FY23 Successes
The Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO) wrapped up its third year with a list of accomplishments including new and expanded businesses, façade grants for building improvements, increased beautification efforts and a new downtown master plan. 
“Downtown Bettendorf is transforming in real-time. With the completion of the I-74 Bridge, investment in Downtown Bettendorf is up, pedestrian traffic and nightlife has increased, and more people are living and visiting our downtown. Downtown Bettendorf is once again a destination, and the best is still yet to come,” said DBO Executive Director Ryan Jantzi.
Some of the highlights from July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, include:
- Nine new businesses opened or expanded in downtown Bettendorf.
- New businesses include Bettendorf Kitchen and Bath, Country Financial – Mitch Dietrich, My Crystal Portal, The Shameless Chocoholic, TMI Claims and Warranty and Yoso Modern Japanese.
- Downtown business expansion projects were completed at Adventurous Brewing, Bettendorf Financial Group and Within by Conceptual Designs.
- DBO awarded $60,000 in façade and building improvement grants to four businesses, leveraging $666,072.
- With input from downtown stakeholders, DBO worked in partnership with the City of Bettendorf to unveil a completed Downtown Master Plan which will serve as a blueprint for continued growth.
Beautification efforts were amped up with the addition of 40 self-watering hanging flower baskets, 19 self-watering ground pots and new downtown gateway signage which helps define downtown as a destination. In addition, DBO purchased more than 80 U.S. flags to be installed throughout downtown on patriotic holidays. - Downtown Bettendorf is shining a little brighter with the newly created Be The Light Park. Featuring an all-new patio, picnic tables, benches, lighting and landscaping, the pocket park charmingly forms downtown’s western edge.
- Several successful events and promotions helped drive traffic to downtown Bettendorf including June’s Be Downtown event, the Deck the Downtowns holiday promotion and social media campaigns spotlighting downtown businesses.
- DBO’s partnership with the City of Bettendorf is gaining momentum as the two organizations work closely together on code enforcement, right-of-way maintenance, signage regulations and more, ultimately creating a stronger downtown.
“Looking forward, the Downtown Bettendorf Organization will help guide a clearer vision of what is to come on the west side of the I-74 bridge,” said Jantzi. “In addition, we will add more retail promotions and window displays, increase funding available for façade and interior grants, and add even more hanging flower baskets. Through our continued collaboration and communication, we are creating a thriving downtown Bettendorf.”