In eight years, residents of Bettendorf will be healthier and have more career options. Those are among the goals of city officials, who released a strategic plan today, outlining how to transform Bettendorf by 2023.
Mayor Bob Gallagher says the city hired the University of Northern Iowa's Institute for Decision Making two years ago, to create goals and objectives for community and economic development. After citizen surveys, meetings, and action plans, the team created ten long-term goals.
He says the first step is expanding Bettendorf's economic base. Utilizing the new I-74 bridge, the city hopes to attract new businesses to the downtown, and hire a developer for the area surrounding the new land-based casino.
The economic plan also includes increasing tourism, attracting college graduates to the city, and building more community and multi-family housing.
The second half of the 2023 plan focuses on improving the health of residents in Bettendorf, by promoting active lifestyles and life-long learning, as well as maintaining the city's bike trails and parks.
To view the full Bettendorf 2023 plan, visit www.bettendorf.org/2023Plan