Several outgoing Davenport City Council members used the Dec. 10 meeting to deliver farewell remarks and to urge respectful civic discourse ahead of the newly seated council in January.

Alderman Lynch said that serving the city "changed me, it humbled me" and urged civility, telling the room: "Disagreement is not disrespect." She emphasized that running a city requires financial discipline and long-term thinking.

Alderman McGinnis highlighted long-term projects developed during his eight-and-a-half years on the council, including flood planning, ARPA-funded projects, and neighborhood street investments. The mayor also praised efforts on flood mitigation, inclusive playgrounds, the GBI (group violence intervention) program and community assessment programs, and thanked staff for helping the city achieve national accreditations.

Several speakers encouraged residents to stay engaged in commissions and task forces; the city administrator earlier noted that newly elected officials had undergone onboarding and training and that the newly seated council would begin formal business in January. Members of the public and council thanked departing colleagues for years of service and wished the community a safe holiday season.

Those departing were publicly recognized and the administration noted five council members would be leaving; the new council is expected to be seated in January 2026.