QC mayors outline ‘game-changer’ projects, some challenges

“There’s a lot of big things coming.” That’s the word from Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher – and the sentiment of other area mayors – as they discussed major projects in the works for the Quad Cities in the coming months and years. Those projects, along with some challenges facing the region, took center stage Friday […]

“There’s a lot of big things coming.” That’s the word from Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher – and the sentiment of other area mayors – as they discussed major projects in the works for the Quad Cities in the coming months and years.

1 of 4

Those projects, along with some challenges facing the region, took center stage Friday morning, Feb. 9, at the Quad Cities Mayors’ Breakfast meeting at the Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport. The event, which attracted more than 150 people from the business community, was part of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Legislative Series. The event sponsors included: Arconic, AM General, Constellation, The Associated General Contractors of the Quad Cities, Mediacom and Rhythm City Casino Resort. During the event, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson, Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati, East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman and Mr. Gallagher discussed some of the economic projects and plans for their cities, and took a few questions from the audience. Mr. Gallagher told the audience that Bettendorf will soon see some “game-changer” projects happening near the TBK Bank Sports Complex in Bettendorf. He gave few details, but said one of those projects will be a commercial project and the other will be an entertainment venue.  The mayor did say that two projects are now in the works – the Iron Tee Golf facility, located at 6909 Iron Tee Way, which is expected to open this spring, and a yet-to-be-named sports building that is expected to start construction this spring. “We are very blessed to continue to grow. … These (projects) will be a game-changer,” Mr. Gallagher said. The mayor added that Bettendorf also is looking to make improvements to its downtown section to make the city a “destination for entertainment.” “Look for some big announcements later this year,” Mr. Gallagher said. Other Quad Cities mayors also used the breakfast meeting to outline some of the big events happening in their communities. Some of those projects include:

• Rock Island: Mr. Thoms said the city is expanding its staff and “continuing to work on economic growth.” Some of that growth will be through a variety of public-private projects taking place in the downtown area over the next 18 months. The mayor said lighting, sidewalk and road improvements will be made to make the area more user-friendly. “In the next 18 months to two years, you will see some major changes,” he added.
• Moline: Ms. Rayapati said there will be a “big reveal” on Saturday, Feb. 10, during Moline’s “Love the River” event. The event — which runs 3-5 p.m. at Mercado on Fifth, 423 12th St. — will offer information on riverfront ideas the public shared in October; three design concepts for the city’s riverfront; a presentation at 3:10 p.m. covering the project background, community vision and design concepts; and family-friendly activities, the city previously announced. The mayor added that Moline has a “balanced vision” for its economic development projects in an effort to preserve history and come up with innovations to improve the city. “Things are moving at a very fast pace,” she added.
• Davenport: The city is “focusing on opportunities” in economic development, public safety and many other projects, said Mr. Matson. He pointed out the city’s plans to develop the riverfront called the Main Street Landing. Some of the projects include installation of a high-intensity, multi-generational experience zone that will include a signature tower structure, slides, climbing assets, an interactive water feature, and a space for winter activities. The mayor added that Davenport continues to be a place that welcomes new businesses. He pointed out that some new businesses coming to the city told city officials they looked at 125 other communities before picking Davenport.
• East Moline: Mr. Freeman said “we are progressing” with many good projects. One of those projects is the recently completed Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (MACRC) Quad Cities Campus, located at 17020 4th Ave., East Moline. He also touted new developments in the Bend XPO area of the city and a federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant the city received last year that will bring $24 million in funding to connect East Moline’s downtown and its riverfront.

In addition to talking about new and big projects in their communities, the mayors also fielded questions that are centered on the region’s challenges. One of those topics was on creating more and better affordable housing across the Quad Cities. The audience member who brought up the topic said it is especially vital because half the people in the region are now spending 30% or more of their income on housing. All the mayors said housing continues to be a concern, and their communities are taking steps to address the issue. For instance, Mr. Thoms said Rock Island renovated 37 old homes last year to create better housing for its residents. Mr. Matson added that Davenport has several housing projects “going on as we speak.” He pointed out that the new Federal Point apartment complex at 450 LeClaire St., near the R. Richard Bittner YMCA, should be completed soon. Also, the city is now looking at creating more housing at the Annie Wittenmyer Campus in Davenport. Ms. Rayapati said that part of the housing solution in Moline is to make zoning changes “to provide more flexibility” for housing projects. Another question centered on what efforts can be made to bring more people to Iowa communities. The audience member indicated he was concerned that the state’s population growth is stagnant and not growing at the same rate as many other states in the country. Mr. Matson said one of the keys to getting more people to the Quad Cities is to make sure they know what the region offers. He added that once people come to Davenport and see the quality of life and low cost of living, they become fans of the city. Mr. Gallagher added the region must make people feel welcome, and highlight the features that make the Quad Cities a special place. “We need to do a better job of celebrating our biggest asset – the river,” he said.