In an article written last October, “Partnering for Success…Phase II in the Port of Dubuque,” I considered the economic vitality and competitiveness essential to the quality of life in our City and State.  Dubuque then, and now, looks to public/private partnerships in order to thrive in today’s competitive landscape and global economy.

I am very pleased to share that the City of Dubuque has been selected to receive the Iowa Planning Excellence Award for “Implementation of the Port of Dubuque Master Plan!”  The award will be presented as a part of the 2007 Upper Midwest Regional Planning Conference, “Rollin on the River,” being held in Dubuque beginning Wednesday, October 31, through November 2.

As City Planning Manager Laura Carstens shared, “Iowa APA Planning Excellence Awards are available in three categories: Best Practice, Grassroots Initiative, and Implementation.  Criteria for each category include originality and innovation; quality, comprehensiveness, public participation, role of planners, and effectiveness and results.

The City’s “Implementation” Award demonstrates a significant achievement for the area in accomplishing positive changes as a result of solid planning.  This category emphasizes long-term, measurable results to demonstrate that sustained implementation makes a difference to communities.  This particular award has additional criteria~
sustained improvement, funding, community acceptance and support, and environmental planning and impacts.

These awards are presented for group achievement.  Our Port of Dubuque Master Plan is worthy of this state recognition, having been made possible by the many public and private partners, local and state, involved in the renaissance of our city’s riverfront.  From America’s River Phase I through to Phase II now underway, we have been experiencing a renaissance throughout our downtown area that will serve as a catalyst for future projects in Dubuque as we work to achieve our community’s vision for “a progressive, sustainable community with a strong balanced economy and connections to the world.”
“Sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life.”
Congratulations to the City of Dubuque and all its partners for the quality of planning, design, management/maintenance of public spaces and our built environment throughout the remarkable Port of Dubuque!