Free Dubuque Program Helps New Residents ‘Get to Know Us!’

If you've ever moved and dread the realization that you have to build new relationships, have I got some news for you: a new session of Distinctively Dubuque is right around the corner. And here's the deal: it's for folks who’ve landed in town within the past few years. It might be just the thing to help Dubuque start feeling a little more like home for you.

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The five-week evening program kicks off on Wednesday, March 11th, and organizers say seats are filling up. It's designed for people who have moved to or returned to the Greater Dubuque region within the last five years. The course offers a friendly, practical introduction to the community. Sessions elaborate on Dubuque's deep-rooted history along the Mississippi River and the everyday amenities and opportunities that make life here tick.

“Relocating isn’t just about finding a career or a home, it’s about feeling grounded and knowing where you fit. Distinctively Dubuque accelerates that sense of belonging by introducing people to community leaders and to one another. We’ve also had communities from across the country ask how the program works because it’s become a model for welcoming and retaining new residents.”
-Jason White, President & CEO of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation.

Participants meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, gathering at different locations around town. Dinner is provided, which gives everyone a chance to sit down, share a meal, and swap stories about how they made it to Dubuque. During the program, attendees will learn about local resources, area nonprofits, business development efforts, recreational options, and other ways to get involved locally. It’s equal parts information session and relationship-builder.

The program is organized by Greater Dubuque Development Corporation in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College and is offered at no cost. Support from the Dubuque Racing Association, the City of Dubuque, and the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors helps keep it accessible. Remember, access is limited, so get registered soon if you'd like to participate.

Listen, we're all Iowa-nice, right? Small talk with neighbors or a friendly chat at a local store can turn into a lasting connection here. Distinctively Dubuque aims to speed up that sense of belonging. Organizers say other communities have even taken note, looking to Dubuque as a model for rolling out the welcome mat. I know when my wife and I moved to the small town of Cascade, it took several years to actually feel like part of the community. Programs like these give you a chance to meet other Dubuque "newbies" and become more than just a passenger in your new town.