Like it or not, downtown Phoenix isn't all that happening after dark. Sure, there's Amsterdam, Seamus McCaffrey's, Lost Leaf, Fate and a pool party nearly every night at the Hotel San Carlos, but it isn't enough. 

Let's change directions.

Instead of complaining about what's NOT here, let's talk about what's here. Let's discuss what makes downtown unique, what's makes downtown fun and what makes downtown worth moving to: the people.

If you live, work, hang out or simply loiter in or near downtown, shoot me an email and tell me about why you do what you do. What makes being here better than a trip to Scottsdale? Why is it worth it to trek here from Tempe? What do you do that you think we should all know about? What personalities (no limits here) make every trip down here different?

Let's get this rolling!

In preparation for its fall opening, the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel is opening a recruitment unit in the Arizona Center.

Called the Sheraton Recruitment Center, it opened on Tuesday, July 15th, in the retail, movie and restaurant complex located across the street from the hotel at Third and Van Buren streets in downtown Phoenix.

"This is an incredible opportunity for people looking to work in the downtown area. With the opening of the light rail at the end of the year and all of the new residential developments in the area, we're excited about the impact this will have in breathing some life into downtown Phoenix," said Cindy Radamaker, director of human resources at Sheraton Downtown Phoenix.

The Sheraton Recruitment Center will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Candidates may also visit www.sheraton.jobs/phoenixdowntown and apply electronically.

The 1,000-room Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, scheduled to open in October, will feature a 3,500-square-foot fitness center and a 4,500-square-foot outdoor pool and sundeck.

Due to such a great interest in the August 5th Downtown Business Coffee, we needed to switch locations to accommodate all those who have RSVPed.  So please be sure to note the NEW location:

Tues., August 5, 2008        8 - 9 a.m.

Mi Amigos at the Arizona Center

455 North 3rd Street

Parking available in Arizona Center parking garage (entrance to garage is on 5th Street, north of Van Buren)

Rick Simonetta, Valley METRO Rail CEO, will provide a passenger's perspective of what riding the new light rail system will be like.

Coffee will be provided. As always, there will be time for Q&A with me and Rick.

Thanks for the great response, and if you haven't yet done so, please RSVP to mayor.rsvp@phoenix.gov

And thanks again to everyone at Sonoma Casual Dining for hosting my July Downtown Business Coffee meeting. For anyone who couldn’t attend in person, here’s a summary of what we covered.

 We talked about some great, free resources that are available if you’d like to start-up a business in Downtown Phoenix. The impact of small, independent businesses on our economy is BIG – and we want to see more small and independent businesses. And so we want to help you through what can, admittedly, feel like a daunting permitting process.

 City of Phoenix Business Customer Service Center

These folks can help advise you before you sign a lease or buy a building.

If you’d like to start up a business, of any size, anywhere in Phoenix, and you’ve never owned a business before, this office can guide you for FREE on the most efficient route through the required processes and procedures. They’ll give you a big picture of which city departments you’ll need to work with, provide clarification on city regulations, and refer you to other government agencies you’ll also need to work with. Just a few examples of what Phoenix Business Customer Service Center can assist you with: site location, market research, business-name registration, licensing, rules for home-based businesses. Call 602-534-2000 or email bcsc@phoenix.gov.

City of Phoenix Development Services Department’s Office of Customer Advocacy

This office was created to give you FREE advice about project-specific permits required through the City of Phoenix Development Services Department. You’ll usually call the Office of Customer Advocacy when you’re a little further along in terms of knowing what you’d like to do and where. Call them if you’d like to remodel an existing commercial building, renovate a historic building, convert a residential structure to business use, or revitalize a neighborhood retail center. Again, for free, these city staffers can explain all that’s involved in obtaining building permits and, ultimately, that certificate of occupancy. 602-534-7344.

