Davenport State of the City address echoes Chamber initiatives

Mayor Mike Matson gave Davenport’s annual State of the City Address, the final address from our Quad Cities communities. The mayor highlighted efforts from the City to address public safety, infrastructure investment, economic development and fiscal strength. 

Fiscal Strength 

This year, Davenport reduced its property tax rate to $16.61 per $1,000 in valuation, which is the 9th highest out of the 12 largest cities in Iowa. Moody’s bond rating for Davenport is Aa2, S&P’s bond rating is AA – which is high on each rating agency’s scale. This report is notable and relates directly to the Chamber’s Business and Economic Growth priority of regulatory stability, predictability and fairness. 

Economic Development 

Mayor Matson also highlighted progress in Economic Development including: 

• A growth in housing, with 800 new housing units built since 2013, representing more than $300 million in investment.
• Twenty new projects planned with a value of $132 million. 
• The potential data center project, should it come to fruition, could represent the largest single investment in the history of the Quad Cities at more than $800 million. 
• Emphasis on a future focus on the western edge of downtown near the Rockingham corridor. 

The Chamber has promoted housing availability at all prices and redevelopment and revitalization of blighted neighborhoods in our 2024 local priorities. 

Infrastructure 

Infrastructure initiatives included multiple projects, with tens of millions in federal and state funding planned for the future including: 

• Main Street landing (ARPA, Destination Iowa, railroad funds, and city funds). 
• Flood mitigation on the Mississippi. 
• DOT Protect Grant for flood mitigation. 
• Duck Creek sewer investments to open opportunities on the Northwest side. 
• 3rd & 4th street reconstruction. 

These investments represent a strong planning regime for long-term growth, a priority of the Chamber. 

Public Safety 

The mayor ended his speech with a focus on promoting public safety. As noted in the Chamber’s annual Public Policy Survey, public safety remains a priority for the business community as we look to attract and retain talented workers to the region. The City’s Gun Violence Intervention program, along with successful efforts to hire and retain new police and fire personnel, shows the City’s continued commitment to maintaining a safe place to live, work and play for citizens.