The Mayor, City Council and City staff met Friday, June 19 from 1:00 - 5:00 pm and Saturday, June 20 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The strategic plan outlines the initiatives and action agenda and maintains a focus on infrastructure, financial stability, economic development, redevelopment, and high quality services. The plan sets a guideline for the staff so they know the direction of the council in the coming year.

Policy Agenda 2015-2016

Top Priorities:

• Southwest Rock Island Business Development
• Blackhawk Road Business Development
• Street Program: Funding and Direction
• Water Treatment Plant
• Internet Access - Fiber to Homes and Business
• 11th Street Business Development

High Priorities:

• 18th Avenue Corridor Business Development
• 1st Avenue TIF
• 175th Celebration
• Millcreek Water Treatment Plant Water/Sewer Lines
• City-School Relations
• Downtown Business Attraction Strategy
• College Hill District Redevelopment

This plan sets the roadmap for the staff and the City Manager as they look at the issues that come up. This set the general direction for the City. 

Tuesday, June 23, enjoy the sounds of the Five Bridges Jazz Band at the Starlight Revue Music Under the Stars Concert Series held at Lincoln Park. Start the evening with dinner at 6:00 pm from the Hy-Vee grill then enjoy an ice cream social. At 7:00 pm the music begins. Concert rain date is Wednesday of the same week. Call (309) 732-RAIN. 

Don't miss, Quad City CrossFit's competition known as the Urban Street Games in the District of Rock Island. This year, they will have a free Health Fair going on at the same time.  Businesses will have free goodies for everyone that stops by! They will also have a play area for kids with a Jumpin' Joey's bounce house, big screen for movie watching, craft corner, face painting, sidewalk chalk, and more! All the fun takes place on June 27 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information or questions, please call (309) 278-8029 or tifani@qccrossfit.com.

Whitewater Junction will be open on the 4th of July at 10:00 am with special family fun and games including a variety of relay races, and other patriotic activities and prizes from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This popular railroad themed family aquatic center features a body slide, tube slide, two drop slides, a tot slide, tumble buckets, and spray features. General admission of $8.00 will apply. 2 years and under free with paid adult.   

Red White & Boom explodes with family fun this year at Schwiebert Riverfront Park with free admission, inflatables, princess meet-n-greets, good dance music, beer garden, a military tribute and more at the park's play fountain, digital playground and beautiful riverfront location, top it off with a fabulous fireworks show and you've got the best Independence Day celebration this side of the Mississippi. Schwiebert Riverfront Park activities begin at 3:00 pm with children's activities and food vendors open, the music starts at 4:30 pm, and a special military tribute will take place at 6:30 pm. At 9:30 pm fireworks will be launched from two barges on the Missisippi River this year and will be choreographed to a custom made soundtrack, which can be heard throughout the park or tune in to 96.9 FM (97X) to hear the music during the show. Free parking will be available downtown in the parking ramp, and on the street. A handicap shuttle will provide rides to those requiring assistance from the parking garage to the park entrance. For more information call Rock Island Parks and Recreation at (309)732-7275. 

A one-hour super-sized interactive juggling show, Monday, July 6 at 10:00 am at the Main Library features Jason Kollum as he shows off his feats in juggling, stilt-walking and balloon twisting. After the demonstration attendees will get a chance to learn if juggling can be their superpower, too, with a short workshop on juggling and balancing.