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Council approves downtown master‑plan RFP, directs staff to balance speed and engagement
Summary
Council approved a request for proposals for a downtown master‑plan update with $150,000 budgeted in FY27. Members debated accelerating the timeline to influence near‑term development versus allowing a longer public‑engagement process; the RFP was approved 6–1 with staff told to consult consultants on timing and to incorporate council goal‑setting priorities.
Planning Services Director Wally Wernemont asked the council to approve a request for proposals (RFP) to update the downtown master plan. The RFP will evaluate current conditions in downtown, synthesize recent planning work and community input (including a downtown development strategy prepared with Dubuque Forward), and develop recommendations to guide future downtown development. The FY27 budget includes $150,000 for the project.
Councilors debated timing: some urged accelerating the schedule to provide usable guidance before major projects (medical school, art museum campus and new residential developments) come online in 2027; others argued for a thorough engagement process that may require more time. Staff said proposals are due Sept. 1, selection would be presented Sept. 21, and a contract could begin in October; the RFP currently targets a draft completion in late 2027 but staff will consult respondents about feasible timelines and ways to surface key policy recommendations earlier for council goal setting.
Council approved the RFP 6–1. Councilors emphasized that the RFP should synthesize previous studies (e.g., Millwork master plan), explicitly address infrastructure and utility constraints, and include outreach to residents who cannot attend daytime meetings.
