The downtown revitalization project was one of the topics that Mayor Reggie Freeman touched on during this year's State of the City address.
Two years ago, the city received a grant for the project from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The goal is to create a more walkable and bikeable downtown area, with better connections between 15th Ave, The Rust Belt, and The Bend, over the course of the next three years.
Residents will be able to give their input on the plans at public meetings throughout 2024.
Last year, the city hired a new city administrator and filled several director level positions. Freeman highlighted the diversity of the city's staff in his speech.
"Over 50% of all our senior leadership positions are filled with women or people of color and, if you haven't noticed, including myself!"
"In addition, 80% of our elected officials are also persons of color or women."
In the next two years, Freeman says the city plans to create a community development department and a rental housing inspection program. And it's made room in this year's budget for a neighborhood stabilization fund to tackle dilapidated houses in East Moline.
