Thank you, QC Chamber and the QC Business Advocacy Council for their endorsement and support.
Click for QC Chamber website:
https://quadcitieschamber.com/locate-grow-business/government-affairs/2023-municipal-elections/mike-matson/
Mike’s questionnaire responses:
What are your top three priorities related to the business community, and why should a business owner support your candidacy?
To continue to be a very strong advocate for economic development and Job creation. I did help lead record level new Job creation (more than 400 new business licenses) and opportunities in Davenport through strong partnerships and collaboration with many Quad City stakeholders. To foster public/ private partnerships in Davenport and the entire Quad Cities. To be the Leader for continued growth and new development. To support and foster all small businesses.
What civic, business, or other groups do you have a connection or membership with?
Chairman of the Iowa Metro Coalition, Chairman of the Bi-State Transporation Committee, Chairman of the Rock Island Defense Alliance, recently selected to the U.S. Trade Ambassadors Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committe, board member of the Bi State Reginal Authority, Board member of the Scott County Emergency Management Agency and the Scott Emergency Communication center, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Association of the U.S. Army, Putnam Museum.
The lack of shovel ready sites is a major concern for economic development in our region. Would you support creating new ways to develop such sites to attract and retain business to the region? Please explain.
Absolutely. We have done this through our partnerships in the North sector of Davenport. Through our many partnerships and collaboration with our Chamber, local, and state leaders- We have helped bring in Amazon, Sterilite, and build the New Kraft Heinz facility. We now are working to provide infrastructure to the West part of Davenport so as to have shovel ready areas for companies to consider. My job is to help foster the environment for new opportunities/ jobs.
What is your perspective on regulation? When should it be used and why?
We need oversight. We need to follow our laws. We do not need more bureaucracy. Regulations should be in place for safety and training.
What is your view on Tax Increment Financing, and how do you view your role as a elected leader in promoting economic development?
As the Chairman of the Iowa Metro Coalition- I believe and work hard to ensure TIF is kept as an important tool in the incentive process to enhance businesses and companies to come to Davenport! TIF helps us bring economic development here. It makes us more competitive.
How would you encourage responsible budgeting practices if elected?
We have a strong record of conservative budgeting policies. We balance our budget with no city tax increase. I have a strong record of working with our staff to ensure our financial policies are well managed and followed. We are continuously recognized (again this year) with awards for financial planning, budgeting, and management. We had a credit rating upgrade for the first time in over 25 years.
Have you engaged with the Downtown Davenport Partnership or Downtown Bettendorf Organization in the past? How so?
Yes, I talk with Kyle Carter many times a month. I work with the DDP on many issues to ensure they are viable and continue to grow. Our downtown partnerships are the driver of many positive business enhancements and growth.
How important is promoting the riverfront as an amenity for your community? Please explain.
Promoting riverfront development is very important. I worked with many partners in collaboration to help get the Destination Iowa grant. We used other people's money to get State money to fund this future great amenity. Our River front is Iowa's Front porch. This is a critical piece to tourism and positive momentum for Davenport.
Do you support the integration of walkable, bikeable spaces with existing infrastructure and future development? Would you make this a priority? Please explain.
Yes. We have done this and will continue to do this especially in new street and new development areas.
Housing and transportation issues impact the ability to attract and retain employees in our region. How would you address housing and transportation as a member of the council?
As new areas development become open and the possibility of reinvestment in old or current structures and land becomes available- we must try to enhance more housing possibilities. We have done this in redevelopment of places like the Kahl, Marycrest, and Naval station. We are currently building over 300 new units near our downtown YMCA. We will continue to work with partners to do this. I am the Chairman of the Bi-State Reginal Transportation committee. We continue to work in collaboration of all levels of government to improve our reginal transportation system. I work hard to bring millions of dollars to our infrastructure to better improve our roads and bridges.
