AUGUST 28, 2026

The Dubuque City Council completed its annual goal-setting sessions on Thursday evening, Aug. 27. Over the course of three evening sessions, city council members revised the 15-year vision statement, affirmed the mission statement, and identified five-year goals for the city. They also identified top and high priorities for a 2026-2027 policy agenda as well as in-progress projects and capital projects for 2026-2027.

The 2041 Dubuque Vision Statement

Dubuque 2041 is recognized as a:

• Safe Community: Feeling Safe Anytime and Anywhere
• Healthy Community: Support for Personal Wellness
• Beautiful Community: Pride in Our Appearance
• Livable Community: Choice of Neighborhoods and Housing
• Vibrant Community: Destinations for Residents and Guests
• Prosperous Community: Thriving Local Economy for All
• Active Community: Experiences for All
• Connected Community: Dubuque Connected to the World
• Welcoming Community: Everyone Belongs

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 2031

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

Policy Agenda

Policy agenda items are issues that need direction or a policy decision or 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.  

2026 – 2028 Top Priorities (in alphabetical order):

• Comprehensive Fire Stations Location Study
• Dubuque Law Enforcement Center (DLEC) Short-Term Facility Enhancements (including Police/Fire Administration Facilities Study)
• Fire Department Staff Increases
• Police Department Full Staffing and Hiring
• Stormwater Management Investments Implementation: Direction, Funding and Project Completion
  a. 17th/Locust St. Stormwater Phase 2
  b. Kaufmann Ave. Storm Sewer
  c. Stormwater Detention Pond Maintenance
  d. Individual Neighborhood Situations

2026 – 2028 High Priorities (in alphabetical order):

• Asphalt Street Maintenance/Rehabilitation Program: Direction and Funding (10 Miles)
• Central Avenue Revitalization Plan Development: Construction and Traffic, Business Development, and Housing Creation
• City Strategy Supporting Community Efforts to Address Unhoused Individuals: Partnerships,
• Learn About Partner Mission/Actions
• Comprehensive Sports Tourism Partnership Projects
  a. Indoor/Outdoor Sports Complex
  b. Indoor Sports Facilities
  c. Second Ice Sheet
  d. Field of Dreams
  e. Competition Pool
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan Implementation Projects:
  a. Eagle Point Park: Continued Upgrades and Implementation of Increased Staffing
  b. Aquatics Study
  c. Second Ice Sheet
  d. Indoor/Outdoor Sports Complex

---