Downtown Bettendorf Organization launches with creation of Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District

24 JULY, 2019

With the creation of the new Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) in Bettendorf, the Quad Cities Chamber has announced the formation of the Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO) to manage the funds.

On July 16, 2019, the Bettendorf City Council unanimously approved the creation of SSMID in downtown Bettendorf. Fifty-eight percent of all commercial, industrial and multi-residential property owners representing 70 percent of the assessed value within the district petitioned the City of Bettendorf to request the creation of the SSMID.

The City of Bettendorf had contracted with the Quad Cities Chamber, which has experience managing the SSMID funds in Davenport through the Downtown Davenport Partnership, to help determine if there was enough interest from downtown property owners to create a SSMID.

Property owners within the SSMID boundaries will pay a levy based on the assessed taxable value of their respective properties to help fund improvements in the district, which can include revitalization and beautification projects, festivals, enhanced maintenance, marketing and promotion as well as research and planning projects. The SSMID will start in July 2019 and continue for four years, at a rate not to exceed $2.75 per thousand dollars of taxable valuation. The SSMID levy will be applied to fiscal year 2019 taxes with the first payment of SSMID dollars available for use in September 2020. During the interim, the City of Bettendorf and Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf will provide $150,000 in funding to support DBO efforts.

“A group of property owners met for more than a year to discuss how best to revitalize Downtown Bettendorf, create a new sense of place and help businesses increase revenues,” said Simon Bowe of Bowe Machine. “We’ve worked on a plan on what we envision for downtown and concluded that a SSMID would be the best way to fund needed improvements to grow our downtown.”

DBO’s mission is to administer and operate programs for the general improvement and redevelopment of Bettendorf’s Central Business District and to enhance its aesthetic appearance and economic future for the community and citizens of Bettendorf. 

With the creation of the SSMID, Downtown Bettendorf Organization will begin work on the following:

Strategic plan for downtown growth
The SSMID will provide financial support for development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for downtown Bettendorf. The DBO board of directors will create a strategic plan that will focus on goals, strategies and tactics that contribute to downtown growth and attract new businesses to downtown Bettendorf. 

DBO website and social media presence
The DBO will have a website and social media presence promoting everything downtown Bettendorf has to offer, including businesses and events.

DBO committees
The DBO will create several committees to support its strategic initiatives, including an events committee, complete streets committee (walkability and beautification) and an arts and culture committee. These committees will be chaired by downtown property and/or business owners and will have a budget of SSMID dollars that will help achieve their initiatives. 

Beautification
Continued beautification efforts for downtown Bettendorf will include bigger, better flower pots, gateway signage and routine litter collection.

Dedicated staff
Business owners and property owners will have support from a dedicated staff person to help them with all issues related to doing business in downtown Bettendorf. 

Events
DBO will work with business owners to create unique events that drive customers into downtown Bettendorf.

Façade and interior grants
DBO will enhance the City’s façade grant program and implement an interior grant program to encourage investment in existing buildings in downtown Bettendorf. Interior grants can help ease the burden on property owners who are looking to enhance or update outdated buildings. The goal is to attract new and retain existing downtown commercial office and retail tenants while enhancing the overall value and appeal of the downtown business district. 

Inventory of available property
DBO will create a list of properties and buildings available for lease or purchase, and will be available to meet with interested potential business owners.

Promoting and celebrating downtown Bettendorf
DBO will work with property owners and business owners to create a downtown environment that promotes community pride, inclusiveness and involvement. Outdoor event space, pocket parks, cultural events and parades will all be a part of DBO’s initiatives to help downtown Bettendorf grow.

“I’m excited about the possibilities for downtown Bettendorf,” says Ryan Jantzi, Director of Downtown Bettendorf Organization. “After hitting the streets and talking with business and property owners, there is a lot of energy focused on downtown Bettendorf, particularly with the new I-74 Bridge and surrounding improvements.”