City Administrator

Location: Asbury

The City of Asbury, Iowa (5,943), incorporated in 1933, is one of the fastest growing communities in the state, and seeks a dynamic leader with outstanding strategic capabilities, exceptional communication skills, and top-notch economic development talents for its next City Administrator. Asbury is a growing community located on the western edge of the Dubuque, Iowa metropolitan area. Asbury's high quality of life, excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and consistent growth offer an unmatched professional opportunity in an organization with tenured staff and stable community leadership.

The current administrator is retiring after 23 years of service to the community.

The City of Asbury is located in eastern Dubuque County, adjacent to the west side of the City of Dubuque in Dubuque County. Asbury was founded in the 1830s principally by Methodists who named their church after Francis Asbury, the first bishop of their faith in America.

Asbury is a city of neighborhoods. Since the city is very young (average age of 39.1) and much of its growth has occurred only recently, its subdivisions are still clearly identifiable. Generally, eastern and southern parts of the city are older, while northern and western areas are of entirely new construction. Asbury's main street is Asbury Road, and most of the neighborhoods branch off of this artery.

The city is growing at a rapid rate, adding 1,495 new single-family homes since 2000. Asbury is also surrounded by rural farmland areas and yet is only a few minutes away from the Dubuque metropolitan area, offering the perfect balance of rural serenity and urban convenience.

Economy

Asbury is part of a diverse regional economy with several key employers across various sectors, including:
John Deere Dubuque Works (heavy machinery), Andersen Window and Door, and HODGE, Mercy One and Unity Point Health facilities, and public employers such as cities and school districts.

Asbury is also home to vibrant and well-attended community festivals, such as Music in the Park, Las Vegas Night, Community Days of Caring, and a variety of recreational programming

City Organization

Asbury is a Council/Mayor form of government with a City Administrator. The City is governed by a Mayor elected to four-year terms and a five-member City Council elected to four-year terms. Department heads currently report to the Mayor. The Asbury City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7:00 p.m. The Mayor and Council are assisted by citizen boards and commissions including Parks and Recreation, Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Building Code Commission, and Stormwater Committee.

The City employs a full-time staff of 21, supported by 2 part-time and 35 seasonal employees. The total budget is $14,283,800, with a levy rate of $8.32119. The City police force consists of 6 full-time sworn staff. Fire protection services are provided by a volunteer department. The City operates a water utility and a wastewater treatment plant. The City maintains a AA Standard and Poor credit rating and annually updates the City's Capital Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan.

Parks and Recreation

Asbury is heavily invested in its parks system and recreational activities. The City maintains five parks and five miles of trails, including two nature preserves and a golf course. Parks amenities include baseball and softball fields, lighted basketball and tennis courts, pickleball courts, volleyball court, a splash pad, and picnic tables, with associated grilling amenities and public restrooms. The City also has two pavilions available for rental in Asbury Park.

The City also actively coordinates recreational programming, including a junior golf academy classes. The Meadows Golf Course is a premier 18-hole course.

The City has an adopted Parks and Recreation Master Plan that prioritizes land acquisition and the construction of additional amenities.

Education

Asbury, Iowa, is part of the Dubuque Community School District (DCSD). The district is one of the largest in the state, serving approximately 245 square miles that includes the city of Asbury as well as Dubuque and other outlying communities. DCSD has strong academics, including a robust offering of Advanced Placement classes.

Opportunities for further education in the region are found at University of Dubuque, Loras College, Clarke University, Emmaus University, and Northeast Iowa Community College. Dubuque is also a short distance from Des Moines, IA (approximately 3 hours), Chicago, IL (approximately 3 hours), and Minneapolis, MN (approximately 4 hours) and the significant higher educational opportunities in those cities.

Transportation

Asbury is in close proximity to Highway 20 with easy access by car to major cities such as Des Moines, Chicago, and Minneapolis. The community is served by the Regional Transit Authority.

The Dubuque Regional Airport offers flights on a seasonal basis or to direct vacation locations. Asbury is also…