Dubuque’s Urban Renewal District Expanded

DUBUQUE, Iowa – In an effort to improve housing and building conditions in downtown Dubuque, the City Council recently voted to combine and expand the city’s existing urban revitalization areas into one district covering all of downtown Dubuque.  As a result of the expansion, more Dubuque residents will be eligible for a tax break if they improve their property. 
 
The new area is called the Dubuque Urban Revitalization Area and combines the Jackson Park, West 11th Street, Washington Neighborhood, Upper Main, Stout Place, Langworthy, Old Main, Cathedral, Paragon Square, Garfield Place, Manassah House, and Salvia House districts.  

The change also requires property owners in those existing districts who made improvements to their property in 2019 and want to qualify for the tax exemption to apply by Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019.  To apply or for more information call 563.589.4239 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/urbanrevitalization.  

The Urban Revitalization Act of the Iowa Code authorizes cities to designate areas as urban revitalization areas. Improvements to qualified properties within these designated areas may receive a total or partial exemption from property taxes for a specified number of years. These tax breaks are intended to encourage private investment by offsetting the property tax increases that usually accompany property improvements and increased property values. These investments and property improvements provide a long- term increase or stabilization in the area’s tax base, enhances the visibility of revitalization areas, and supports important city objectives such as historic preservation, economic development, and affordable housing development.

Property owners in the new Dubuque Urban Revitalization Area interested in making property improvements in 2020 and beyond are encouraged to learn more about this tax exemption and other incentives and assistance programs by calling 563.589.4239 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/urbanrevitalization.  

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CLICK HERE for a map of the existing urban revitalization districts

CLICK HERE for a map of the new Dubuque Urban Revitalization Area