The Moline City Council on July 22 adopted the city’s new Riverfront and Center Plan and added the plan to the official comprehensive-plan appendices. City staff described the plan as a multi-year master plan that will guide future riverfront redevelopment, public investment and private development strategy.

City staff said the plan represents several years of work and community engagement and will be used as a guiding document rather than rigid prescription. The plan includes preferred development alternatives, public-space concepts and an implementation strategy; MKSK (the consultant referenced in staff remarks) will provide an implementation schedule and a marketing “pitch” product to support private investment.

Staff explained the plan is expected to be integrated into the city’s comprehensive-plan update and used to attract and coordinate future riverfront projects and public-private partnerships. Councilors emphasized the plan’s role as a flexible, strategic guide and asked that staff continue public outreach to explain plan components and funding realities. The council approved the plan by motion.

City staff said next steps include producing the implementation plan, marketing materials and coordination with design and development partners as the city moves toward project-level proposals and funding strategies. Councilors noted the master plan aims to spur development on the riverfront and increase overall tax base over time; staff cautioned the city will likely invest upfront in infrastructure to “spend to make money” later.