POVERTY

POVERTY. In July, 2019 members of the city council approved soliciting proposals for the creation of an Equitable Poverty Prevention Plan for a maximum budgeted amount of $75,000. (1)

Research indicated that 16% of the 54,940 residents in the city lived in poverty. Minority residents were significantly more likely to live in poverty than the national averages. The rate of white residents living in poverty was slightly above the national average. Among AFRICAN AMERICANS in Dubuque 60% lived in poverty while the national average was 25.2%. Among HISPANICS in Dubuque, 26% lived in poverty compared to the national average of 22%. Among residents of two or more races in Dubuque, 47.6% lived in poverty which was far higher than the national average of 18.4%. (2)

The planning process would examine existing programs to determine their success. Trends and best practices would be studied and performance goals established to gauge the success of the new plan. The firm selected wold study self-sufficiency, economic and employment programs, internet and computer-training programs, access to affordable housing, nutrition and CHILDREN'S MEAL PROGRAMS. (3)

The new plan followed the city's participation in Dubuque Circles Initiatives with partner organizations. That program evolved into Gaining Opportunities in 2018. The new plan would operation with Gaining Opportunities until the new plan concluded at which time Gaining Opportunities would change reflecting the new plan's findings and goals. (4)

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Source:

1. Fisher, Benjamin, "Dubuque Seeks Consultant for Anti-Poverty Plan," Telegraph Herald, July 22, 2019, p. 3A