Anderson Sainci has been appointed as the new director of strategic partnerships for the city of Dubuque, marking a significant transition in his 13-year tenure with the city. In this new role, Sainci will advocate for Dubuque’s interests at various governmental levels, particularly focusing on engagement with the state government in Des Moines and the federal government in Washington, D.C.
Sainci, who has served on the Dubuque Community School Board, previously held positions in several city departments, including public works, economic development, and information technology. His most recent role was as the director of economic mobility, a position he held until his new appointment. “Nothing happens without partnerships. We want to build on those relationships we have,” Sainci stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other governmental entities.
Transitioning Responsibilities
Sainci’s predecessor, Teri Hawks Goodmann, the former assistant city manager, held the position until her semi-retirement at the end of last year. She has been assisting Sainci by continuing to lobby for the city as an independent consultant. Goodmann plans to help Sainci acclimate to his new responsibilities, particularly as the upcoming legislative session in Des Moines approaches. “I’ll be introducing him to people we work with at the state and showing him how we apply for grants and secure grants,” Goodmann said, reflecting her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition.
City Manager Mike Van Milligen expressed confidence in Sainci’s capabilities, noting that his extensive experience within the city provides him with valuable insight into its operations and needs. “Anderson has a lot of good people skills and this is the people business,” Van Milligen remarked, highlighting the interpersonal nature of the role.
Focus on Economic Mobility and Community Development
Sainci became the city’s director of the Office of Shared Prosperity & Neighborhood Support in 2021, which was rebranded as the Office of Economic Mobility earlier this year. His responsibilities included overseeing neighborhood organizations and developing strategies to combat poverty. “The city making poverty a top priority was a wow moment for me,” Sainci noted, emphasizing the city’s commitment to addressing this critical issue.
Dubuque has two key departments dedicated to poverty reduction and improving opportunities for low-income residents: the Office of Community Impact, which engages directly with citizens, and the Office of Economic Mobility, which examines socioeconomic challenges at a systemic level. Recently, the city secured a two-year grant to hire an anti-poverty coordinator who will begin next month. The new coordinator, Corinne Rothblum, brings over a decade of experience from the United States Agency for International Development.
Sainci’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master of Arts in communication from the University of Dubuque. He relocated to Dubuque after high school, and he and his wife, Kiesha Sainci, are raising their four children in the local school system. Reflecting on his role as a father, Sainci said, “It’s showing my kids that working hard in this life, and what servant leadership is. It’s getting up every day and making this community a better place.”
As Sainci prepares to assume his new responsibilities, he is committed to maximizing Dubuque’s opportunities with state and federal partners, beginning with a focus on understanding property tax reform in Des Moines.