Maricopa Community Colleges Small Business Development Center

For any existing small business firm or individual interested in owning a business. One-on-one business counseling is FREE, while small fees may be charged for costs associated with training courses. www.maricopasbdc.com or 480-784-0590

City of Phoenix Downtown Development Office Artist Storefront Program

Offers matching funds for up to 50% of the cost of exterior improvements for commercial properties with an arts use within the Artist Storefront Program boundaries (McDowell Road to Buckeye Road, 19th Ave to 16th Street – map of this area is available through the Web site I’ll point you to). Award amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000. Call 602-534-9484 or visit  www.phoenix.gov/DOWNTOWN/   and then, in the far-left column, click on “Artist Storefront Program.”

Well, we’re on a roll – 50 people came to my first Downtown Community Coffee on May 10th at Palatte, and at least 100 people attended my first Downtown Business Coffee on June 3rd at Tom’s Tavern. The Community Coffee meetings are quarterly, and the Business Coffee is monthly.  Speaking of which …the next Downtown Business Coffee is Tuesday, July 8th, 8-9 a.m., at Sonoma Casual Dining, 25 West Van Buren (southeast corner of 1st Ave. and Van Buren).Validated parking will be provided by ASU at the University Center Garage, 1st St. and Polk. This event is open to all downtown businesses and employees, and anyone interested in doing business in Downtown Phoenix. Speakers (besides myself) will be Kimber Lanning and Greg Esser. For anyone who doesn’t know them, Kimber is founder of Local First Arizona, a grassroots, non-profit that raises public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits that locally owned businesses provide. Kimber also owns Modified Arts in downtown Phoenix and Stinkweeds, a local music store.Greg Esser is an artist, community activist, small business owner and founder and past-president of the Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation.We’ll all talk about the economic impact of the independent businesses popping up throughout Downtown Phoenix – and share information on some new resources available to those who’d like to start-up. For anyone interested in doing any kind of business in Downtown Phoenix, these coffees are a great place to network – you can meet, talk and brainstorm with business owners, developers, city staff and, I can assure you, at least one elected official. We’ll leave time for Q & A.  While I’ll provide the coffee, I hope you’ll buy breakfast at Sonoma – because one of the reasons behind these monthly meetings is to support our downtown businesses and introduce you to a different place every time. So we can get a head count for the coffee, please do RSVP to mayor.rsvp@phoenix.gov.The owners of Palatte and Tom’s Tavern told me they were pleased with the crowds at the coffees we’ve held so far – so if you or anyone you know owns a downtown coffee shop or eatery that would like to host one of the community or business coffees, be sure to let me know – the person in my office to contact is Tiffany Huisman, 602-534-9514 or tiffany.huisman@phoenix.gov.One of the other reasons for these coffees is that they are part of my Downtown Marketing Initiative. For a few months now, we’ve been trying to pull in as many people as possible who invest in or have any interest in. Our goal is to share information and resources – to find ways we can collaborate and collectively market Downtown Phoenix. Because WE all know we’ve got a good thing going here – and it’s time we let the rest of the city, the rest of the Valley, the state and the country know.

