Downtown Bettendorf Organization’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.
A Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) is a defined geographic area in Iowa where commercial, multi-family residential (3+ units) and industrial property owners pay an additional property tax to fund improvements and enhanced services within district boundaries. DBO is responsible for oversight and implementation of the tax funds generated by the district. SSMIDs are more commonly known as a “Business Improvement District” or “BID” in many U.S. states. Iowa’s SSMID’s legal basis is rooted in Iowa Code Chapter 386.
In July 2019, the Bettendorf City Council unanimously approved the creation of a SSMID in downtown Bettendorf. In September 2024, City Council unanimously approved the first five-year renewal of the SSMID. The majority supported the renewal - 53% of property owners representing 71% of the value of downtown Bettendorf signed the petition in support of renewing the SSMID.
As administrators of the downtown SSMID, DBO provides leadership and advocacy for downtown placemaking, economic development, strategic planning, business retention & recruitment, project management, public art, marketing and communications, festival/event planning, infrastructure, public policy and clean-and-safe initiatives. This role in a community is defined within the industry as Place Management. DBO has defined its three key pillars of downtown Place Management as Business & Economic Growth, Infrastructure & Livability, and Advocacy & Promotion.
The boundaries are roughly:
Property owners within the SSMID boundaries 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 renewed in September 2024 and will continue for four years, with a rate not to exceed $2.75 per thousand dollars of taxable valuation.
Taxes are collected by the Scott County Treasurer via traditional property tax bills and later dispersed to the City of Bettendorf. DBO receives the SSMID tax funds from the City of Bettendorf and the DBO Board of Directors (with approval from Bettendorf City Council) disperses the funds towards capital improvements and operations.
Additional revenue sources for DBO include annual payments from Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, City of Bettendorf, event sponsorships and various grants. It is important to note the general public does not contribute towards funding the SSMID.
DBO has a $300,000 annual budget aimed at helping improve the properties, businesses and constituencies in the downtown district.
While setting direction and establishing policy are responsibilities of the Board of Directors, administration and operations are the responsibilities of DBO’s Executive Director.
The DBO Executive Director manages the staff, business and daily affairs of the organization. The Executive Director also performs all duties incidental to the office as prescribed by the DBO Board and Quad Cities Chamber CEO. Staff carries out the work of the organization within the framework of the annual budget and strategic plan adopted by the DBO Board of Directors and Quad Cities Chamber Board.
The Downtown Bettendorf SSMID was founded via property owner petition to the City of Bettendorf and subsequent Council approval in 2019. With the creation of the new SSMID, the Quad Cities Chamber formed the Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO) to manage the funds and take the role of place manager.
In 2020, DBO transitioned to a limited liability series of a newly formed series LLC of the Quad Cities Chamber known as the Quad Cities Community Partnership (QCCP). This created a new legal entity for DBO to better manage financial liabilities and further clarify organizational governance. The Downtown Bettendorf Organization is an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber.
As an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber, DBO continues its Place Management role as administrator of the downtown SSMID via contract with the City of Bettendorf.