Downtown Phoenix Inc. Announces 2026 Board Leadership, Welcomes Valley Metro as New Investor
Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) has recently announced its 2026 board of directors, bringing together 20 business and community leaders to help guide the strategic growth of Downtown Phoenix.
DPI is supported by a strong network of Investors that drive economic development and community impact across Downtown, including Western Alliance Bank, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Public Service, Arizona State University, Womble Bond Dickinson, City of Phoenix, Player 15 Group, RED Development, Visit Phoenix, HKS Architects, Wexford Science + Technology, and Valley Metro. Executives from these organizations serve on the board, including City leaders Mayor Kate Gallego and City Manager Ed Zuercher. The Mayor also appoints four community leaders annually to support DPI’s strategic initiatives.
Valley Metro joins DPI this year as a new Investor, reinforcing a shared commitment to connectivity and access across Downtown Phoenix.
“Public transit plays a critical role in connecting people to jobs, culture, and local businesses,” said Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Valley Metro. “With the recent opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, we’re expanding access and creating more seamless connections into the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Through our collaboration with Downtown Phoenix Inc., including efforts like the DTPHX Community Resource Hub, we’re helping create a more connected, supportive and vibrant experience for residents and visitors alike.”
“Downtown Phoenix is experiencing strong, sustained momentum, and that progress is the result of intentional collaboration across the public and private sectors,” said Mike Ebert, Chair of DPI’s Board of Directors and Managing Partner at RED Development. “Our board reflects the leadership needed to continue shaping a Downtown that is dynamic, inclusive, and economically resilient.”
In addition to its board of directors, Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s Enhanced Municipal Services District (EMSD) is guided by an advisory board representing the Downtown business core. Through the
EMSD, DPI delivers enhanced municipal services to the 90-square- block business core of Downtown, plus the entire Phoenix Bioscience Core, including the DTPHX Ambassadors, Clean + Green Team, and outreach navigators in partnership with dēhp Integrative Care. These services complement DPI’s broader work in business and economic development, community engagement, marketing, and events. The EMSD advisory board also appoints two representatives each year to serve on DPI’s Board of Directors.
Downtown Phoenix Inc. is powered by affiliates that fulfill its overarching mission, including Phoenix Community Alliance (board of directors), Greater Phoenix’s preeminent business leadership and advocacy organization, and the Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation (board of directors), a grant-funded nonprofit that works to advance the development and redevelopment of housing and mixed-use projects that will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive Downtown. To view Phoenix Community Alliance’s board of directors, visit phoenixcommunityalliance.com and to view Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation’s board of directors, visit dtphx.org.