Mayor of the Year Award Goes to Dubuque’s Cavanagh

Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh is taking home some well-deserved recognition. He was recently named Mayor of the Year in the “Over 10,000 in Population” category by the Iowa Mayors Association. The award was presented on Wednesday, Sept. 17, during the group’s business meeting at the Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference and Exhibit in Des Moines.

The Mayor of the Year Award exists to spotlight mayors who go above and beyond in serving their communities, the Iowa Mayors Association, and local government in general. Each year, the award is split into three categories based on population size: under 2,000; 2,000 to 10,000; and over 10,000. While Cavanagh was honored in the largest category, the other awards went to Mayor Przychodzin of Massena and Mayor Van Otterloo of Rock Valley.

Get our free mobile app

The release states that Cavanagh has had a busy year of leadership, serving as the board president of the Iowa League of Cities. In that role, he led important conversations across the state and worked on partnerships at the Iowa Capitol. Transparency has been one of his priorities, and he even launched a video series called Delivering Dubuque with Mayor Cavanagh. The program gives residents a closer look at how the city is investing in projects, moving forward on public improvements, and handling the ins and outs of local government.

Although Dubuque’s mayoral position is technically part-time, the Iowa Mayors Association noted that Cavanagh treats it more like a full-time commitment. They pointed to his strengths as a speaker, a strategic thinker, and a problem solver as qualities that make him stand out among peers.

While not all constituents may agree with the award (see the comments section), by recognizing Cavanagh, the association is shining a light on our wonderful town of Dubuque, in addition to his leadership style. Congratulations, Mayor Cavanagh, and may you continue to find success in your future.