Imagine Dubuque is the City’s new 2037 Comprehensive Plan. It is a Call to Action, built from and for the community. The planning effort included an extensive, and successful, community engagement effort that generated over 12,500 ideas from over 6,000 residents from all demographic segments. The focus was on taking the planning process to the community rather than expecting the community to come to the City.
This effort was recognized by the Iowa APA with their 2017 Public Outreach award. Teska served as the prime consultant for the Comprehensive Planning effort, coordinating a team of specialized consultants and working closely with City staff to engage the community in an active dialog throughout the year long process of plan development.
The plan addressed the City’s key sustainability pillars of economic prosperity, social and cultural vibrancy and environmental integrity. It also weaved a strong focus on equity into all areas of the plan. The Implementation Chapter focused on building partnerships to implement the plan, and identified metrics to monitor plan success. The plan itself is a highly graphic document, with extensive use of infographics, illustrations and photos to communicate key plan recommendations.
A variety of tools were used and numerous events hosted throughout Imagine Dubuque’s 12-month outreach process to empower residents. The varied opportunities and collaborative experiences allowed everyone to connect and share ideas in the way that felt most natural to them. Furthermore, tools and events are only successful if people are made aware of them. Creative, steady, and targeted marketing ensured the community knew what events were happening, when, and how to get involved.
