over three decades of dedicated service. Van Milligen, who began his tenure in January 1993, informed the Dubuque City Council of his decision, citing a life-altering hit-and-run accident as a key factor in his choice to retire earlier than initially planned.

In a heartfelt letter to Mayor Brad Cavanagh and the City Council, Van Milligen reflected on his nearly 50-year career in public service, including his time as a police officer in Carbondale, Illinois, and assistant village manager in Skokie, Illinois, before taking the helm in Dubuque. He highlighted defining moments that shaped his life, from lessons of love and respect learned from his parents, members of the “Greatest Generation,” to the profound impact of his wife, Nancy, and their family of five children, over 30 foster children, and 18 grandchildren.

Van Milligen’s tenure in Dubuque has been marked by a commitment to “Planning, Partnerships, and People.” He credited the city’s success to the talented team of city employees, elected officials, and community partners, emphasizing his philosophy of empowering others, inspired by conductor Benjamin Zander’s words: “The conductor of an orchestra doesn’t make a sound. He depends, for his power, on his ability to make other people powerful.”

The decision to retire was accelerated by a near-fatal incident on March 27, 2025, when Van Milligen was struck by a hit-and-run drunk driver in downtown Dubuque. “This brush with death helped crystallize my thoughts on retirement,” he wrote, noting his desire to pursue a third career and spend more time with his family, who are spread across the country.

Mayor Brad Cavanagh expressed gratitude for Van Milligen’s extensive contributions and the advance notice, which provides the city council with ample time to plan for a smooth transition. “On behalf of the city council, I want to thank Mike for his many years of service to this community,” Cavanagh said. “I look forward to additional opportunities over the next 20 months to acknowledge and reflect on his positive impacts on Dubuque.”

Van Milligen’s letter concluded with a nod to Mark Twain: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” As he prepares to step down, Van Milligen leaves behind a legacy of leadership and a vision for Dubuque as a “Masterpiece on the Mississippi.” The city now begins the process of planning for its next chapter, with the search for a new city manager on the horizon.

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