Title: Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director
Company: City of Bettendorf
Email: jreiter@bettendorf.org
Bio: Jeff is a native of Bettendorf and has served the City in many capacities over his 28 year career. Jeff is a 1993 graduate of Bettendorf High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa, where he met his wife, Kelly. Jeff and Kelly have two boys who both attended Pleasant Valley High School.

In his role as Assistant City Administrator and Economic Development Director, Jeff has helped forge many relationships and initiatives that have led to the development of the TBK Bank Sports Complex, the downtown redevelopments of the new Ascentra Credit Union Headquarters, as well as The Bridges Lofts. Additionally, Jeff is very proud of the project that Bettendorf worked on with Davenport to deploy high-speed fiber service to our community back in 2016.

On a daily basis, Jeff continues to work on initiatives to revitalize downtown, create new infill developments, generate further manufacturing and industrial growth, and cultivate even more economic growth in north Bettendorf around the sports complex. Jeff works closely with the City Administrator and City Council on a multitude of local and regional initiatives as well, such as wastewater treatment, storm water, infrastructure, emergency management and more; all in an effort to move the region forward and a great place to live, work and play.

Jeff enjoys time with his family, loves to golf, fish and spend time on the water with friends.

Title: Executive Director
Company: Downtown Bettendorf Organization
Email: rjantzi@quadcitieschamber.com
Bio: Ryan Jantzi is the Executive Director of the Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO), where he has played a central role in shaping the growth, revitalization and future of Downtown Bettendorf. Since joining the organization at its inception in 2017, Ryan has worked closely with downtown businesses, property owners, residents, civic leaders and community partners to strengthen Bettendorf’s urban core and position it for continued investment and development.

As Executive Director, Ryan leads the DBO’s efforts in economic development, placemaking, business retention and attraction, public art, events, marketing, beautification and quality-of-life initiatives. He also serves as the administrator of Downtown Bettendorf’s Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID), working with property owners and the City of Bettendorf to direct investments toward projects and services that enhance the district. Under his leadership, the SSMID was successfully renewed in 2024, receiving support from 53% of property owners representing 71% of the district’s assessed value.

Placemaking and community identity are important parts of Ryan’s approach. During his tenure, DBO has expanded its investment in public art, murals, sculptures, parks, events and other initiatives intended to create a stronger sense of place. Recent projects include the downtown mural program and the illuminated “BETT” sign beneath the I-74 Bridge, which Ryan envisioned as both a landmark and a symbol of Bettendorf’s continuing downtown renaissance.

Before joining the Downtown Bettendorf Organization, Ryan served as Director of Operations for the Downtown Davenport Partnership, a division of the Quad Cities Chamber. His career in downtown development began more than a decade ago, giving him extensive experience working at the intersection of economic development, place management, business development and community revitalization. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa. Ryan is married to Stacie and has two boys, Calvin and Jake.

In 2024, Ryan earned the Leader in Place Management (LPM) certification from the International Downtown Association, recognizing his professional knowledge and leadership in the field of place management. The certification reflects his commitment to creating successful, vibrant and economically healthy downtown districts.

Ryan’s philosophy is straightforward: a successful downtown is more than a collection of buildings and businesses. It is a place where people want to spend time, where businesses can succeed, where residents feel connected to their community and where public and private investment work together to create long-term value.