City of Davenport Iowa

City Council
The City Council is made up of ten individuals elected from eight wards within the City and two elected city-wide. The City Council makes up the policy leadership that directs the city government to meet the wants and needs of its residents.

Civil Rights Commission
This independent Commission was established in 1962 to enforce Chapter 2.58 of the City Code. The Commission resolves complaints of illegal discrimination, and also provides public education through workshops, seminars and lectures. Additionally, the Davenport Civil Rights Commission works with the Mayor’s office to promote appreciation and wise utilization of our communities’ valuable cultural diversity.

Airport Commission
Established in accordance with State Code by citizen ballot in 1950, with duties amended by agreement with the City Council on plans, budgets, leases, grants and State and Federal Aviation Administration requirements for the improvement, maintenance and operation of the Davenport Municipal Airport.

Citizens Advisory Committee
Established by the City Code, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) assists in the administration of the federal Community Development Block Grant program.

City Plan and Zoning Commission
Established by the City Code, the Plan and Zoning Commission has responsibility for comprehensive planning for the community and plays a key role in the review of proposed changes in the Zoning Ordinance and Map and proposed subdivisions. The Commission is organized into committees, which focus on maintaining the Comprehensive Plan as a guide to future development and review and make recommendations on zoning changes and plats.

Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission is created and governed by Iowa Code Chapter 400. It pertains to permanent full-time police and fire employees as well as all appointive permanent full-time employees with certain exceptions. The Commission certifies lists for appointment to covered position and hears employee appeals on promotions, demotions, suspensions and dismissals.

Davenport Riverfront Task Force
The Davenport Riverfront Task Force was charged to prepare, monitor and support a workable riverfront conceptual development plan; and to bring together different perspectives of the community to offer and discuss various options and to arrive at a consensus for the best uses of the waterfront.

Downtown Design Review Board
The Downtown Design Review Board is a nine-member citizen board created in July 2007. Members are appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by City Council. Board members serve without compensation for terms of three years. Meetings are held once a month. The Downtown Design Overlay District was created to improve the quality of development and the visual image of Downtown Davenport. All exterior construction requiring a building permit within the Overlay District is to be reviewed and approved by the Downtown Design Review Board. This would include the construction of new buildings, additions to existing buildings, demolitions and other substantial external changes visible from the public right-of-way.

Historic Preservation Commission
Established by the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Historic Preservation Commission has a range of responsibilities related to properties within the community which have particular historic and architectural significance. Applications to become Local Landmarks or Historic Districts, proposed exterior changes to local designated historic properties, and proposed demolitions of properties on the National Register of Historic Places are reviewed by the Commission.

Housing Commission
This seven member Board is established through provisions of the Housing Code and assists in the administration of that code with emphasis on ensuring the rental residential properties meet minimum standards. The Board hears and decides on appeals of code-related actions taken by the city housing inspection staff.

Levee Improvement Commission
Established by the City Code, the Levee Improvement Commission has responsibility for the management of certain properties owned by the City along the Mississippi Riverfront. Activities include the oversight of construction and operation of capital projects, the administration of leases or real property to other private organizations, and the sponsorship of the Summer Concert Series in LeClaire Park.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Zoning Board of Adjustment is a five-member citizen board that hears appeals involving "hardships" resulting from the strict application of the zoning ordinance. Under certain circumstances the Board may grant variances to code requirements. The Board also rules on a variety of other discretionary permits. Members are appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by the City Council. Appointments are for five years and are staggered. Members serve without compensation. The Board holds regular meetings twice each month.