DAVENPORT, Iowa — Davenport Mayor Mike Matson highlighted the city's accomplishments Monday, June 10, at the annual State of the City address. He also praised his staff and fellow council members for the work being done.
"Their caring, compassion and concern, those three C's for what goes on in Davenport, and how to make it a better place, is simply amazing," Matson said.
A major accomplishment to Matson is the city's budget and Davenport lowering its tax rate in 2024.
"Our financial situation is probably one of the best it's ever been," Matson said. "It's stable, it's balanced, and it's strong."
A point of emphasis this year according to Matson was continuing to improve the city's infrastructure and flood plans. That includes doing a lot of work that can't be seen.
"Things underground are being done," Matson said. "We're putting millions and millions of dollars into infrastructure to help alleviate or at least mitigate the underground issues that cause much of the issues with the flood."
Matson said one of the biggest infrastructure projects currently is the $18 million Duck Creek interceptor sewer extension. He claims the project will take pressure off the current sewer system and open up the west end of Davenport.
The Mayor's speech didn't focus solely on what's currently going on but also what the future could hold.
'There's a possibility of something happening that will set the record for economic development here," Matson said. "This opportunity is an $800 million plus opportunity."
Amidst the lawsuits against the city for the 2023 building collapse and a $1.6 Million dollar payout to former city administrator Corri Spiegel, Matson seemed to feel strong about the direction the city is headed.