Alderwoman Linda Barnes

08/05/2026

It was a beautiful evening for the National Night Out hosted by Community Caring Conference.

"National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live."

Officers from the Rock Island Police Department actively engaged with the children through a variety of fun activities. Several community organizations also participated, providing additional opportunities for families to connect with local resources and services.

08/01/2026

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07/28/2026

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07/16/2026

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07/11/2026

Today was a wonderful reminder of what makes Rock Island such a special place—neighbors coming together, community partners working side by side, and families enjoying a beautiful day together.

As both your Ward 3 Alderwoman and a proud member of the United Way Quad Cities United for Schools Committee, I was honored to attend the Party of the Century at Century Woods. It was great to see so many residents, volunteers, local organizations, elected officials, and community leaders connecting with one another while enjoying food, music, games, and valuable community resources.

Events like this are about more than just having fun—they're about building relationships, strengthening neighborhoods, and ensuring families know about the resources available to help them succeed. Thank you to United Way Quad Cities, the United for Schools Committee, Century Woods residents, volunteers, sponsors, and every organization that helped make this event possible.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made today such a success!

07/10/2026

Honoring a Legacy of Service

This morning I had the privilege of stopping by the Gabe & Lee Barber Pollinator Garden at Historic Courthouse Square, honoring two individuals whose lives have made a lasting impact on Rock Island County. Due to another commitment, I missed the dedication service.

It was especially meaningful to spend time with Rev. Gabriel "Gabe" Barber III, a man whose decades of service have touched so many lives. Rev. Barber served on the Rock Island County Board for approximately 30 years, faithfully led Temple Baptist Church in Davenport, and has dedicated his life to public service, faith, and strengthening our community. His leadership reminds us that true public service is measured not only by the offices we hold, but by the lives we influence.

The dedication of the pollinator garden is a beautiful and fitting tribute. Just as pollinators help communities thrive, Rev. Barber and Lee Barber have planted seeds of hope, compassion, and service that continue to grow across generations.

As a fellow public servant, I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize those who paved the way before us. Thank you, Rev. Barber, for your unwavering commitment to Rock Island County and the Quad Cities. Your legacy continues to inspire all of us to serve with integrity, humility, and purpose.

Congratulations to the Barber family on this well-deserved honor. 💚🌼🐝

— Alderwoman Linda Barnes
Rock Island City Council, Ward 3

07/01/2026

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06/23/2026

City Council Calendar of Meetings | Rock Island, IL - Official Website

The Rock Island City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of every month. If the fourth Monday falls on a legal holiday, the meeting will be held instead on the third Monday. On December 10, 2018, an ordinance was passed amending the December Council meetings to the 2nd and 3rd Mondays of D...

06/23/2026

At tonight's City Council meeting, I recommended the creation of a Financial Planning Task Force to review and update the City's financial policies and long-term planning strategies.

Many residents may not realize that Rock Island's financial policies were originally developed by a citizen-led Financial Planning Task Force in 1987. Nearly 40 years later, I believe it is time to revisit those policies and ensure they continue to meet the needs of our community.

The financial challenges facing cities today are much different than they were in 1987. Rising personnel costs, aging infrastructure, pension obligations, changing revenue sources, and long-term capital needs all require thoughtful planning and regular review.

I also recommended that the City consider an independent Human Resources Audit to evaluate staffing structures, compensation practices, operational efficiencies, and long-term personnel sustainability.

My goal is not to reduce services or criticize employees. My goal is to ensure that Rock Island remains financially strong and sustainable for years to come while continuing to provide quality services to residents.

Good government requires transparency, planning, and a willingness to periodically review our policies to make sure they are still working as intended.

Email me your thoughts on creating a citizen-led Financial Planning Task Force to help guide Rock Island's future. [email protected]

06/22/2026

📖 Did You Know?

The City of Rock Island Code outlines important responsibilities for your City Council. Under Section 2-30 (General Powers), the Council is responsible for:

✔️ Adopting the City's budget
✔️ Authorizing bonds and long-term debt
✔️ Providing for an annual independent audit
✔️ Approving payment of expenses and liabilities
✔️ Establishing administrative departments
✔️ Appointing and removing the City Manager
✔️ Inquiring into the conduct of any office, department, or agency of the City and making investigations into municipal affairs

As your Alderwoman, I take these responsibilities seriously. Effective governance requires more than approving budgets and expenditures—it requires asking questions, reviewing information, planning for the future, and ensuring accountability to taxpayers.

Good government is built on transparency, accountability, and thoughtful planning. I remain committed to making informed decisions that protect taxpayer resources while ensuring the City can continue providing quality services to our residents.

Thank you for allowing me to serve Ward 3 and the City of Rock Island.

— Alderwoman Linda Barnes