Downtown Bettendorf is becoming a more welcoming and vibrant community, thanks to the efforts of a business advocate organization.
That was the top message delivered by Ryan Jantzi, executive director of the Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO), to the Bettendorf City Council this week.
At the council’s meeting Monday, Sept. 15, Mr. Jantzi outlined many of the highlights and accomplishments of the group. Many of those activities center on promoting business and economic growth, enhancing infrastructure and livability, and advancing advocacy and promotion in the downtown district.
“These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to building a vibrant, welcoming downtown where businesses can thrive and the community can gather,” he said.
Some of the activities and accomplishments include:
- Renewal of the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) occurred in September 2024 and is in effect until 2029. Among downtown shareholders, 53% of the district – representing 71% of its value – voted in favor of the SSMID.
- DBO facilitated the expansion of the SSMID on the north and east sides of downtown.
- DBO awarded $30,600 in grants, which leveraged $188,911 in façade and building improvements for three downtown properties.
- Downtown Bettendorf also welcomed new businesses and locations, including D’LUA Taco Shop, The Bulldog Arms, Royal T’s Beauty Parlor, Soothe and Renew, and Paragon Interiors.
Public art also was a focus this year for the DBO, an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. DBO partnered with Quad City Arts to deliver new creative installations, including Arches, a mural by artist Bill Gustafson and two new sculpture pads at the Interstate 74 bike path and the city’s Be the Light Park, which will host rotating public art pieces.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the mural was held Thursday, Sept. 4. During that ceremony, DBO’s executive director said: “We are activating downtown with art like this.”
The Arches mural joins another new piece of public art downtown. “Lost Frequencies,” by Dominic Laporte, was created during this year’s Alternating Currents Festival and can be found on The Bulldog Arms building at 2211 Grant St.
“I am most proud of the investment in the arts by the DBO,” said Mr. Jantzi. “With support and guidance from Quad City Arts, DBO is continuing to invest in placemaking initiatives like sculptures, signage and murals. The Downtown Bettendorf renaissance continues, and it’s awesome to see our downtown evolve in real time. The best is yet to come.”
Some of DBO’s other highlights of the year include:
- Maintaining the Be the Light Park for community use.
- Regular inspections and cleaning of the new I-74 bike path, on/off ramps and Oculus.
- Hosting the annual Downtown Cleanup, uniting volunteers to beautify shared spaces.
