Moline approves Grow Quad Cities economic partnership; alderman recuses
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Summary
Council approved a partnership agreement with Grow Quad Cities, an economic development nonprofit spun out of the Quad Cities Chamber; one alderman recused because of a chamber role and members sought confirmation that the city would not be double-billed.
The Moline City Council on Jan. 7 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an economic development and business growth partnership agreement with Grow Quad Cities, a nonprofit initiative that separates certain regional marketing and lead-generation functions from the Quad Cities Chamber.
City staff explained the agreement anticipates a per-capita contribution from the city of $1.69 in year one (about $72,000) with a 20-cent per-capita increase in subsequent years. The city's staff said the arrangement is intended to complement, not duplicate, existing local development efforts.
Alderman Mesias recused himself, citing his membership on the Quad Cities Chamber board. Council members asked whether the new entity would seek funding in addition to what the chamber already receives; staff and an assisting city official said Grow Quad Cities represents a separate legal entity but that the city's overall annual allocation was not expected to increase beyond previously budgeted economic development contributions.
"No. No. No. But my understanding was that our annual allocation has not changed...but it's being divided to the chamber and Grow," one council member said during discussion.
The council voted to approve the resolution. The measure passed on a roll call (7 ayes, 0 nays) with the cited recusal noted in discussion.
Why it matters: The agreement formalizes Moline's financial support for a regional economic development organization focused on marketing and prospect generation. Council members emphasized the expectation that Grow Quad Cities broaden the types of projects and industry targets served beyond large-scale shovel-ready manufacturing sites.
What happens next: The mayor was authorized to sign the partnership agreement and staff will execute necessary documents and implement the partnership.