Dr. Brad Bark wears multiple hats for his Muscatine, Iowa, hometown. He is the city’s mayor as well as president and CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
MUSCATINE, Iowa – This city is in the middle of history-making events. And Dr. Brad Bark couldn’t be more pleased. In May, construction began on the state’s first 3D printed house. It’s currently being built on Duncan Drive in the Arbor Commons subdivision. “We’re not doing this just because we can. We’re building houses because […]
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MUSCATINE, Iowa – This city is in the middle of history-making events. And Dr. Brad Bark couldn’t be more pleased.In May, construction began on the state’s first 3D printed house. It’s currently being built on Duncan Drive in the Arbor Commons subdivision.“We’re not doing this just because we can. We’re building houses because we need the houses here. But, it is cool,” said Ron Monahan, housing initiatives manager with the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, one of the project’s community partners.Muscatine seems to be in the middle of a lot of “cool” and history-making events in recent times. In addition to the innovative 3D printed house, the city has seen the Kent Pet Group launch an $80 million expansion, new businesses open, and new residents moving into the community.This has all been done with Dr. Bark at the center of many activities in Muscatine. Dr. Bark, a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, moved to Muscatine in 2007. He has been the city’s mayor since January 2022, and also was named president and CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) last summer.Dr. Bark recently talked to the QCBJ and in this Q&A he discusses the many hats he wears in his community, and some of the big events and projects coming in Muscatine.
What are the biggest challenges facing Muscatine?
“The biggest challenges facing Muscatine are our housing and increasing workforce numbers.”
What are your goals for the community this year?
“Our goals for this year include having a vibrant community; having a safe community; having a healthy community; having reliable, public infrastructure; and excellent customer service.”
Do you face any unique challenges in your double role in the community as city mayor and head of the GMCCI?
“I never look at any issues as challenges, but as an opportunity. A mayor should be an ambassador for the city and the president and CEO of GMCCI should be an ambassador for business. I see these two roles meshing well. Many meetings in the past, the mayor and president/CEO of GMCCI would be at the same meeting working in collaboration with each other.”
Does Muscatine offer any incentives to developers or retailers?
“Yes, we have TIF (tax increment financing) and a tax abatement program. There are also an assortment of incentives that are grants or loans. We have the Small Business Forgivable Loan, Façade Grant Program and more. …”
What are the things that keep businesses growing and expanding in Muscatine?
“The collaborative work ethic of many. We want to see businesses and people succeed in Muscatine. We are a welcoming community that is extremely generous. Our community was built on innovation.”
What project are you working on now that you’re most excited about?
“We are working on having sites ready for businesses to develop. Working with our utility partners is key to making sure we have accurate information with water, sewer, electric, gas and communications. Our community development department has made seven maps to show the potential for residential developments of well over 2,000 houses. The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine is working on 3-D houses which has been extremely exciting. At GMCCI, we have been working with digging into our businesses and asking them what type of houses are needed that would suffice their needs. Our Athletic/Activities Dome will be hopefully completed by fall of 2024.”
What do you think Muscatine will be known for in 10 years?
“I personally would like to see us near 24,500-25,000 people living in Muscatine. We have the potential with many individuals driving into Muscatine, Iowa, every day. Our focus is being thankful for the residents and businesses that are in Muscatine. Sustainability is key, but thinking strategically on how to build upon that. Increasing our housing stock, focusing on growth for our healthcare and education system are top of the mind also."GMCCI continues to have amazing events that our residents that work, live and play here can take their family too to have pride in the community.”
What makes Muscatine an attractive place to do business?
“Our community is inviting and has an amazing history. We are a diverse community with great opportunity. If a person or entity is looking at starting up a business, we have the people that can help. Our community sits on the mighty Mississippi River that touches our trail system that is 15 miles long that passes through our 21 parks and recreational sites. We have big corporations that are nationally and world known.”
What worries, concerns do you have about economic development in Muscatine?
“I have no worries at all as we are focusing on being positive and putting our best foot forward on strategically building our wonderful and beautiful community. There is so much great opportunity in the future of Muscatine.”
