From Flood to COVID-19: Emergency Management in Downtown Davenport

I talked with Kyle Carter from Downtown Davenport Partnership, which is a division of the Chamber of Commerce. They focus on leadership and advocacy for downtown economic development. They do everything from recruitment & retention to festivals & flower baskets.

Kyle started 15 years ago being very passionate about where Davenport was heading. This was around the time that the RME & Figge were getting rolling, so Kyle wanted to jump in and be apart of helping that grow.

"One of the reasons everyone was so upset [with the flooding last year] was we finally had something to lose."

Of the many projects Kyle is proud to have been a part of is the Restoration St Louis Projects...with Hotel Blackhawk, City Square, Forrest Block, Renwick & the Market Lofts. And one that stands out is the Welcome sign at the base of the Arsenal bridge. It speaks to the artistic foot print that has been forged in Davenport since the days of Bix Beiderbecke.

"There's always been a thread of live music driving who we are and how we function."

Part of Kyle's job is helping business owners navigate through hard times, be it the flood or the COVID-19 shutdown. If you're a business owner & aren't sure where to go for help with government programs (paycheck program & disaster loans) to help you can call and Kyle & the team at the Downtown Davenport Partnership can help direct you where to go.