Former banker, educator and longtime community leader Jim Huiskamp announced today, Aug. 11, he will make a bid for mayor of Davenport.
The city primary election is Oct. 7 and registration is currently open.
Mr. Huiskamp, who helped lead Blackhawk Bank & Trust for two decades, including 10 years as president and CEO, pledged in a new release to bring to the city a unique blend of financial expertise, educational experience, and deep civic commitment.
In that time, Mr. Huiskamp said he helped grow the bank’s assets from just over $1 billion to nearly $2 billion. In addition to reaching new financial heights, it earned never-before-achieved ratings from state and federal regulators for safety and soundness, the release said.
Mr. Huiskamp said he also played a pivotal role during the pandemic by uniting local bank and credit union leaders for weekly strategy sessions to safeguard the financial well-being of the Quad Cities.
Before joining Black Hawk Bank & Trust, Mr. Huiskamp was a teacher and coach of multiple sports teams in the Keokuk (Iowa) Community School District for 10 years, where he inspired students in both traditional and alternative settings, the release said.
Mr. Huiskamp joins three other candidates who have announced their candidacy: Todd Pirck, former Davenport alderwoman Judith Lee and former Davenport alderman Jason Gordon. Incumbent Mayor Mike Matson is not seeking re-election.
Mr. Huiskamp was born in Keokuk, later moving to Rock Island where he graduated from Alleman High School. He went on to earn degrees in philosophy and sociology from Regis University, a Master’s in education from Western Illinois University, and later a diploma from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
In the mid-1980s, he also lived and volunteered in one of Chicago’s most underserved neighborhoods. His work with the homeless, inner-city youth, and families left a lasting impression and still drives his belief in grassroots community impact, the release said.
Top mayoral priorities
“From education to finance to community outreach, I’ve always worked to leave places better than I found them,” Mr. Huiskamp added. “Now, I’m ready to do the same for Davenport.”
He said his priorities as mayor would include:
- Strengthening communication and trust between council, city staff, and the public.
- Driving economic development and preserving Davenport’s strong financial footing
- Investing in infrastructure from streets and sewers to public spaces, to enhance quality of life.
- Making Davenport a destination for families, entrepreneurs, and young professionals.
- Enforcing existing laws and accountability standards.
- Supporting law enforcement as it continues to fight crime.
To learn more, visit www.huiskampformayor.com.