I’m happy to report that 50 people stopped by my first  Downtown Community Coffee on May 10 at Palatte. When I asked people to raise their hands if it was their first visit to Palatte, hands went up for the majority of the group. That’s part of the reason for these neighborhood meetings at different restaurants and coffee shops around downtown – to introduce people to our hidden gems. To start showing people all the great things there are to do and see downtown on nights or weekends. Because once you find out about these places that have great character as well as great food, the type of places that beg for you to relax and hang out, you want to go back. And you start telling your friends, who start telling their friends.  
The other part of the reason for these coffees is to update you on current issues related to downtown. At the May 10 Community Coffee we explained the Phoenix Parks and Preserves Initiative that was on the May 20th election ballot. I’m also happy to report that voters approved this initiative overwhelmingly. Out of 108,389 votes cast in the May 20 election, 89,612 votes, or 83 percent, were in favor. This means voters approved to extend the 1/10 of one percent sales tax that voters originally approved in 1999 for parks and preserves improvements and land acquisition. This is a great thing, and I'll blog here in the future about what this means to downtown residents. The other part of the reason for these coffees is that they are part of my Downtown Marketing Initiative. You can hear more about what this marketing initiative is, and how you or your business can be a part of it, by attending my first Downtown Business Coffee on Tuesday, June 3 at Tom’s Tavern, One Renaissance Square (northeast corner of Central & Washington), from 8:15–9 a.m. I’ll say a few words, someone from the Downtown Phoenix Partnership will give a brief presentation on a new campaign to help promote downtown businesses, and then we’ll have Q&A and time for me to talk informally with those attending.You’re welcome to buy your own breakfast at Tom’s (check out the menu at http://www.tomstavernphoenix.com/) – but the coffee is on me!Please RSVP to mayor.rsvp@phoenix.gov                                                                    While I’ll hold the neighborhood/Community Coffees quarterly, the Downtown Business Coffee will be held monthly – I’ll continue to let you know right here about dates and locations for each kind of coffee meeting. See you there!

MICROSOFT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WILL KEEP GUESTS CONNECTEDAT SHERATON’S NEWLY BRANDED SIGNATURE COMMUNICATIONS HUB:“LINK AT SHERATON EXPERIENCED WITH MICROSOFT”  WHITE PLAINS, NY – May 14, 2008 – Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Microsoft Corp. announced today a partnership to implement products and services at the “Link @ Sheraton,” its signature communications hub rolling out in Sheraton lobbies this year. Under the agreement, Sheraton will also co-brand and rename the space “The Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft.” The partnership is one component of a comprehensive effort to enhance and differentiate the guest experience at Sheraton’s 408 hotels across 75 countries, currently rolling out globally.   Sheraton’s Link is a unique virtual and physical lobby lounge space that meets the needs of Sheraton’s core guests by enabling them to work, relax and remain connected with friends and family during their travels. It offers a unique and convenient online experience, including free Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled computer stations, to allow guests to email, search the Web, review local attractions and even print up boarding passes. Through its relationship with Microsoft, the new, enhanced “Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft” will offer Windows-based computers providing visitors with search, maps, email and information. In addition, many Link computers will also feature webcams, allowing guests to have free video-chats or email video postcards back home. Guests will also have access to televisions, daily newspapers, and food and beverage offerings.

PHOENIX (April 7, 2008) – Still six months out from its official opening, the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown has exceeded its projections for advance group bookings, reaching the $52 million benchmark – a goal that the hotel had hoped to reach by the October opening. “Downtown Phoenix has emerged as a first tier destination, and reaching this ambitious goal so far out is a testament to the quality of this city, this hotel, and those people who have represented us so well” said Steve Spivak, director of sales and marketing at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. “Despite what’s happening in the economy, we’re encouraged by not only the number of commitments we’ve secured, but also the continued inquiries we’re fielding from all different markets.” Since the hotel’s sales effort began in early 2006, in cooperation with the Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau, the sales team has secured commitments from groups varying in size from 50 to 2500 attendees. Committed groups include European software giant SAP and National Automobile Dealers Association. And like other Downtown venues, the Sheraton anticipates a major boost when Phoenix hosts the NBA All-Star game in 2009. With a projected on-time opening of October 1, 2008, the highly anticipated 1000-room Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel will be Arizona’s newest and largest hotel, offering luxury accommodations in the heart of Phoenix. Located in Downtown Phoenix, Sheraton boasts more than 80,000 square feet of meeting space, 17 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 2,900 people, and three outdoor function areas. One of the more intriguing amenities of the new Sheraton is the Link at Sheraton, featuring the Link Café.  “The Link is a third place, we want our guest to have an option between the meeting room and their hotel room, an area that allows guests to connect with home or work or with each other.” said Spivak. The Link features complimentary Internet access, soft seating, flat panel TVs and a signature café experience that is social but not bar-like. Sheraton is rolling out the concept at all of its properties as part of Starwood’s focus on its largest and most recognizable brand.   The Sheraton’s 29,000-square-foot ballroom and 15,000-square-foot junior ballroom are an ideal location for annual fundraisers, training sessions or trade shows. High-tech presentations and business meetings can be held in one of two boardrooms offering state-of-the-art technology, video-conferencing capabilities and on-site audio-visual staff. Additional amenities include the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper^SM Beds, a 3,500-square-foot fitness center programmed by Core Fitness and a 4,000-square-foot outdoor pool and sundeck.  The Sheraton is located in the center of the bustling Copper Square. It is the first hotel that has been built in Downtown Phoenix since 1976. It is owned by the City of Phoenix and managed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts. It strives to be a place that is warm and comforting, second only to home, where visitors can come to connect and belong. For more information visit www.sheraton.com/phoenixdowntown.

