REAL DUBUQUE NEWS (RDN)
Last days to weigh in on Dubuque's next city manager
CITY COUNCIL & CIVIC • November 14, 2026
The online survey closes Sunday, Nov. 15. It asks what residents want in the next city manager, who will replace Mike Van Milligen when he retires May 28, 2027.
KEY FACTS & RECORD HIGHLIGHTS
- The city manager survey is open through Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 (confirmed by three outlets Nov. 5-7, 2026).
- The survey asks what makes Dubuque a great place to live, work and raise a family; what qualities, experience, skills and personality traits the next manager should have; and what opportunities and challenges the next manager will face in the first months.
- Answers go to GMP Consultants, the city's search consultant, to help shape the hire.
- Take the survey at cityofdubuque.org/citymanagersearch.
- City Manager Mike Van Milligen retires May 28, 2027, after more than 30 years in the role.
- The council selected GMP Consultants unanimously on Sept. 9, 2026; the other finalist was CPS HR Consulting.
- The salary range for the post is $225,000 to $285,000, set by the council Oct. 19, 2026, on a 7-0 vote.
- Finalist candidates are expected to be announced in March 2027, with a public reception so residents can meet them.
Dubuque residents have through Sunday, Nov. 15, to tell the city what they want in its next city manager. The online survey asks what makes Dubuque a great place to live, work and raise a family, what qualities and experience the next manager should bring, and what opportunities and challenges the job will hold in its first months. Answers go to the city's search consultant, GMP Consultants, to help shape the hire. Take the survey at cityofdubuque.org/citymanagersearch. City Manager Mike Van Milligen retires May 28, 2027, after more than 30 years in the role. The council picked GMP in September to run the national search, with a salary range of $225,000 to $285,000. Finalist candidates are expected to be announced in March, with a public reception so residents can meet them.
PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS NOTICE: Agendas, minutes, and legislative resolutions represent public records published by the City of Dubuque via CivicClerk. Council meetings are broadcast live on CityChannel Dubuque and archived at cityofdubuque.org/media.
Official Attribution: Official Public Record • Official Public Record