Site work and new construction of a fire / police facility in Dubuque, Iowa. Conceptual plans call for the construction of a fire / police facility.

The Dubuque Fire Department (DFD) is requesting funding to move from data analysis to implementation of a fire station location/ re-location plan. Specifically, this CIP requests funding to engage a specialized fire station planning and construction expert in FY2027, secure or hold strategic parcels of land for future stations in FY2028, and begin architecture, engineering, construction procurement, and technology updates with this firm (if continuation is confirmed) in FY2029. Over the past several years, the City of Dubuque has invested in a series of studies to evaluate fire station locations, coverage areas, response data and community growth trends including the 2006 Matrix Fire Station Location Study, Darkhorse Software analysis, City Planning and Development data, 2018 Annexation Study growth projections, and the Imagine Dubuque Master Plan. These analyses confirm that strategically located stations and modernized infrastructure are essential to maintaining fast, balanced, and reliable emergency services as the community grows and the City of Dubuque is in a position to confirm the information and data by moving into the implementation phase. Specifically by contracting with an expert station location, feasibility, project management, architecture, construction company. Moving from evaluation to implementation ensures that Dubuque is prepared to address future needs, preserve response times, and enhance community safety. This project funds the identification and contracting of a station location, design, and construction expert in FY2027 to confirm data analysis to location study exercises, guide feasibility, site selection, design, and construction. The expert resource will confirm data, validate site and station needs, and ensure all planning follows national best practices and process and manage all aspects of the fire station(s) location/ construction project. The project will also fund the acquisition or holding of strategic parcels of land for future fire station(s); advance architecture, engineering, and construction procurement; and support critical technology updates including CAD, mapping, and GIS to reflect future coverage areas. Staffing models will be reassessed one year before any new or relocated station opens to ensure adequate personnel and apparatus are in place. The project is included in the City's 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). As of June 24, 2026, further details have not yet been identified.