Established in accordance with State Code by citizen ballot in 1950, with duties amended by agreement with the City Council on plans, budgets, leases, grants and State and Federal Aviation Administration requirements for the improvement, maintenance and operation of the Davenport Municipal Airport.

The seven member Cable Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters pertaining to cable communications.

Established by the City Code, the Plan and Zoning Commission has responsibility for comprehensive planning for the community and plays a key role in the review of proposed changes in the Zoning Ordinance and Map and proposed subdivisions. The Commission is organized into committees, which focus on maintaining the Comprehensive Plan as a guide to future development and review and make recommendations on zoning changes and plats.

The Civil Service Commission is created and governed by Iowa Code Chapter 400. It pertains to permanent full-time police and fire employees as well as all appointive permanent full-time employees with certain exceptions. The Commission certifies lists for appointment to covered position and hears employee appeals on promotions, demotions, suspensions and dismissals.

The Downtown Design Review Board is a nine-member citizen board created in July 2007. Members are appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by City Council. Board members serve without compensation for terms of three years. Meetings are held once a month. The Downtown Design Overlay District was created to improve the quality of development and the visual image of Downtown Davenport. All exterior construction requiring a building permit within the Overlay District is to be reviewed and approved by the Downtown Design Review Board. This would include the construction of new buildings, additions to existing buildings, demolitions and other substantial external changes visible from the public right-of-way.

This seven member Board is established through provisions of the Housing Code and assists in the administration of that code with emphasis on ensuring the rental residential properties meet minimum standards. The Board hears and decides on appeals of code-related actions taken by the city housing inspection staff.

Established by the City Code, the Levee Improvement Commission has responsibility for the management of certain properties owned by the City along the Mississippi Riverfront. Activities include the oversight of construction and operation of capital projects, the administration of leases or real property to other private organizations, and the sponsorship of the Summer Concert Series in LeClaire Park.