About Us & Our Mission:

We represent the original business improvement district in Iowa (1976-77) with nearly 45 years of understanding the power of placemaking with the City of Davenport. 

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

The DDP SSMID districts cover about 52 quare blocks, encompassing the most exciting and historic locations in our city; and is a cultural, creative and economic epicenter for the Quad Cities region.

Why does the SSMID and DDP exist?

In a downtown, unlike anywhere else, economic growth is interconnected with arts, festivals, dining, shopping, opportunities for recreation and entertainment. From driving tax revenue and business opportunities to hosting a concentration of resources, amenities, and social infrastructure, downtowns play a pivotal role in the long-term health of a region.

As the leading advocate for downtown, we work in partnership with business and government to identify needs, develop strategies, shape public policy, and implement programs to strengthen the economic vitality of downtown Davenport, and its role as the historic and cultural heart of the community.

What does DDP do?

Metrics for success

1. an increase in the number of people living, working and engaging in Downtown, and
2. an increase in Downtown commercial property values

SSMID/DDP History
The Downtown Davenport Development Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District was founded in 1977 when a passionate group of property owners recognized a need for an organization to promote the downtown ecosystem. Beginning in 1980, administration of the SSMID was provided by the Downtown Davenport Development Corporation (DDDC) via a contract with the City. Following a merger in 2000 including the DDDC, Rejuvenate Davenport, Downtown Davenport Association (DDA), Davenport Central City Partners (DCCP), and the Davenport Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Partnership was created as a division of DavenportOne.  DavenportOne merged to form the Iowa Quad Cities Chamber in 2009, and in 2010, the Iowa and Illinois chambers merged to form the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. In 2020, DDP 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 DDP to better manage financial liabilities and further clarify organizational governance. The Downtown Davenport Partnership is an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. DDP has a contract with the City of Davenport to administer downtown SSMID governance thru FY2030.    
 

Who are DDP’s Stakeholders?

Downtown Property Owners

Downtown Businesses & Employees

Downtown Residents

Visitors
 

How is DDP Funded?

A SSMID is a structured method of raising funds in a geographical area in order to manage and deliver critical services above and beyond the level of services provided by local government. The special assessment on commercial property allows neighbors and property owners to create a sustainable funding source for core services that keep downtown clean, attractive and safe. SSMID dollars are reinvested into funding incentives and activations designed to support the growth of both Downtown’s population and appraised property values. Additional revenue sources for DDP include annual payments from Rhythm City Casino Hotel via the Regional Development Authority (RDA), a City Cleaning Services Agreement, sponsored events and a variety of grants. 
 

What is the assessment and how is the assessment paid?

The SSMID levy is based on taxable assessed property values within the district.  In 2020, Davenport City Council approved levy rates to the following:  Property owners in Zone A pay $5.50 per $1,000 in taxable assessed property value towards the SSMID ($2.40 for capital funds and $3.10 for operating funds) while those in Zone B pay $3.50 per $1,000 ($1.40 for capital and $2.10 for operating funds). Payment is collected annually through property tax assessments.
 

Do I have to be a member of the Quad Cities Chamber to receive DDP support for my downtown business?

No, any business located in the SSMID will receive services from DDP. The QC Chamber is a great resource to businesses in the region. If you are seeking additional support or networking opportunities, please call the Chamber at 563.322.1706.
 

How do you ensure the work is being done?

DDP operates on behalf of the property owners within SSMID. The property owners within the district decide what kind and what level of management services they need through the governance of the SSMID Board of Directors. DDP staff provides leadership to execute the workplan and achieve shared placemaking goals with the City. 
 

What is placemaking?

Placemaking is an approach to planning, design, and management of public/private spaces which leverages the unique physical, cultural, and social assets that define a community identity.  Placemaking is also about workforce retention/attraction and creatively celebrating the authentic soul of place while you’re doing it.  More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use to maximize shared value.