Peosta is a city in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, and an exurb of the city of Dubuque. It is part of the Dubuque, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,908 in the 2020 census, an increase of 193% from 651 in 2000. Peosta experienced a 70% increase in population (estimated) from 2000 to 2007, making it the state's 10th fastest-growing city during that period. Peosta is currently the sixth-largest city in Dubuque County. The community is home to the 2015 ASA D Northern Nationals Men's Slow Pitch Champions, Kass & Company, a large industrial park, the largest campus of Northeast Iowa Community College, and a handful of new commercial businesses. However, the city is increasingly becoming a bedroom community, much like nearby Asbury, made up of suburban subdivisions.
History
Peosta is named after the leader of a local Native American people that once lived in Dubuque County. Chief Peosta, of the Meskwaki people, was a close friend of Julien Dubuque, one of the first European settlers in the area. Dubuque was also the founder of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, and was allegedly married to Chief Peosta's daughter, who was reportedly named "Potosa".
For most of its history, and even as recently as 1990, Peosta was a quiet rural town of approximately 100 people. A post office opened in Peosta in 1858. The groundwork for later growth was laid in the 1960s, when the new four-lane U.S. Route 20 opened along the city's southern edge, providing quick access to Dubuque. The city was also aided by the opening of Northeast Iowa Technical Institute (later NICC) in 1979. However, it was only when the city's industrial park began to flourish in the 1990s that the population began to soar. Peosta grew from 128 people in 1990 to over 1,300 today, and it continues to climb rapidly. This 1000% growth in 20 years has helped attract new businesses and services to Peosta as well. The city now boasts two elementary schools, its own community center, hotel, church, industrial park and expanding neighborhoods.
Law and government
Peosta has a mayor–council form of government, employing a full-time city clerk, and part-time city council (mayor and five at-large city council members). The city administrator is Annette Ekhoff, the city clerk is Marcie Winkelman, and the current mayor is Russell Pfab, and the council members are: Jeff Buxton, John Kraft, Justin Lau, Alexis Goerdt and Brian Schatz.
Peosta has three city departments: Public Safety (police and fire), Public Works, and Parks & Recreation. The Parks & Recreation Dept. operates the Peosta Community Centre and Peosta's city park.
In the Iowa General Assembly, Peosta is represented by Senator Carrie Koelker (R) in the Iowa Senate, and Representative Shannon Lundgren (R) in the Iowa House of Representatives. At the federal level, Peosta is located within Iowa's 1st congressional district, represented by Ashley Hinson (R) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Peosta, and all of Iowa, are represented by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R) and Joni Ernst (R).
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.
Economy
Peosta is home to a large and growing industrial park. The city's manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping companies form the main part of the economy. Most of the companies in the city are relatively new, which has led to a significant number of commuters driving to Peosta's employers from Dubuque, Asbury, or Dyersville. Some of the larger employers in the city include: Berry Plastics, First Gear, Mi-T-M, Bodine Electric, and Colony Brands. Also, Northeast Iowa Community College employs hundreds of people at its Peosta Campus.
Demographics
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