Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dubuque public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in zoning
Receiving homes for foster children
Matthew House can now open short-term receiving homes for kids entering foster care anywhere residential zoning allows, after the council amended the Unified Development Code 7-0.
Old Mill Road church building reuse
The 1874 former Rockdale church got rezoned to neighborhood commercial so its owners can save it from vacancy, with neighbors hoping for community-minded uses.
Billboard Regulation Overhaul
The council cut the proposed off-premises sign moratorium extension in half — ending September 21, 2026 instead of January 2027 — after Staver argued the sign industry has been frozen nearly two years. Staff will fast-track a billboard-specific code amendment.
Historic preservation process reform
After the 6-1 vote to remove 2327 Central from the conservation district, the mayor and several members said the process — which lets owners bypass the Historic Preservation Commission — is broken. Staff will expedite fixes to the demolition and economic non-viability rules.
Big A Auto expansion on Central Avenue
The 6-1 removal of 2327 Central from the conservation district lets a 31-year downtown auto shop demolish a deteriorated former brewery building to add taller bays, parking and jobs — over the Historic Preservation Commission's objection.
Rezoning the Former Washington Garden Site
1836 Washington Street was rezoned to commercial so the owner can expand his business; garden volunteers mourned the loss but supported the new garden-siting law that followed.
Community Gardens Zoning Fix
The city legalized community gardens in all office, commercial, and industrial zones — prompted by the Washington neighborhood garden losing its long-time home to its owner's business expansion.