Boards and Commissions

Airport Commission

Operates and manages the Dubuque Regional Airport which includes taskforces to assist in air service, development, advertising, and general aviation. 

Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment

Receives and responds to petitions of those who seek to modify regulations and restrictions regarding airport zoning issues.

Airport Zoning Commission

City/County members make recommendations to the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors on individual, property, and airport risks or dangers surrounding the Dubuque Regional Airports.

Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission

Enhance the community through development, funding, outreach, education, and partnerships of arts and cultural programs.

Building Code Advisory and Appeal Board

Reviews proposed building code adoptions and amendments, makes recommendations to the City Council, and receives appeals of decisions made by the code official.  

Cable TV Commission

Develops policies and programs surrounding public community programming, recommends funding, and monitors operations.

Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority

Tackles concerns with water quality and flooding on a watershed level to reduce the risks of flooding and its effects, improve water quality, and promote a healthier existence for all living things that call the Catfish Creek Watershed home. 

Civic Center Commission

Advises and makes recommendations for Civic Center (Five Flags) usage considering community desires, needs, and requests.  

Civil Service Commission

Approves entrance and promotional examination dates for police and fire, certifies the exam results, and processes appeals in accordance with Chapter 400 of the Iowa Code.  

Community Development Advisory Commission

Receives input and makes recommendations on the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds.  

Equity and Human Rights Commission

Works to eliminate discrimination and promote an equitable and inclusive community through education, addressing complaints of discrimination, and identifying policy recommendations that promote human rights. 

Historic Preservation Commission

Preserves and celebrates Dubuque’s heritage by preserving historically and architecturally significant buildings, districts, and sites, while allowing modifications for contemporary use.  

Housing Appeals and Mediation Board

Comprised of residents interested in fair and equitable housing who hear appeals relative to housing situations including repair deadlines, nuisance abatement orders, and landlord/tenant disputes regarding property access.

Housing Commission

Advises on policy pertaining to housing policy, strategy, and resources in the City of Dubuque.  

Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee

Monitors progress; reviews finances; and holds the City accountable to the community-created plans and values by recommending policy direction and oversight soliciting funding, and developing by-laws, policies, and guidelines.    

Investment Oversight Commission

Oversees the City’s investment actions, decisions, and performance for compliance with the City's investment policy.

Library Board of Trustees

Advises on personnel matters, materials, and supplies, purchasing, library usage, and all financial matters surrounding the Carnegie-Stout Public Library.

Long Range Planning Advisory Commission

Coordinates and supervises the preparation and maintenance of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, a policy guide for the community’s physical, social, and economic development.

Parks & Recreation Commission

Advises on the general beautification of the City, including landscaping and maintenance of parks, trails, and facilities, and offers suggestions for year-round opportunities for organized, inclusive recreation activities.

Resilient Community Advisory Commission

Reviews research, data, policies, and program recommendations in order to influence resilient outcomes for the community.

Transit Advisory Board

Advises on matters relating to the transportation industry, approves administrative rules, regulates fuel surcharges, recommends approval or denial of company and vehicle permits; and recommends the establishment of routes, schedules, and changes in fare structure and/or rates.

Zoning Advisory Commission

Reviews and makes recommendations on applications for rezoning, subdivision plat approval, and text amendments to the Unified Development Code.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

Hears zoning matters for granting of special exceptions, conditional use permits, or variances, and citizen’s appeals, and decides whether the requests should be granted based on the criteria of the Unified Development Code.


Former Boards and Commissions

The following boards and commissions have been sunset and are no longer active.

  • Electrical Code Board (Repealed by Ordinance No. 45-20 effective December 11, 2020) 
  • Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission (Repealed by Ordinance No. 32-16 effective July 8, 2016) 
  • Enterprise Zone Commission (Repealed by Ordinance No. 43-14 effective July 1, 2014) 
  • Housing Board of Appeals (Repealed by Ordinance No. 45-20 effective December 11, 2020) 
  • Mechanical and Plumbing Code Board (Repealed by Ordinance No. 46-20 effective December 11, 2020) 
  • Mechanical Code Board (Repealed by Ordinance No. 25-16 effective July 1, 2016)
  • Mediacom Charitable Foundation (Mediacom’s 15-year commitment to fund the Dubuque Arts & Cultural Foundation grants program has concluded) 
  • Plumbing Code Board (Repealed by Ordinance No. 26-16 effective July 1, 2016) 
  • Safe Community Advisory Committee (Repealed by Ordinance No. 65-12 effective December 31, 2013) 
  • Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission (Transitioned to Travel Dubuque effective December 18, 2017)