Davenport council adopts 2025 URTE list, approves two liquor licenses, removes one application and clears consent agenda

The Davenport City Council on Feb. 26 adopted a resolution approving the 2025 urban revitalization tax exemption (URTE) projects, approved two liquor-license applications (one with an outdoor endorsement) after staff reviews and a fire inspection, removed one liquor-license application at the applicant—s request, and passed its consent agenda.

The URTE resolution passed by roll call after Alderman Anne Newton said she would abstain from voting on several properties because of her personal involvement with those projects. "So that's the the reason for that abstention," Alderwoman Anne Newton said as she read a list of addresses for which she would abstain, including 709-711 Gaines Street, 517 Ripley Street, 2109 Brady Street, 314 Gaines Street, 1029 Mound Street, 628 Harrison Street, 1527 Brady Street, 2225 East Second Street, and 204 Prospect Terrace. The resolution was adopted; the council recorded the motion as approved in the roll call.

Why it matters: URTE approvals allow qualifying redevelopment projects to receive temporary tax abatement under Davenport—s urban revitalization program, affecting property owners and local redevelopment projects across wards.

On liquor licenses, city staff and public safety reviewers reported no code or public-safety reasons to deny applications. City Administrator Maxeyner summarized staff—s review to council: "all those…