Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Quarterly Update | July 20, 2026

The City of Dubuque Government held a special work session on July 20, 2026, featuring a quarterly update from the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. The primary focus was on the 2025 Skills Gap Analysis and its implications for workforce and population growth strategies in the region. Presenters highlighted the challenges posed by a declining working-age population amid projected job growth, emphasizing the need for bold, multi-faceted approaches to talent attraction, retention, and development. Key workforce initiatives discussed included the Opportunity Dubuque program, which offers tuition-free certificates in high-demand fields to address skill shortages. While no specific procurement actions or contract awards were mentioned, the discussion underscored the importance of aligning workforce development programs with regional economic needs and the potential impact of emerging technologies on future employment.