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Planning services presents code updates, development pipeline and historic‑preservation workload
Summary
Planning Services Director Wally Wormott told council about ongoing code updates, 2,522 lots/units in review or construction, a programmatic Section 106 agreement that speeds historic reviews, and FY27 requests for modest IT and training upgrades and a downtown master‑plan CIP.
Wally Wormott, Planning Services director, presented the department’s FY2027 budget and an overview of ongoing planning, development review and historic‑preservation work.
Wormott said Planning Services manages long‑range planning, development services, zoning enforcement and historic preservation. He reported 2,522 total lots/units in stages from review to construction (690 already built), 30 development‑review team meetings in FY25 and regularly tracked performance measures such as average review days for boards and commissions.
On implementation, the department highlighted work on Imagine Dubuque (the comprehensive plan) using AchieveIt software, connectors/coordinator teams across city departments, and ongoing code changes, including a staff draft review of the Unified Development Code update that will move next to public review and stakeholder groups.
Wormott noted the planning office has a programmatic agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office to conduct in‑house Section 106 reviews — a process he said reduces review time by about 30 days and helps expedite HUD‑funded projects that trigger federal review.
Requested FY27 improvements are focused on equipment and training: two engineering‑grade workstations for GIS and plan review, a laptop upgrade for administrative staff, safety/visibility shirts for field staff and travel/training for enforcement and planning staff. A requested FY27 CIP asks $150,000 for a downtown master‑plan update.
Councilors complimented departmental outreach and the coordination role Planning Services plays across projects and commissions. Wormott said staff will continue routine reporting and follow up on implementation milestones for the Imagine Dubuque plan.
