As is the case for many local governments, the City of Dubuque, Iowa, has faced serious staffing challenges over the last three years. The combination of a year-long COVID-19 hiring freeze, increased attrition, and a particularly tight labor market have forced city officials to get creative as they try to work their way back to pre-pandemic staffing levels without decreasing the quality of their services. Thankfully, Dubuque’s city leaders understand the power of collaboration and are up to the task.

• Publication date: August 2023
• Authors: Connor Golden and Samuel Mann