News & Media

2024 has been a transformative year for Downtown Phoenix. For Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI), the past twelve months can be defined by significant milestones that emphasize our mission and unwavering dedication to cultivating a dynamic and innovative urban core.

Upward and Onward is a groundbreaking initiative in Downtown Phoenix that aims to increase employment opportunities for graduating high school seniors with disabilities throughout the Phoenix Union High School District.

Phoenix voters will elect a Mayor, Council Members in Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7, and vote on Prop 479 in the November 5, 2024, election. Make sure to register, vote early, or vote in-person!

Get ready for an exciting fall and winter in Downtown Phoenix! From Urban Ale Trail to VIVA PHX, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Winter Wanderland, DPI is bringing family-friendly, art-centric, and multicultural events that celebrate our vibrant community

In honor of National Nonprofit Day, Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) celebrates its nonprofit Members with fewer than 10 employees, who are doing the work of many to transform lives. From Nourish Phoenix to Skye's the Limit Foundation, these organizations exemplify dedication and resourcefulness, making a significant impact on the community. Join PCA in recognizing the hard work and passion behind these groups that make Downtown Phoenix a better place.

Lighten Up Laser offers personalized laser and skin care services in Downtown Phoenix, led by Hettie Rich. With a focus on self-care, her nonprofit Rewritten Life provides tattoo removal to help rewrite life stories.

After a brief hiatus, VIVA PHX returns for its 10th anniversary, showcasing Phoenix’s vibrant culture with local artists, national headliners, world-class cuisine, and community partnerships. Don’t miss out!

The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness in Downtown Phoenix provides inclusive, affordable healthcare, specializing in HIV/AIDS treatment and LGBTQIA+ services. A vital community hub, it continues to expand its reach.

The historic Phoenix Carnegie Library, built in 1908, was a transformative resource for the city, offering free access to books for all. Today, the Beaux-Arts architectural gem stands as a symbol of Phoenix's early growth and innovation.

In 2023, Phoenix voters approved a $500 million GO Bond to enhance parks, libraries, affordable housing, and cultural institutions. This funding will lead to tangible changes in Downtown Phoenix, supporting key projects like the Children’s Museum expansion, Valley Youth Theatre’s new home, and Hance Park revitalization, transforming the city’s landscape for future generations.

In March 2024, Phoenix Community Alliance and Downtown Phoenix, Inc. hosted Global Ties Arizona’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) participants. These visiting entrepreneurs experienced Phoenix’s thriving business community and hospitality, building lasting connections and collaborations.

Keys to Change's annual ThirstAid campaign provides essential water to vulnerable populations in the scorching Arizona summer. With a goal of distributing over 100,000 bottles monthly, they partner with the community to combat heat-related challenges.

Explore Downtown Phoenix’s bustling coffee scene with our Coffee Map! From Fair Trade brews to innovative café experiences, find your perfect spot to work, relax, and sip on expertly crafted drinks today!

Dr. Sheila Harris, a pillar in housing advocacy, has shaped Phoenix's landscape through roles like founding director of the Arizona Department of Housing. Her insights and leadership drive critical community initiatives for a better future.

Kickstart your wellness journey in Downtown Phoenix with fitness options ranging from gyms like Orangetheory and EOS Fitness to donation-based yoga sessions at local venues. There’s something for everyone!

Margaret T. Hance Park is home to various non-profits and hosts major events in Downtown Phoenix. As the park evolves, organizations and communities surrounding it continue to thrive and collaborate.

Celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month with inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs shaping Downtown Phoenix, from creative studios to cafes, each making a unique impact on the community!

Carol Poore’s career highlights the power of social capital and action. From shaping Phoenix’s arts scene to leading urban planning, she’s a key force in building a vibrant Downtown community.

Discover how leading architectural firms are shaping Downtown Phoenix's vibrant future! From sustainable designs to innovative collaborations, HKS, SmithGroup, and Dig Studio are transforming the city's landscape.

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off with El Grito, honoring Mexico's Independence Day on September 15. Celebrate in Downtown Phoenix with cultural events, including El Grito, live music, dancing, and more throughout the month!

Downtown Phoenix offers more than dining and entertainment—it’s full of services that enhance daily life. From physical therapy to IV hydration and eye care, Phoenix Community Alliance members provide essentials to keep body and soul balanced. Explore PCA member businesses like Hydrate Arizona, Urban Eyecare, and more!

