Applications open for new DREAM and Commercial DREAM funding

(July 1, 2026) Applications are now open for new rounds of funding through the Davenport DREAM Project and Commercial DREAM Project. DREAM invests money in the city's heritage neighborhoods by offering grants to new and existing homeowners to make exterior property improvements. Commercial DREAM provides grants to eligible property owners to improve blight conditions on commercial, industrial, and mixed-use buildings. Applications for both programs will be open through July 31, 2026.

The Davenport DREAM Project

Round 8 of the Davenport DREAM Project includes more funding and two new eligible neighborhoods. The City of Davenport increased funding by $425,000 for DREAM after the Davenport City Council approved new DREAM-eligible neighborhoods, including the residential area around the Village of East Davenport, and the Ridgeview East neighborhood near Division and W. 76^th St. A map of the eligible neighborhoods is posted here. In total, $1.3 million is available in round 8. The new funding is expected to allow for about 16 more projects.

"We're excited to expand the DREAM Project to more neighborhoods where small improvements can make a big impact," said Alexi Edmonds, Housing Rehab Program Manager. "We're committed to making these block-level investments that build our community pride."

Homeowner applications are scored on a competitive basis, giving preference to exterior façade improvements and outstanding code violations. Since 2019, the Davenport DREAM Project has invested $8 million into 326 properties.

Homeowners selected in round eight will be notified by December 2026.

Commercial DREAM

The Commercial DREAM Project is returning for round 3, focusing on the Rockingham Road commercial corridor from Division St. to Ricker Hill Rd. The Davenport City Council approved investing $650,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to improve building conditions, eliminate blight, and encourage economic investment and revitalization along the corridor.

"Commercial DREAM can transform a business from the outside in," said Susanne Knutsen, Economic Development Manager. "This program adds to the economic development incentives focused on bringing new ideas to Davenport's West End."

A notice will be mailed to all eligible property owners within the Commercial DREAM Project area to let them know about the program and how to apply. Since 2017, the City of Davenport has invested one million dollars through Commercial DREAM, benefiting 15 projects.

More information including applications for both DREAM and Commercial DREAM is available at this link.