Every year the Mayor and City Council hold a strategic planning session to develop goals for the next year.  The top goals and action agenda for 2011-2015 follow, and the vision for the future. 

Vision 2025

Rock Island is a growing city with beautiful riverfronts, a vibrant downtown and livable neighborhoods. Rock Island respects diversity and history. Our citizens have quality homes and places for enjoyment and fun. Rock Island is a proud community.

Goals 2015

• Quality services, financially sound city
• Grow the economy
• More new housing opportunities, upgraded and well-maintained older homes
• More and better retail
• Great neighborhoods
• Improve riverfronts and downtown

Action Agenda 2010-11

Top Priority

Budget: Make decisions on the property tax rates, service levels and adopt a balanced budget after seeking community input.

Economic Development Strategic Plan: Develop action steps related to the strategic plan and review and approve the plan.

Campustown:  Work with business owners and Augustana College to develop a plan to increase business activity in the neighborhood of 30^th Street and 14^th Avenue.

Safer Community Task Force: Implement the recommendations of the Safer Community Task Force.

Casino Area Development: Take actions to support future development in the area near the Jumer’s Casino and Hotel and the southwest area.

Liquor License Modifications: Consider changes in liquor licenses for license holders with the 3 a.m. extended hours option.

High Priority

Negotiations and Compensation Policy: Obtain collective bargaining agreements for all units for agreements expiring 2010 and 2011.

Mill Creek: Review options and develop a plan to address the flooding and environmental risks associated with the decision by the Corps of Engineers to cease the clean-out of Mill Creek South Slough.

Economic Development Position: Develop a position description and funding source for a new City position that would work to support the retention and growth of small businesses.

Rental Housing Inspections: Maintain staffing and funding and implement an incentive to encourage landlord training.

Street Improvements Comprehensive Plan: Develop comprehensive plan to do street improvements in concert with available funding.

Market Rate Rental Property: Review market and determine potential for development of a market rate rental complex.

Management Agenda 2010-11

Top Priority

Management Succession Planning: Plan for and implement as needed, the replacement of retiring management staff.

New Police Headquarters: Begin preliminary planning for the future construction of a modern police facility.

First Army Strategy: Implement a strategy to encourage civilians and uniformed personnel moving to the Quad Cities to consider Rock Island as home.

Problem Properties: Identify the worst and chronic violators of nuisance ordinances and develop a plan to focus enforcement to obtain compliance.

Transient Boat Dock: Apply for funding for a transient boat dock at Schwiebert Riverfront Park.

High Priority

Emergency Communications System: Seek funding for an 800 MHz radio system.

Casino Area Development: Obtain approvals for interchange modifications at IL 92 and I-280.

Highway 92 Corridor: Seek federal and state funding for the IL 92 corridor project.