I'm inviting downtown residents and anyone interested in downtown Phoenix to join me at a Community Coffee this Saturday, May 10, 2008, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Palette, 606 North Fourth Avenue (the corner of Fourth Ave. and Fillmore). This is the first in a series of Saturday morning meetings I'll be hosting quarterly at different locations throughout the downtown area. They are meant to give us all a chance to meet informally to talk about timely topics plus any topic on your mind related to downtown Phoenix. Plus, they are meant to give us a chance to drink coffee! This Saturday, Phil Richards, Chair of the Phoenix Parks and Preserves Board and Initiative campaign, will join me. He’ll provide information about the Initiative, also known as Proposition A, which is on the May 20, 2008 ballot. However, the majority of the hour will be devoted to Q & A. You’re welcome to buy your own breakfast from Palette (check them out at www.downtownbrunch.com) – but the coffee is on me!No RSVPs are required. Hope to see you there!

The most recent news in the last 2 weeks in Phoenix now finds Buyers pitted against each other, and against the savvy local investors, in a bidding war for properties in Phoenix.

Real Estate has dropped so low in Phoenix in some areas, that the $125k to $175k price range is now actually deluged with multiple offers.

Realtors are beginning to ask, "Is this the end of the downturn?" as they are losing out to other competing Realtors down the street and having to become aggressive again in their advice to, and bids on behalf of their clients.

Keep your eyes open and ears tuned in for the "psychological turn" that's coming soon.  Phoenix has always grown, and as the purchasing picks up, values will once again rise quickly off the bottom.

Thanks to FHA and $0 Down Ameridream Down Payment Gift Assistance, owner occupants can still enjoy the 0 down benefits of a great 30 year fixed, low rate guaranteed by FHA.

If you're interested in not missing the bottom, consider preparing quickly with your finance options, so you'll be prepared when you see the first Arizona Republic Headlines soon say, "PRICES RISING FOR FIRST TIME IN 2 YEARS".

Andrew Schmidt, Nations Home Funding BK0905991

ACSchmidt4@aol.com 602.371.8600

I was very hungry at about 11 AM today and was in search of a place to grab some breakfast.  Drove by Matt's Big Breakfast but the line was way too long for me.  Had a "bright idea" that I would maybe stop at the Downtown Public Market and grab something to eat and check up on things there.  I happened on a Vendor Booth serving Breakfast Burritos, sorry I didn't grab their card or remember their name, but armed with my Breakfast Burrito, I headed over to the seating area where I proceeded to devour my Breakfast Burrito while listening to a very "smooth" jazz trio called MJS.  I'm assuming that MJS are the first initials of the trio's members.  Anyway, they were very talented and pleasant people as well.  They had some very attentive fans including a couple of "extremely young fellows" who you can spot in the photo in this post. 

As I was leaving, had the opportunity to take a photo of some lovely ladies visiting the Market from the Sun Lakes area.

The Downtown Public Market is open on Saturdays from 8 AM to 1 PM and Wednesdays from 4 PM to 8 PM.