Dubuque Times

Dubuque officials are working to create different housing options for low- to moderate-income individuals and families after a recent study found that 16% of the population lives in poverty, KCRG reported.

The study found that a family of four only makes $26,000 a year and city officials believe that some of that poverty is in the downtown area, which is where most of the city's affordable housing is located.

“In terms of housing, part of the concern is income coming in," Capt. Matthew Phelps said, the news media reported. "How much are we paying in rent every month? And perhaps if our credit was better if we had maybe better opportunities for employment.”

Jill Connors, the city's economic development director, said the city is working on alternatives to affordable housing, the news media reported.

“If I am a low-income household, I do not have as many choices as those who make more money," Connors said, the news media reported. “So we are excited about having choices in the west end because there really are not many or any on the west end right now.”