Larry Lazarus, a longtime Phoenix advocate and zoning attorney, has played a pivotal role in shaping Downtown Phoenix. From leading the Urban Forms Direction Committee to co-chairing the Margaret T. Hance Park revitalization, Lazarus’ influence is felt across the city. His work with Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) spans over 40 years, helping to create a more vibrant, sustainable, and community-focused Downtown.

Phoenix Revitalization Corporation (PRC), led by Eva Olivas, advocates for Central City South, empowering residents through community projects and partnerships to address housing, education, and infrastructure needs.

ONE Community's UNITY Pledge promotes workplace equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. Signed by over 3,500 businesses, it aims to create an inclusive Arizona. DPI and PCA encourage businesses to join today.

Escape the heat and enjoy summer fun in Downtown Phoenix! From art exhibits to jazz shows, the Children's Museum to science camps, there's something for everyone. Stay cool and explore these local gems!

Adaptive reuse breathes new life into Phoenix’s historic buildings, preserving their unique charm while serving modern needs. From event venues to creative workspaces, these transformations honor the city’s past.

The iconic nine-story First National Bank of Arizona Building, built in 1956, was once a Downtown Phoenix landmark with its giant neon sign and striking architecture. Today, it's repurposed as ASU's University Center.

Take a break in Downtown Phoenix with serene spots like Peace Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the Arizona Center's greenspace. Recharge this Mental Health Awareness Month in these hidden gems!

Valley Metro's new South Central light rail extension will feature art from 18 artists, blending local culture and history into station designs. Each station offers a unique experience, enhancing daily commutes.

The Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival celebrates 30 years of tradition, culture, and family fun on May 7th, featuring live music, food, and scholarships for Latino students. Join the festivities in Downtown Phoenix!

Incorporate sustainability into your daily life by shopping locally, using alternative transit, reducing water waste, using reusable bags, and participating in community events. Small actions lead to big change!

Marty Shultz, a key figure in shaping Downtown Phoenix, played an instrumental role in developing projects like the Arizona Center and Human Services Campus. His leadership with Phoenix Community Alliance spans decades of city growth.

Downtown Phoenix thrives as one of the cleanest and safest cities, thanks to the DTPHX Ambassadors and Clean & Green Team. Their daily efforts ensure a welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable environment for all.

Kurt Schneider played a pivotal role in Downtown Phoenix's revitalization, transforming dilapidated properties into thriving spaces like Phoenix Public Market. His legacy continues as a key figure in the community's growth.

Art Detour 35 offers a month-long celebration of arts and culture across Arizona. From gallery exhibitions to fashion shows and symphonies, this immersive event showcases the diverse creative spirit of the community.

Kendra Lee retires after 36 years at APS, leaving a lasting legacy in Downtown Phoenix. From substations to major projects, her work has shaped the city’s infrastructure and vibrant community development.

The "City-Shapers" series highlights the pivotal role of Phoenix Community Alliance in the growth of downtown Phoenix, featuring Mo Stein's contributions to major projects like Steele Indian School Park and Phoenix Bioscience Core.

The Professional Building, a 90-year-old Art Deco skyscraper in downtown Phoenix, was once a bustling medical hub. Now transformed into the Hilton Garden Inn, it preserves its historic charm and elegance.

Cristina Port reflects on her journey from the Midwest to Arizona, discovering the importance of community in Downtown Phoenix. Now, as DPI's Social Media Editor, she’s passionate about building a strong urban community.

Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) has transformed downtown Phoenix through advocacy and collaboration since 1983. Led by current Board Chair Diane Haller, PCA drives impactful community initiatives and sustainable growth.

As fall brings cooler weather, Downtown Phoenix biking culture thrives. Join group rides like Critical Mass and Phoenix Spokes People, which promote fun, community connection, and advocate for safer streets.

For over a decade, Stephanie Vasquez has made Fair Trade Café a Downtown Phoenix staple, serving ethically sourced coffee with a mission. It’s a community hub focused on sustainability and connection.

Downtown Phoenix is rapidly expanding with over 2,300 new residential units in the pipeline, including The Rey’s unique live/work spaces. This surge in housing development marks a transformative shift, making the area a prime destination.

Join Tyler Fontes, a passionate photographer and family adventurer, as he shares a curated guide to family-friendly fun in Downtown Phoenix. From vibrant farmer markets to engaging museums, discover local gems that celebrate culture, creativity, and community!

