Iowa Governor Terry Branstad was in Davenport to promote repurposing buildings.
On Thursday, April 10, 2014 Branstad toured Victory Companies on 30th Street SW, which was transformed from H.M. Perry Elementary School. The former school is now used by the company as a political and corporate consulting and communications firm.
While in Davenport, Branstad also signed Senate File 2339, which is a bill related to the Economic Development Authority's redevelopment tax credits program. The bill adjusted the terms of what qualifies for tax credits.
"Let's turn what used to be our centers of education into centers of commerce," suggested Branstad during his 2014 Condition of the State address. "Let's repurpose the crumbling structures with renewed investment, and reinforce the foundation with new jobs."
The bill passed the Iowa Senate in late March 48-0 and passed the Iowa House in the beginning of April 92-2.