The new mayor of Rock Island is a busy man these days.
In addition to attending city, county and regional meetings, he is actively meeting with city residents who often have one massive request of their new mayor: They want to see economic development change in Rock Island. They want to see more jobs, empty storefronts filled with more businesses, and a vibrant business community that will usher in better times for the city.
“People want change. That’s the word that is constantly ringing in my ear. … And economic development is the common denominator for that change,” Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris told the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal in a sit-down interview.
The new mayor, who works as a machinist at John Deere Seeding Group in Moline, was elected in April, defeating two-term incumbent Mayor Mike Thoms by about 150 votes. Mr. Harris was sworn into office on Monday, May 12.
During his first month on the job, Mr. Harris has been busy learning the many duties of being mayor and meeting with people who constantly remind him that they want to see change – sooner rather than later.
Ironically, some of that change is just around the corner. The $8.7 million Rebuild Downtown Rock Island capital improvement project is nearing completion. That project, which began last year, aims to rebuild parts of downtown Rock Island to spur economic development, attract more businesses and more customers, and transform downtown back into a destination for people looking for recreation and fun events.
In fact, April 15 marked the one-year mark since work crews broke ground on the major infrastructure project. That project now is more than 75% complete and is expected to be done later this year.
Mr. Harris called the project great and looks forward to its completion. “It’s making the city look more neat. … It’s looking more (city-like) and looking more professional,” he added.
While that downtown project is almost complete and will help boost local economic development, other development plans will take time. During his mayoral campaign, Mr. Harris outlined some of his goals to help spur the Rock Island business community. They include:
- Partnering with local industries, schools, and training centers such as Black Hawk College.
- Promoting apprenticeships and trade programs to match the needs of growing sectors in the Quad Cities area.
- Make sure entrepreneurs have access to grants, training programs and networking opportunities to grow their businesses.
- Attract investors with tax incentives.
- Modernize infrastructure to drive business growth.
The new mayor has just started taking steps to get those goals moving. He adds that he doesn’t see himself making personnel changes at city hall to get those steps accomplished. In fact, Mr. Harris said he would like to add people in the right places in order to spur economic development across the city.
Another big goal is to stay connected to the community. The new mayor said he will continue to meet with anybody who wants to talk with him because he knows those conversations are important. He also believes those conversations and visits will help keep him from becoming something he is trying to avoid – becoming a seasoned politician.
Mr. Harris said he never wanted to become a politician. His top goal has always been to be in a place where he can help people.
“There were people raised for this. I wasn’t raised for this. I didn’t come from money. … But I was born for this,” he added.
AT A GLANCE: Ashley Harris
Role: Rock Island mayor
Age: 44
Early years: A Rock Island native and graduate of Rock Island High School, Mr. Harris served in the U.S. Army for four years, fulfilling his tour of duty in Germany.
Lessons from the Army: Mr. Harris said that he has learned many things from his Army years that he carries with him today. Some of those traits are discipline, selfless service and keeping physically fit. Another habit is how he addresses people. “I call people ‘Sir’ or “Ma’am’ everywhere I go. That has stuck with me,” he added.
Career: He’s been working for more than 20 years as a machinist at John Deere Seeding Group in Moline, and is a member of the United Auto Workers Union Local 434. He served on the board of Community Caring Conference before taking a position with CCC as an organizer for four years until 2024, while keeping his full-time John Deere job.
Family: He is the father of three and grandfather of two. He represents a family of five generations with Rock Island roots.
Surprising fact: Mr. Harris said something people might be surprised to learn about him is that he is an introvert. “I love my alone time,” he added.
