Downtown Plan

Downtown is an integral part of Rock Island and a strategic plan for improvement is essential. Downtown Rock Island has dramatically changed since 1996 when the Downtown 2000 plan was created. Much has been accomplished. Downtown has a core base of employers. Recent housing developments have proven residents want to live downtown. Major investments in the downtown infrastructure have been made. Downtown remains compact and intact, with several key businesses anchoring downtown. The District has built a brand equity with the arts and entertainment concept. The partnership between the City and Renaissance Rock Island demonstrates a highly effective public / private partnership.

In 2003, the downtown plan was updated. Since that time many of the objectives have been completed, the atmosphere of downtown has transformed, and Renaissance Rock Island has had staff changes. The time was ripe to create a new plan and review the vision.

The staffs of the City of Rock Island and Renaissance Rock Island met four times between August and October 2006. A professional facilitator, Tom Thoms, guided the process. The result is this document which includes the vision for downtown, critical issues to the success of downtown, and a set of prioritized objectives and strategies with individuals assigned to lead the successful completion of these objectives. The plan implementation period is 2007-2010.

The downtown is defined geographically as the Downtown Tax Increment Finance District.

To download the 2007-2010 Downtown Strategic Plan click here.