As Iowa’s largest city on the Mississippi River, Davenport has long been the metropolitan anchor of the Quad Cities—Moline, Bettendorf, and Rock Island. Despite its size, economic influence, and cultural vitality, Davenport’s story lacked a clear and unified voice, leaving the city struggling to position itself as the leader of this regional collective. Without a strong and consistent brand identity, city officials found it challenging to proactively market Davenport, attract and retain businesses, and foster deeper engagement with residents. Adding to these challenges, persistent flooding in the downtown core heightened the need for clear, effective communication tools to build trust and guide future development.
Davenport’s strength lies in its balance—big-city energy meets Midwestern values, innovation meets grit, and a vibrant urban core connects seamlessly with its historic neighborhoods and suburban communities. Through an extensive engagement process involving over 600 residents, a defining brand narrative emerged: Davenport is the true urban heart of the Quad Cities, a place where people plant roots, build careers, and create opportunities while enjoying an authentic hometown feel.
To bring this identity to life, the city’s new visual system reflects both strength and approachability. A bold yet unpretentious color palette, inspired by the city’s landscape and industrial resilience, pairs with a signature illustration style that celebrates local landmarks, businesses, and culture. At its core is the Skybridge—a fitting symbol of connection, progress, and a city always looking ahead. The brand system is built to be flexible, allowing Davenport to expand its storytelling over time while ensuring consistency across departments, marketing efforts, and community engagement initiatives.
With a revitalized identity, Davenport is now equipped to take ownership of its role as a leader, confidently telling its story and inspiring a future of growth, investment, and civic pride. From strengthening its internal communications to shaping how residents and businesses experience the city, this brand serves as a foundation for long-term impact and transformation.
