For over five years, Downtown Voices Coalition has been meeting and growing, and helping to change the face of Downtown Phoenix. Now, to honor the group’s accomplishments, they’ll take a look back on a half-decade’s worth of progress as well as glimpse into the future of our neighborhoods.

Comprised of Downtown Phoenix residents, business owners, property owners and organizations, Downtown Voices Coalition first met in the spring of 2004 at the Icehouse to discuss the revitalization of Downtown from a number of relevant, unique viewpoints. Today, the coalition’s monthly Saturday morning meetings at Roosevelt Commons are a must-attend for anyone interested in improving the Downtown core.

On January 15 and 16, Downtown Voices Coalition will host a five-year retrospective and visioning conference, and the public is welcome to attend (RSVP for Saturday required). The “open, facilitated and collegial” discussion will examine what has been accomplished in the past five years (Friday) and what remains to be done (Saturday).

Friday, January 15, 5-7 p.m.: “A Look Back”

Matador Mexican Restaurant, 125 E. Adams St. in Copper Square, 602.254.7563 — light rail station at Central and Washington/1st Ave. and Jefferson

This opening night affair will feature free appetizers, no host cocktails, an introduction to the visioning conference and a few special presentations on the coalition’s accomplishments thus far.

Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (registration at 9:30 a.m.): “Looking Forward”

A.E. England Building, 424 N. Central Ave. at Civic Space Park, 602.262.7490 — light rail station at Central/1st Ave. and Van Buren

Saturday features discussions led by Kimber Lanning, Dale Erquiaga and a special guest, plus break-out sessions and lunch.