MOLINE, ILLINOIS (January 22, 2021) — The City of Rock Island has released the agenda for its January 25 city council meeting during which council members will vote to enter into a contract with the Quad Cities Chamber to provide downtown place-management services.
“Revitalizing our downtown area is a key component to economic growth opportunities for the city, which is why we’re excited to bring this public/private partnership forward,” said Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms. “Bringing people, new events, activities, and vibrancy to downtown Rock Island also brings increased revenue, improved quality-of-life, and greater value for existing assets. That’s why it’s so important for us to make this investment with a sole focus to oversee the implementation of our plan.”
A downtown task force appointed by Mayor Thoms was formed during 2020 to continue the implementation of the City’s 2015 Downtown Revitalization Plan. The task force has recommended the establishment of a downtown place-management services-agreement, which shall include activities such as exploring the creation of a downtown place-management organization with guidance from a downtown steering committee, making recommendations to the City Council, developing a plan for long-term funding-sustainability, and making recommendations on the appropriate use of the City’s remaining downtown TIF funds.
As part of the contract the Chamber will employ a Director, Downtown Rock Island, to organize and provide reports to a steering committee of downtown stakeholders, including downtown business and property owners, who provide guidance as the proposed business improvement district model is vetted. If established, the new organization’s board and its Director would provide private/public leadership to address downtown Rock Island’s place making needs, including business and economic growth, infrastructure and livability, and advocacy and promotion.
Currently, the Chamber has agreements in place to provide downtown management for Bettendorf and Davenport.
“In our experience, vibrant and inclusive downtowns are integral to a community’s ability to attract residents, amenities and businesses,” said Chamber President and CEO Paul Rumler. “We have a proven track record of effectively managing downtowns, building strong relationships with downtown businesses, and working in partnership with cities. Each downtown has its unique personality and strengths, and the Chamber looks forward to this opportunity to help the City of Rock Island grow.”