Discover the heart of Downtown Phoenix through "DTPHX In/Flux," a new video series by Downtown Phoenix Inc. and David Wallace Visuals. Celebrating local businesses and their impact on community growth, this series highlights the vibrant evolution of our urban landscape.

Discover the transformation of Roosevelt Row with the new APS substation, blending utility and artistry. Adorned with vibrant murals by local artists, this project symbolizes community pride, enhancing the neighborhood's cultural fabric. Explore how it became a beacon of creativity!

Republic Services, Inc. has committed $2 million to the revitalization of Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Their sponsorship will fund the Republic Services Garden, featuring native plants, shaded seating, and walking paths. This project reinforces the park’s role as a vital urban space.

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week from May 1-7 by supporting our dedicated educators! The Million Dollar Teacher Project's T.A.P. program offers local discounts to K-12 teachers, aiming to enhance their salaries and well-being. Join the movement!

In a remarkable effort to preserve urban greenery, 20 mature trees were relocated from the Central Station redevelopment site to new homes across downtown Phoenix. This initiative, led by Downtown Phoenix Inc., highlights the city’s commitment to sustainability.

Phoenix is emerging as a thriving startup hub, reshaping its identity with collaborative coworking spaces like Co+Hoots and X Phoenix. Discover how local initiatives foster innovation, community, and economic growth in the Valley of the Sun.

Explore the vibrant Black History Mural Project in Phoenix, celebrating iconic figures like Sammy Davis Jr. and Josephine Baker. Discover how this initiative educates and empowers the community through art and representation.

Downtown Phoenix is transforming into a vibrant innovation district, blending housing, education, and research. With the Phoenix Bioscience Core at its heart, it's set to enhance connectivity and attract a diverse community of professionals and entrepreneurs.

The Phoenix Community Alliance Center City Awards honor individuals who shape Downtown Phoenix's future. This year's winners, Kell Duncan and Eva Olivas, showcase visionary leadership in fostering inclusivity and driving community development.

Explore the evolution of mass transit in Phoenix, from mule-drawn trolleys in 1887 to today's light rail system. Discover the challenges and triumphs of public transportation as the city continues to grow and innovate.

Phoenix's first skyscraper, the Heard Building, saw daring stunts in 1922 when "Human Spider" Bill Strother scaled its façade, performing acrobatics with his tiny dog in tow.

Thanks to the determined women of Phoenix's past, including the Friday Club, the city enjoys cultural landmarks like libraries, museums, and art collections that still thrive today.

Discover Phoenix's rich history through its iconic buildings, from historic homes to former hotels and warehouses, each with its own fascinating past and vibrant present.

Hance Park's Fiesta Bowl PLAY area opens, offering 20,000 square feet of fun for all ages in Phoenix.

PCA Center City Awards honor Sheila Harris and Dominic Papa for their contributions to downtown Phoenix.

Arizona Brewing's A-1 Pilsner was the state's iconic beer for decades, marking a beloved chapter in Phoenix history.

Explore Downtown Phoenix with local eats, stunning views, and hidden bars. Discover the best spots from morning to night!

The historic Merryman Funeral Home in Downtown Phoenix is being transformed into a bar and restaurant by Andrew P. Mirtich, breathing new life into this unique 1937 structure.

Discover hidden gems and fun facts about Downtown Phoenix, from underground bowling alleys to historic hotels, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant murals.

Discover the rich history of Phoenix's African American community through historic landmarks like Tanner Chapel, Eastlake Park, and Carver High, pivotal in shaping the city's legacy.

Discover six surprising reasons to visit Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix—from free museum passes and a teen center to tech hubs, makerspaces, and business resources. There's more than just books!

The Fiesta Bowl donates $2M to revitalize Hance Park with a state-of-the-art playground, splash pad, and more for all ages.

Meet the friendly Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors, ready to assist with directions, recommendations, and more, 365 days a year!

The Clean & Green Team has planted 400 trees in Downtown Phoenix, improving shade, air quality, and beautifying the city!

Planning your first family sports outing in Phoenix? Check out these tips for a smooth, fun experience at D-backs or Suns games!

Eastlake Park, Phoenix's oldest park, is a cultural hub with deep African American history, hosting events like MLK Day and Juneteenth for over 100 years.

The 2008 expansion of the Phoenix Convention Center ignited a chain reaction of development, transforming Downtown Phoenix into the vibrant urban hub it is today.

Learn how Phoenix's first Business Improvement District helped revitalize Roosevelt Row, transforming it into a vibrant urban hub.