In the heart of Dubuque, a community-driven initiative is reshaping the local economy and workforce landscape. During the recent City of Dubuque Development Corporation quarterly update, leaders highlighted significant strides made in land acquisition and job creation, which have collectively provided thousands of employment opportunities for residents.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing workforce challenges. A notable partnership with Woodward Communications has led to the creation of a unique job board on dubuquejobs.com, a resource that connects job seekers with local employers. This innovative approach is part of a broader strategy to tackle the recruitment difficulties faced by many businesses in 2025.

Mandy Dolson, the HR professional at the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, is at the forefront of these efforts. She works closely with local HR teams to enhance workforce solutions and improve access to job opportunities. The organization is also focused on retaining college students through engaging community events, such as Saints games and social gatherings, aimed at integrating them into the fabric of Dubuque.

Housing initiatives were another key topic of discussion. The corporation has shifted from a leading role to a supportive one, collaborating with the city to revamp housing incentive packages. This change aims to address market deficiencies and enhance the availability of both market-rate and affordable housing options, ultimately strengthening the community.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration. By facilitating communication and data sharing among economic development stakeholders across six counties, the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation positions itself as a central hub for vital information, including labor market analyses and workforce shortage assessments.

As the organization prepares for a leadership transition, with the current president and CEO set to step down, there is a commitment to finding a successor who will continue to drive these initiatives forward. The future of Dubuque looks promising, with a community united in its efforts to enhance quality of life and economic vitality.