The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors has voted to approve the Offer to Buy Real Estate and Acceptance for the Dubuque County Fairgrounds, authorizing the long‑discussed transfer of the property to the Dubuque County Fair Association (DCFA). The decision followed a public hearing on April 16, 2026, where the board reviewed the finalized documents governing the disposal of county‑owned real estate. portal.civic…

This vote concludes years of discussion about the fairgrounds’ future. The Fair Association has operated the site since 1979 but lacked ownership—an obstacle that limited its ability to secure major donations, pursue capital projects, or plan long‑term improvements. During earlier work sessions, association leaders stressed that deed ownership was essential for fundraising and modernization efforts. citizenpo

Fair Association leaders—including General Manager John Breese and Board President Kevin Coats—told supervisors that donors and grantmakers were reluctant to invest without long‑term control of the land. Breese compared the situation to “trying to shovel the snow and not use your hands,” emphasizing the need for stability to pursue major improvements.

The transfer is expected to unlock new fundraising opportunities and allow the association to begin planning long‑delayed upgrades to buildings, infrastructure, and event facilities.