oUR sTORY
40 Years of Investment in Downtown Dubuque
our vision
We’re working toward a downtown that reflects the people who live, work, and invest here. That means listening closely to what our community needs and building systems that support long-term success.
The future of downtown isn’t defined by one project or program. It’s shaped by a collection of small wins. Whether that's new businesses, storefronts being restored, events that bring people together, and partnerships that make progress possible.
Our vision is centered on four priorities that guide where we’re headed:
A downtown that's alive
High-quality, consistent events create energy, draw people in, and keep downtown active all year long.
A Strong local economy
We support locally owned businesses with real partnerships, helping them launch, grow, and stay visible.
A community that works together
Progress happens when we collaborate and work toward a shared future.
A downtown you can discover
Through storytelling and digital tools, we make it easier to find the people, places, and services that make downtown unique.
our impact
For decades, Dubuque Main Street has been known for bringing people downtown — through events like the Farmers’ Market, All That Jazz, and community traditions that make this place feel like home. That work continues. But today, we’re growing our capacity to do more.
We’ve introduced new tools that allow us to support any downtown business, event, or nonprofit — especially through professional photography and social media marketing. These services are already helping local entrepreneurs improve their visibility and connect with customers in a meaningful way.
This is the direction we’re headed: building a wider set of programs to meet the real, evolving needs of our downtown — especially for the small businesses that make it thrive.
We’re not shifting focus. We’re expanding it.
A LOT OF History, & A lot of Heart.
Since 1985, Dubuque Main Street has been at the heart of downtown's revival—turning empty storefronts into vibrant businesses and quiet streets into lively gathering places. Back then, more than half of our downtown was vacant. Determined community leaders decided it was time for a fresh approach, and together with the National Main Street Center, they launched a bold experiment: making downtown Dubuque a thriving community once again.
Today, that bold experiment is a proven success. We've welcomed over 500 businesses to the neighborhood, created thousands of jobs, and sparked more than $925 million in private investment. But beyond the numbers, we're most proud of fostering a community that's buzzing with creativity, commerce, and a genuine sense of pride.
The Main Street aproach
Our approach is simple but powerful, guided by four key principles.
Design
Great places don't happen by accident. Design focuses on creating an inviting, beautiful downtown that honors our history and is a joy to walk through.
Preserving Our Character
We champion the preservation of historic buildings through hands-on assistance and events like our annual Architecture Days.
Funding Improvements
We provide grants that help property owners restore and enhance their historic storefronts.
Enhancing Public Spaces
We advocate for projects that make downtown more walkable and attractive, from streetscapes to public art.
Be part of what's next
Downtown Dubuque doesn’t grow on its own. It grows because people care enough to show up, pitch in, and try something new.
Whether you're opening a business, organizing an event, exploring an idea, or just paying attention—there’s a role for you in what comes next. We’re here to help you find it.
Let’s keep building a downtown that works for everyone.