Description

Join Bettendorf, Riverdale, and Iowa Flood Center staff for an engaging mobile workshop focused on flood preparedness, mitigation, and response along the Mississippi River. The workshop will begin in the Bettendorf City Hall Council Chambers with a presentation examining lessons learned from both the historic 2019 Mississippi River Flood and the July 2025 Flood Event. Speakers will discuss how communities responded to these significant flooding events, the evolution of local and regional flood mitigation strategies, and practical steps cities can take to improve resilience before the next major flood occurs.
Discussion will include river flooding, creek flooding, and urban flooding, along with the tools, resources, and partnerships available to help local governments make informed decisions during flood emergencies. Attendees will also learn about active flood mitigation projects, advances in flood forecasting and monitoring, emergency management coordination, and best practices for preparing residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure for future flood events.
Following the presentation, attendees will tour Bettendorf's new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and visit critical flood protection infrastructure, including the Mississippi River levee system, Leach Park flood gates, and the City's stormwater pump system. Participants will gain firsthand insight into how local governments monitor flood threats, coordinate emergency response, operate flood protection systems, and invest in long-term resilience.
Transportation between the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf and City Hall, as well as during the field portions of the tour, will be provided via golf carts.

Speakers

Brian Schmidt

Title: Public Works Director
Company: Bettendorf
Email: N/A
Bio: N/A

Taylor Beswick

Title: Senior City Planner and Floodplain Administrator
Company: Bettendorf
Email: N/A
Bio: N/A

Anthony Heddlesten

Title: Rock Island District Deputy Design Branch Chief, Mayor of Riverdale
Company: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, City of Riverdale
Email: N/A
Bio: N/A

Daniel Gilles

Title: Water Resources Engineer
Company: Iowa Flood Center
Email: N/A
Bio: N/A

Location

Mobile Tour

Date

09-24-26

Start time

9:30 AM

End time

11:30 AM