David Krietor has served as CEO of the newly-formed Downtown Phoenix, Inc. (“DPI”) since April 8, 2013. In that time, he has begun work with community stakeholders to develop the downtown we want. “Your Downtown” shares his thoughts and DPI’s progress with the downtown community and beyond. Read the other chats here.
I’m salivating: Late night pizza delivery is coming to downtown Phoenix with Grand Avenue Pizza. I’m tapping my toes: The Nash, Phoenix’s jazz club on Roosevelt Row, was recently named one of the 160 greatest jazz venues in the world. I’m riding high: Free bike rental service will soon be available for ASU students downtown.
And with what follows, I’m in sharing mode:
Mayor Stanton Celebrates Downtown
Mayor Greg Stanton highlighted downtown’s gains and challenges in his “Celebrate Downtown” address presented at Artlink’s Art d’Core Gala on March 1 at Crescent Ballroom. To a packed (and slightly rained upon) house, the mayor marked the collaborative contributions of businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and his own agenda to rebuild neighborhood identity, culture, and business.
Downtown Stands Up Against SB1062
Numerous local business and civic organizations (including Downtown Phoenix, Inc.), Mayor Stanton, Phoenix City Council, Arizona’s two U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives Pastor and Sinema (representing central Phoenix), and each state legislator representing central Phoenix took a united and firm stand in opposition to Arizona Senate Bill 1062 (exercise of religion; state action). All requested Governor Jan Brewer veto the divisive, discriminatory, and ineffectual bill, which she did on February 26. Other downtown groups opposed to SB1062 included the Arizona Association for Economic Development, Arizona Bioindustry Association, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, Arizona Technology Council, Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Downtown Voices Coalition, Evans Churchill Community Association, Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Greater Phoenix Leadership, League of Arizona Cities and Towns, Local First Arizona, Phoenix Community Alliance, and Visit Phoenix.
Transit Changes
Numerous downtown advocates attended two open houses in late February to review the Phoenix Comprehensive Downtown Transportation Study. Downtown Phoenix, Inc. submitted a letter to study organizers outlining DPI’s priority areas regarding transportation issues downtown. As an initiative of the Maricopa Association of Government’s Central Phoenix Transportation Framework Study, the Phoenix Comprehensive Downtown Transportation Study was launched to investigate and analyze potential roadway, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and parking improvements in the downtown area. Study goals are to move people, build more livable streets, and enhance economic opportunities.
The Suns Make a Playoff Run
There is something special happening at US Airways Center. The Phoenix Suns, who everyone believed were headed into a rebuilding year, are fighting for a spot in the NBA playoffs. Click here for ticket information for remaining home games.
Pod Time
The Downtown Phoenix Podcast launched as a unique collaboration among downtown activists, stakeholders, news organizations, and neighborhood groups. The podcast’s host and managing editor, Edward Jensen, asked me to serve as the first guest (aka “the guinea pig”) to talk about Downtown Phoenix, Inc., past, present, and future.
