The mayors of five Quad Cities communities gathered Friday morning, Feb. 10, to highlight projects and progress made in their cities, and voice some frustrations with Iowa lawmakers over tax issues. At the Quad Cities Mayors Breakfast, hosted by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce at the Rhythm City Casino, Davenport, the top themes emerging […]
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The mayors of five Quad Cities communities gathered Friday morning, Feb. 10, to highlight projects and progress made in their cities, and voice some frustrations with Iowa lawmakers over tax issues.
At the Quad Cities Mayors Breakfast, hosted by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce at the Rhythm City Casino, Davenport, the top themes emerging included:
- The mayors are constantly working together because good economic news in one city usually means good news for all area communities.
- All area cities have projects and economic development deals in the works.
- Some mayors – especially Davenport and Bettendorf mayors – voiced concerns and frustrations with Iowa lawmakers over an issue referred to as a tax rollback.
- Efforts to build more housing in the region: Mr. Matson said Davenport is making great strides in that area and pointed to the ongoing Federal Point apartment project. Federal Point will be a four-story, 185-unit development – being built west of the new R. Richard Bittner YMCA, located at 450 LeClaire St. All the units will be reserved for people who earn at or below 60% of the area median income. The $35 million project is scheduled for completion at the end of the year. Ms. Rayapati said it is important for Moline to partner with developers in an effort to turn more old buildings in the community into new apartments.
- Childcare issues: Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, asked about efforts to create more childcare options in the region. He pointed out that the lack of childcare has hindered some people from returning to the workforce. Ms. Rayapati said Moline has spent $500,000 to help create jobs in childcare and open up more than 250 additional childcare slots in Moline. Mr. Thoms said the new YWCA in Rock Island will bring new child daycare opportunities, and Mr. Freeman said East Moline is working with Project NOW to create more childcare options.
- Regional priorities – Quad Cities Chamber CEO LaDrina Wilson asked about regional priorities. Mr. Matson said that he recently met with the four U.S. senators from Iowa and Illinois in an effort to improve and better coordinate public safety in the region.