Department Goals & Initiatives

  1. Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant 
    • This grant opportunity is available to Dubuque – based organizations, limited to not for profit, with the purpose of encouraging, empowering, and engaging social justice and racial equity initiatives through programs, activities, or services that help eliminate inequities in the Dubuque community. Programs that address one or more of the following six priority service areas will receive preference: education, building community, housing, criminal justice, health, and employment. The Equity and Human Rights Commission reviews applications then forwards its recommendations to the City of Dubuque Equity and Human Rights Staff for review and approval. The City Council has approved $10,000 for FY2023, which will be split among the recipients.
  2. Racial Equity Report Card publication
  3. Racial Equity Quarterly Updates from City Departments
    • The Racial Equity Quarterly Updates supplies the public with up-to-date information regarding City staff’s work on social justice and racial equity.
  4. Equitable Municipal Career Pathways
    • Assessment of internship opportunities across the City of Dubuque.  Development of a pilot career program in partnership with the Dubuque Community School District and area colleges.  
  5. Equitable Fine and Fee Reform
    • Management of internal work groups: Storytelling Animal Control, Criminal Justice System Diversion, and analysis of utility rates.
  6. Project (R.E.A.L.) Race, Equity, Arts, Love.
    • Development of a Youth Writer – Mentor – Scholar Initiative in partnership with the Multicultural Family Center, Mentor Dubuque, University of Dubuque and Dubuque Area Writers Guild.
  7. Coaching and Facilitation 
    • Expanded Equity, Bias interruption, and intercultural competency trainings in compliance with HF802.
    • Continued facilitation of the Dubuque Community School District School Resource Officer Work group.
  8. Language access plan development
    • Exploration of expansion of current language access services to the public and area organizations.
  9. Government Alliance on Race and Equity 
    • The City of Dubuque is a part of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE). The City joined in 2015, making it the 1st City in Iowa to become a member. GARE is a national network of local and regional public servants working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. Across the country, governmental jurisdictions are:
      • Making a commitment to achieving racial equity;
      • Focusing on the power and influence of their own institutions; and
      • Working in partnership with others.
        • When this occurs, significant leverage and expansion opportunities emerge, setting the stage for the achievement of racial equity in our communities. More information about GARE is available at this link.


  1. Past Annual Equity Reports
  1. History of Partnerships