After more than an hour of public comment and council discussion, the Dubuque City Council voted unanimously to continue consideration of a proposed minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) for commercial air service and defer a final decision until its Oct. 6 meeting. The delay gives councilmembers time to review budget carryovers and gives more time for public comment.

Supporters told the council the guarantee is a short-term subsidy to sustain a fledgling commercial route while ridership grows. Jason White of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation said the region needs connectivity: “Connectivity is the key word. The networks we build locally and globally are essential.” Todd Dalsing, director of the Dubuque Regional Airport, explained the MRG mechanism to the council: “A minimum revenue guarantee is an agreement whereby a municipality guarantees an airline a certain amount of revenue for new or expanded air service.”

Denver Air Connection resumed scheduled service to Chicago in November 2024 under a series of incentive packages. Dalsing told the council Dubuque is averaging about a 50% load factor and that consultant Matt Skinner estimates an 80% load factor is needed for the service to be self‑sustaining. Local partners have committed funds and marketing support: Bridal Dubuque contributed $500,000; Dubuque Initiatives committed up to $200,000 for a $100 airfare rebate program; the Chamber of Commerce pledged $50,000 in marketing.

Councilmembers emphasized the long-term stakes. Councilmember Wethal said air service is critical to recruiting students and medical professionals; Councilmember Resnick described the issue as “do or die,” noting the city has sought federal help without success. Mayor Brad Cavanaugh framed the problem as a policy gap: Dubuque sits between federal programs — not eligible for Essential Air Service yet needing more support than typical SCASD awards provide — leaving the city to bridge the shortfall if it wants continued service. The motion to receive and file, continue discussion, and defer the final vote to Oct. 6 passed 7-0 (motion by Jones, second by Roussell).

Councilmembers asked for additional financial detail between now and Oct. 6, including how much of the potential MRG could come from year‑end carryover funds and what partners will commit going forward. Staff and Dubuque Air task-force members said they will continue marketing and ridership incentives during the interval and return with more detailed invoices and a refined funding plan.

The council’s Oct. 6 meeting will include a final vote on any MRG proposal and is now the next decision point for whether the city will help fund Denver Air Connection while ridership grows.