Sustainable Dubuque

04/25/2026

Party for the Planet happening now at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium! Make sure to stop by our booth and spin the wheel of action!

04/23/2026

04/23/2026

Happy Earth Day! All week we're planting trees in the ground at 3 local schools! You can get a free tree too if you live in a qualifying census track or income-qualify! Find out at www.sustainabledubuque.org/branchingoutdbq

04/20/2026

After careful consideration, the City of Dubuque, along with our partner, Travel Dubuque, has made the difficult decision to discontinue the Growing Sustainable Communities Conference.

The GSC conference has long served as a meaningful space for learning, connection, and collaboration. Since 2007, sustainability practitioners, businesses, advocates, and communities committed to sustainability and resilience, have gathered in Dubuque to discuss and share ideas to grow our communities with care for people and planet. The conference’s impact over the years, and its role early in the sustainability movement, is deeply valued.

However, current economic conditions present significant challenges. Rising costs combined with declining sponsorship support and uncertainty around city tax dollars have made it increasingly difficult to host the conference in a financially responsible manner.

While we are disappointed to say goodbye to this beloved gathering, we believe this decision reflects responsible stewardship of public resources while honoring the principles the conference has long championed. When the conference started, it was the only sustainability conference hosted in the Midwest, hosted by a municipality committed to growing sustainably, and serving as a model for others to do so. Since then, many offerings similar in scope have popped up and the need to host is no longer necessary.

In the beginning, the conference was the inspiration of then mayor, Roy Buol, who wanted to share Dubuque’s commitment and success with other emerging sustainability champions while also learning from other municipalities, universities and businesses. Connections at the conference have benefited Dubuque’s city operations and greater community in many ways and we will continue to seek inspiration and support through other avenues.

We remain grateful to the partners, speakers, sponsors, staff, and participants who have contributed to the conference’s success over the years, and we look forward to finding future opportunities to continue growing sustainable communities!

04/02/2026

🌳☀️ SUMMER JOB ALERT (AGES 14–24) ☀️🌳

Join the Teen Resiliency Crew (TRC) this summer!

You’ll be:
🌳 Planting, watering, and caring for trees
🌼 Working with a fun, supportive crew
🌞 Staying active all summer

No experience needed.

💵 Crew Member: $624 biweekly
💵 Crew Lead: $780 biweekly
📅 June 8 – August 6
🕘 Mon–Thurs | 9 AM – 3:30 PM

👉 Ready to apply or learn more?
➡️ www.sustainabledubuque.org/trc-jobs

03/26/2026

Interested in sustainability? Join us tonight at Dimensional!

🌿 Introducing Sustainability Sips! 🌿

Looking to meet others in Dubuque who care about sustainability? Join us for a laid‑back, after‑hours gathering all about conversation, community, and climate action.

Each month features a guided discussion or a short guest speaker about topics related to the City of Dubuque’s Climate Action Plan, followed by casual conversation and networking.

📅 First Event: Thursday, March 26
📅 Then: Every 4th Thursday
⏰ 6:30–8 p.m. (drop in anytime!)
📍 Dimensional Brewery, 67 Main St.

No expertise needed—just curiosity and an interest in sustainability. Come connect, learn, and chat with good people!

🍻 Cheers!

03/19/2026

🌿 Introducing Sustainability Sips! 🌿

Looking to meet others in Dubuque who care about sustainability? Join us for a laid‑back, after‑hours gathering all about conversation, community, and climate action.

Each month features a guided discussion or a short guest speaker about topics related to the City of Dubuque’s Climate Action Plan, followed by casual conversation and networking.

📅 First Event: Thursday, March 26
📅 Then: Every 4th Thursday
⏰ 6:30–8 p.m. (drop in anytime!)
📍 Dimensional Brewery, 67 Main St.

No expertise needed—just curiosity and an interest in sustainability. Come connect, learn, and chat with good people!

🍻 Cheers!

02/10/2026

The City of Dubuque Office of Sustainability is now accepting applications for the Energy Savers Program to help income-eligible households lower energy costs and improve home efficiency by replacing outdated or inefficient heating sources and water heaters.

