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.
On June 17, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved a new five year contract for Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) to manage the core Enhanced Municipal Services District. Thanks to everyone who voiced their support to Members of Council. While the Downtown Phoenix Partnership (DPP) remains a major partner overseeing services in the core, our new contract ensures we have a collaborative and coordinated approach to managing our increasingly dynamic downtown.
Image: Downtown Phoenix, Inc.
With the retirement of long-time Deputy City Manager (DCM) Rick Naimark, City Manager Ed Zuercher has announced the latest Table of Organization by promoting Karen Peters and Mario Paniagua to DCMs. In addition, the work of all deputies is now aligned by function: Public Safety (Milton Dohoney), Economic Development (Paul Blue), Community Services (Deanna Jonovich), Transportation & Infrastructure (Mario), Environment & Sustainability (Karen), and Administration (Toni Maccarone). Searches for Budget & Research Director and Aviation Director will commence soon.
In other downtown Phoenix news…
Biz Bits
- American businesses flocking to downtown (just not in Phoenix)
- Arizona sees biggest population increase since 2008
- ASU partners with LinkedIn, Markle Foundation to help future jobs market
- Celebrate local businesses during Independents Week, through July 5
- Conference celebrated Phoenix’s independent side
- New Southeast Phoenix RAPID bus service connects commuters to downtown
- Phoenix plans to ride rails to economic prosperity
- Tallwave’s downtown program launches inaugural startup class
- Tiffe Fermaint’s Baby Teith fashion line finds Kickstarter success
- What 80 Orlando delegates took home from Phoenix (and it wasn’t t-shirts)
- Downtown workers coping with hot temperatures
Place Pieces
- AIA placemaking series continues with “Shop in the City”
- Chilean developer building condo lofts, live-work units in Evans Churchill
- Filling in empty spaces: Portland St. condo developers look for renaissance
- Lafferty planning St. Ambrose condominiums at 12th St. & Van Buren
- Mitsubishi sells Downtown Phoenix tower for $94M
- New Uber center opening in downtown Phoenix
- Phoenix’s office buildings battle vacancy rates, downward pressure on rents
- UA, Banner to expand downtown biomedical campus
- Where are the architects, AIA panel asks?
Sports Shorts
- Arizona sports fans vote downtown Phoenix as Coyotes new home
- ASU research might change your mind about ticket scalpers
- Back downtown? Phoenix mayor reaches out to Coyotes
- Phoenix councilman pushes for dual Suns-Coyotes arena, mall, grocery store
- Super Bowl generated $295M in direct spending, $719M in overall impact
- The Sordid Travels Of A Cubs Fan: Phoenix
- The Upper Deck Tour: Chase Field, Phoenix
- Volleyball festival returns to Phoenix Convention Center
Art Antics
- Arizona Opera, Arizona Theatre Company raise $1.5M
- Downtown Phoenix gets new murals
- Go “Into the Woods” with Valley Youth Theatre
- Phoenix Arts and Culture Office seeks art educators
- Phoenix’s Central library becomes light spectacle on solstice
- Roosevelt Row holds Building Blocks fundraiser
- Summer art exhibits to catch at ASU
Dining Dibs
- Downtown Phoenix chophouse closing doors after 14 years
- Grocery store could be coming to downtown, ASU area
- Now Open: The Counter Custom Built Burgers
- 100 Favorite Dishes 2015: The 301 Pizza at Forno 301
- Phoenix entertainment district will allow alcohol sales near churches
- Ripe Festival and Awards showcase local culinary leaders
- Short Leash Hot Dogs to open in old Downtown Deli spot
- DeSoto’s Walrus & The Pearl: oysters & sparkling wine in downtown Phoenix
- Westin Phoenix Downtown overhauling Province restaurant
Community Cues
- Concert honors Phoenix refugee community
- Local families give out food, water at Phoenix shelter
- Phoenix & Blacksburg top 2015 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards
- RadiatePHX hosts “Let’s Move, PHX!” rally at DeSoto Central Market
- Teens become doctors, nurses in UA “Summer Scrubs” program
In Closing
DPI’s What’s Happening Guide for the week of June 29 to July 5 is ready to go. It’s an excellent recap of, yes, what’s happening in our downtown. You can review and download a copy by clicking here. And that reminds me, when was the last time you visited our Facebook page? Nearly 35,000 Phoenix aficionados “like” it and we hope you do too.
