Economic vitality and competitiveness are essential to the quality of life in our city and state.  At all levels of government, partnerships are becoming progressively more prevalent and increasingly involve the public and private sectors in their design, financing and management.  Dubuque leadership looks to public/private partnerships in order to thrive in today’s competitive landscape and global economy.  

After a couple of years with no construction in the Port of Dubuque, the City finds itself on the threshold of an approximate $120 million investment in that location involving the $32 million development by McGraw-Hill Higher Education, Inc., a $6.5 million renovation of the Dubuque Brewery & Amphitheater, and the most recent announcement, the $82 million America's River Phase II project, involving the expansion of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the Diamond Jo Casino!  Not since the $188 million America’s River Phase I project have we had such a comprehensive and exciting opportunity!

Your city council unanimously endorsed the Dubuque County Historical Society’s application for Vision Iowa funding in the amount of $5 million to develop the RiverMax Theatre and Great Rivers Center, and $4 million in Community Attraction (CAT) Funds.  I joined with a group of project principals to travel to Decorah, where we had the opportunity to present to the Vision Iowa Board the Historical Society and Diamond Jo development plans, and to demonstrate our belief that the continued improvements and expansion at the Museum and Aquarium will have tangible educational and economic benefits for both Dubuque and the state of Iowa.  And the expansion of the Diamond Jo, to include family attractions such as a state-of-the-art bowling center and restaurants, will further increase patronage to the mix of amenities both in the port and the city as a whole, in addition to increased revenues to the city, county and state of Iowa.

At this early stage, it is time for us to remember the tremendous success we have experienced as a community with the America’s River Phase I project, including the synergy it created for the revitalization of our downtown area.  We must also remember we will face challenges ahead, including from neighboring communities and states, as we continue to compete as a growing and vibrant city in the Midwest.  And finally, it is time to remind ourselves that, together, we are responsible for our future and will need to work together to achieve our community’s vision and reach our collective goals.

I constantly hear that people from around the state and in neighboring states are asking, “What does Dubuque have going on?”  In the final analysis, I believe it’s pretty basic.  Like any family, we often times agree … and sometimes we disagree about the best path to take.  But, make no mistake: When it comes to our future and our respect for one another, we are one true partnership.  We are ONE community.

On behalf of my council colleagues, I cannot express enough the pride we share in service to Dubuque.  And we want everyone in Iowa, and beyond, to know that with this next phase of America’s River, we will indeed represent our Iowa family with the same conviction and pride!