👉Full details at www.cityofdubuque.org/energysavers

City of Dubuque Accepting Applications for Energy Savers Program

The Office of Sustainability is now accepting applications for the Energy Savers Program to help income-eligible households lower energy costs and improve home efficiency by replacing outdated or inefficient heating sources and water heaters.

The Energy Savers Program provides a qualified contractor and covers labor and material costs for these upgrades. Income-eligible homeowners and landlords with income-eligible tenants are encouraged to apply. The program is not currently available to mobile home units.

✅ Participants may receive:
• Up to $7,500 for a qualifying energy-efficient heat source replacement
• Up to $5,500 for a qualifying water heater replacement
(Amounts may vary based on market conditions.)

✅ Eligibility Requirements:
• Occupied by households earning 80% or less of the area median income.
• Current heat source and/or water heater must be more than 10 years old, in disrepair, or less than 80% efficient.
• Property must generally comply with City code, such as having passed a visual lead hazard assessment or a rental inspection within the last two years.
• Occupants have utility bills in their name and authorize energy usage data access.

For full details and to apply online, visit:
👉 cityofdubuque.org/energysavers

01/27/2026

Dubuque Free Tree Program Eligibility Expanded Citywide

Income-qualified residents throughout the city of Dubuque are now eligible to receive free trees through the Branching Out Dubuque Tree-Planting Initiative. Previously, only those in certain census tract areas had been eligible.

Branching Out Dubuque is a cooperative effort between Sustainable Dubuque and Dubuque Trees Forever. It aims to plant more than 5,000 new trees in the community by the end of 2029. The initiative launched in August 2024 and is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

Residents and property owners throughout the city who meet income eligibility guidelines can sign up to receive trees to plant on their property through a form at SustainableDubuque.org/BranchingOutDBQ or by calling 563-543-9172. Requests received by Feb. 28 will be eligible for spring plantings. Those interested in a fall planting should submit their requests by July 31.

To be eligible, residents must provide documentation which verifies they have an annual income that is below the 80% Area Median Income guideline, which is approximately $82,000 for a family of 4. Acceptable documentation demonstrates participation in any of the following programs:
- City of Dubuque Housing Choice Voucher Program
- City of Dubuque utility assistance
- A low to moderate income City housing program
- FIP (Family Investment Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits within the current calendar year
- Hawki
- HACAP assistance

Residential property owners and business owners in the previously identified census tracts are still eligible for the program, regardless of income level. Eligible locations include:
Downtown Dubuque, including the Washington neighborhood
- The Point neighborhood
- Portions of the North End east of Central Ave. and south of 32nd St.
- Areas along John F. Kennedy Rd. generally between Dodge St. and Asbury Rd.

Those interested in the program can check their geographic eligibility by entering their address in the interactive map on the Branching Out Dubuque website: SustainableDubuque.org/BranchingOutDBQ

Those selected to be included in the initiative will receive a tree, as well as mulch, a watering bag, and planting assistance at no cost. Sustainable Dubuque will also assist in choosing a tree variety that is best suited to the location’s site conditions. Trained volunteers from Dubuque Trees Forever will also be available to assist with tree planting and to provide training on proper tree care and maintenance.

Once the Branching Out Dubuque initiative is completed, it is expected to increase Dubuque’s overall tree canopy to 40%, advancing one of the goals of the City’s Climate Action Plan.

01/26/2026

🌳 Ready to Lead? Join the Teen Resiliency Corps! 🌳

Want to work FOR and WITH incredible young people this summer? Passionate about trees, nature, and making a difference outdoors? This is the job for you!
Sustainable Dubuque and the Multicultural Family Center are hiring TRC Crew Leads for Summer 2026!

✅ Must be 19–24 years old
✅ Hourly wage: $16
✅ Work dates: June 1 – August 7
✅ Schedule: Mon–Thu, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (28 hrs/week)

As a Crew Lead, you’ll:
Mentor and supervise teens (ages 14–18)
Lead projects in urban forestry, tree care, and climate solutions
Build leadership and professional skills
Make a real impact in your community!

This is a dynamic, hands-on role that requires energy and teamwork, but the rewards are incredible!

👉 Apply now at www.sustainabledubuque.org/teen-resiliency-corps