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Candidates propose local and state tools to shield manufactured‑home residents
Summary
At the League forum, Kristen Dietzel proposed a county "manufactured home bill of rights" and Rick Dickinson urged statewide legislation and local remedies to protect residents from out‑of‑state corporate buyouts that raise lot rents and risk displacement.
Faced with concerns about private equity firms buying manufactured‑home parks and raising rates, both Dubuque County supervisor candidates told the League forum they want to protect residents who face eviction or steep rent increases.
Kristen Dietzel urged local action: "I think first of all, one thing we can do as a county is have a manufactured home bill of rights," she said, calling the measure a way to send a message that the county is not friendly to disruptive buyouts even if state law ultimately governs property rights.
Rick Dickinson said the problem calls for statewide legislation while pledging to use local remedies where possible. "There should be statewide legislation, to address the issue," he said, and added he would meet with affected occupants and advocates to seek protections and remedies for those already harmed.
Dietzel noted that "3 to 5% of our residents currently live in manufactured home parks," and framed the issue as a countywide concern rather than only a City of Dubuque problem. Both candidates said they would pursue ways to support residents, with Dietzel highlighting symbolic local action and Dickinson stressing legislative change and direct engagement with affected residents.
The candidates did not present draft ordinance language at the forum. Any county-level bill of rights or tenant protections would need further legal review to determine what county law can accomplish without state action.
