6 Milestones for Phoenix Community Alliance in 2025
2025 was a year defined by leadership, collaboration, and forward-thinking progress for Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA). From welcoming inspiring new leaders, to reigniting efforts to update the Downtown Strategic Plan and deepening advocacy around the issues that matter most, PCA continued to bring people together to solve challenges, share ideas, and move meaningful work forward.
Our Members showed up with energy, commitment, and vision, helping shape conversations, influence policy, and create influential connections across Greater Downtown Phoenix. Together, we advance the work that strengthens our city today while building a foundation for the Phoenix of tomorrow.
Strengthening Leadership with New PCA Board Appointments
Over the course of the year, Phoenix Community Alliance enhanced its leadership with the addition of nine new board members: Amy Schaumberg, Owner of A. Marie Studio; Kristin Gubser, Associate Vice President of Workforce Strategies & External Affairs at GateWay Community College; Faith Burton, Director of Special Projects at Reliance Management; Tony Motta, Director of Sales at NBC-12 News; Elaine Szeto, EVP, Chief Innovation Officer, and Founder of Integro Bank; Corissa Smith, COO, West Region, Vertical Markets, AECOM Hunt; Ron Price, President + CEO, Visit Phoenix; Martha dePlazaola Abbott, Principal and the Co-Managing Director, Gensler and Tim Boothe, Chief Administration Officer at Western Alliance Bank. Together, they bring fresh insight from small business, education, tourism, commercial development, media, real estate, construction, and finance, key sectors shaping the future of Greater Downtown Phoenix. These appointments were thoughtfully selected to advance PCA’s mission, and their leadership will help guide strategic initiatives that support PCA’s advocacy goals and help drive thoughtful decision-making and tangible progress across Downtown.
The Return of the Downtown Strategic Plan
Downtown Phoenix is charting its next chapter with an updated Downtown Strategic Plan, designed to refine the city’s vision and align future growth with the 2025 Phoenix General Plan. The plan also revises and modernizes the original Downtown Phoenix: A Strategic Vision and Blueprint for the Future plan, first adopted in 2004. Through Mayor Kate Gallego’s leadership and in partnership with the City of Phoenix, this multi-year effort will guide priorities, including supporting major mixed-use and residential development, enhancing multi-modal mobility and transit access, refining zoning and development standards, and strengthening public spaces and cultural placemaking to help shape a Downtown that works for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Several Phoenix Community Alliance Board Members, Downtown Phoenix Inc. staff, and Downtown business leaders have been invited to serve on the Mayor-appointed steering committee, lending their expertise. Their participation underscores the critical role PCA plays in helping guide thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable growth for Downtown.
Next-Generation Leaders Helping Shape What’s Next Through PCA’s Advocacy Committees
Phoenix Community Alliance is energized by the addition of four accomplished next-generation civic leaders stepping into new advocacy Committee leadership roles and helping shape what comes next for Greater Downtown Phoenix. Kristin Gubser, Associate Vice President of Workforce Strategies & External Affairs at GateWay Community College, now serves as Vice Chair of PCA’s Education Partnerships Committee, strengthening connections between education, workforce development, and opportunity pipelines for the region’s future talent. Leanna Taylor, CEO of The Arizona Pet Project and Vice Chair of PCA’s Social & Housing Advancement Committee, brings a compassionate, community-centered perspective to advancing inclusive housing solutions that support people, families, and their beloved pets. Beginning in Q2 of 2026, Nathan Smith, CEO of Central Arizona Shelter Services, will serve as Co-Chair of the Committee, bringing his hands-on experience in homelessness services and housing stability to drive bold, collaborative action. Amilyn Pierce, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Arizona Diamondbacks, joins PCA leadership as the Vice Chair of the Public Affairs Committee, with deep experience in public policy, legislative strategy, and civic collaboration, helping strengthen regional partnerships and elevate advocacy priorities that benefit Downtown Phoenix and the broader community. Collectively, they represent a powerful new wave of leadership guiding PCA’s mission and building a stronger, more equitable Downtown for the years ahead.
A Full-Circle Moment: Dominic “Dom” Papa Joins PCA as Senior Director
Phoenix Community Alliance welcomed Dominic “Dom” Papa as its new Senior Director, marking a full-circle moment for a leader deeply connected to PCA’s mission and impact in Greater Downtown Phoenix. A former PCA Board Member and recipient of the inaugural Center City Newcomer Award, Papa brings proven experience in governance, innovation, and public-private partnership from roles with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Amazon Web Services, and the N50 Project. His strategic expertise and passion for community advancement strengthen PCA’s advocacy pillars and help position the organization for its next phase of growth
Championing Community Priorities for Phoenix’s Future
Phoenix Community Alliance advanced meaningful advocacy throughout 2025, taking 34 formal positions to champion policies that support arts and culture, mobility, education, housing, economic vitality, and thoughtful development across Greater Downtown Phoenix. Through its eight advocacy Committees, PCA elevated priorities such as historic preservation funding, arts and cultural investment, responsible development practices, and evidence-based housing solutions, while also opposing efforts that further criminalize homelessness. Members engaged directly in policymaking conversations at City budget hearings, hosted collaborative forums such as an 80-person planning charrette for potential redevelopment of City-owned property at 7th Avenue and Washington, and supported the modernization of state legislation by advocating to close the tobacco and nicotine taxation loophole, an effort expected to generate millions in new, voter-supported revenue for critical needs. PCA also advocated for HB2704, signing onto a business letter and urging 90 legislators to pass the bill, helping secure the conditions necessary to keep the Arizona Diamondbacks in Downtown Phoenix, a vital community and economic anchor. From supporting safer streets and heat-mitigation strategies to spotlighting Valley Metro’s South Central light rail extension through education and a Multi-Modal Connectivity Committee-led tour, PCA’s advocacy efforts demonstrated its commitment to practical solutions, regional collaboration, and a Downtown that supports everyone who lives, works, learns, creates and spends time here.
Celebrating a Dynamic Year of PCA Events and Member Momentum
Phoenix Community Alliance celebrated a year of remarkable momentum in 2025, welcoming 38 new Members across sectors ranging from business and professional services to nonprofits, workforce development, and technology, further strengthening PCA’s diversity and reach. With nearly 20 total events, PCA brought Members together in powerful ways, from five lively Membership Mingles at standout destinations like The Nash, Glow-Frame Initiative, and The Pemberton, to inventive programs that sparked meaningful dialogue and potential partnerships. Highlights included the Central City Planning & Development Committee’s State of Retail forum, which explored the evolving economic landscape of Downtown, and the “Mission Matchmaking” Quarterly Member Meeting, which connected Members with PCA Advocacy Committees, leaders, and shared priorities shaping Greater Downtown Phoenix.
As we look ahead, Phoenix Community Alliance remains grounded in its mission to create a stronger Downtown for a better Phoenix. With renewed leadership, a growing Membership that reflects Downtown’s business landscape now and into the future, and a shared dedication to equitable growth and opportunity, PCA is poised to continue driving meaningful impact in 2026 and beyond.