Riverfront commissioners press city for clarity on staffing, role and funding

Members of the Riverfront Improvement Commission engaged in an extended discussion about the commission’s staffing, scope and funding after the departure of recent staff liaisons and program personnel.

Doug Maxiner, Davenport city administrator, joined the meeting and told commissioners the administration will review the commission’s needs and options and that full-time dedicated staffing is unlikely given constrained city resources. He said administration can assign part-time or shared staff from existing departments but asked the commission for clarity on priorities so staff assignments align with the commission’s goals.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the commission historically managed riverfront revenues and projects and had dedicated staff. Over time, rents and revenue sources have diminished, staff positions changed, and the commission’s…