As each Iowa legislative session begins, the Chamber is prepared to advocate for priorities important to the growth and prosperity of our business community. Consistently included as one of our top priorities is the protection of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in its current and full form.

However, TIF has been and continues to be one of the most misunderstood incentives, yet, it is the most critical local economic development tool available to cities and counties to spur growth, jobs, and investment.

Michael C. Van Milligen has served as City Manager for the City of Dubuque since January of 1993. Van Milligen served as the assistant village manager for the Village of Skokie, Ill., from May 1987 to January 1993.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in Fire Science Management and Administration of Justice from Southern Illinois University, where he earned a master’s degree in Public Affairs. Additionally, he completed the Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government and the Kellogg Management Institute at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, described as “The Essence of an MBA.” He also completed the U.S. Army War College National Security Seminar.

In 2003, Van Milligen was named the Outstanding Manager of the Year by the ICMA. This award recognizes a local government administrator who has initiated and implemented creative, innovative projects and programs in the management of his or her community. In 2004, he was featured as part of the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government “Innovators in Public Service” Series. Van Milligen was named Manager of the Year in September 2007 by the Iowa City/County Management Association. Van Milligen served as a Regional Vice President of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) from 2006-2009.

In September 2009, the Novogradac Community Development Foundation named Van Milligen its Public Executive of the Year. This annual award is presented to one public executive who has had a particularly strong impact on the field of community development.

In November 2010, Van Milligen was named a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow by the Academy’s board of directors. The National Academy of Public Administration was created by Congress to help public sector leaders meet the important and varied management challenges of today and anticipate those of the future. Through the trusted and experienced leaders that comprise its 680 Fellows and direct its projects and services, the National Academy improves the quality, performance and accountability of government.

The Iowa State University Department of Political Science awarded Van Milligen its Dwight Ink Public Service Award in April 2016. This annual award is presented to public managers in Iowa who exemplify the highest standards of dedication to public service and are characterized by their leadership abilities, their passion for their work, their high professional standards, and the respect they are given by their peers.    

View the City Manager's Management Philosophy.