The Arizona Downtown Alliance, a program of the Arizona Preservation Foundation, is a collaboration of statewide partners that work together to spur revitalization, inspire economic development, and encourage new business growth in cities and towns all across Arizona. Partnering with local, state, and national stakeholders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, the Alliance acts as a clearinghouse for information, resources, education, and funding opportunities for citizens working to build stronger, healthier downtowns and local business districts.
The pandemic has forced communities and the organizations that support their downtown and central business districts to pivot and explore new or different approaches to implement their programs. This has been also true for the Arizona Downtown Alliance. Typically, we travel to communities to provide support and services but haven’t been able to physically do that since March 2020. However, we have been working hard at sharing information and resources and providing support via Zoom conference meetings and one-on-one phone calls. Below are the accomplishments we implemented since the pandemic began.
National Advocacy
Became a member of Main Street America, which is a program of the National Main Street Center. Our membership provides access to best practices across the nation for downtown revitalization as well as pivoting during the pandemic, grant opportunities, COVID-19 resources, and other tools including “The Point” which is a new online networking platform for members.
Shared key information across our Arizona network through on our website, Facebook Page, and email blasts. We used access to “The Point” to:
Access user-generated document libraries
Network via a comprehensive user directory
Share resources and post questions online
Receive email digests of community activity to participate directly from the inbox
Actively supported Main Street America’s “Main Street Movement” efforts to support Congress and the Biden Administration toward passage of two infrastructure packages. We regularly shared the information and progress of the movement as well as access to Main Street America’s Advocacy Toolkit with our network.
Signed letters of support for the Community Revitalization Fund and improvements to the Historic Tax Credit.
Attended the National Main Street virtual conference and offered a $75 scholarship to Arizona Main Street Programs to attend the conference.
State Advocacy
Signed a letter of support for the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund and shared with our network the announcement of the passing of the Fund, the opening of the Fund's grant portal, and supporting communities interested in applying
Maintained strong partnerships:
Arizona Commission of the Arts
Arizona Heritage Alliance
Arizona Humanities
Arizona Partnership for Healthy Communities
Arizona Preservation Foundation
Arizona State Historic Preservation Office
Arizona State Parks & Trails
League of Arizona Cities and Towns
Local First Arizona
Urban Land Institute (Arizona Chapter)
Communication/Outreach
Promote the Alliance’s robust Facebook page (growing to 625followers)
Regularly utilize email list to distribute "real time" communiques about funding opportunities, educational workshops, and other topics.
Write letters of support for Vail Preservation Society’s grant request to the National Parks Service grant and State Parks Heritage Fund grant.
Phone & Virtual Technical Support
Buckeye Main Street Coalition
Casa Grande Main Street
City of El Mirage
City of Eloy
Kingman Main Street
Nogales Community Development Corporation
RAIL Mesa
Safford Downtown Association (SDA)/City of Safford
Show Low Main Street
Town of Clarkdale
Vail Preservation Society/Vail Connects
Educational/Webinars
2020 Arizona Historic Preservation Conference. Coordinated and presented three virtual sessions:
November 10, 2020 webinar on How Communities are Pivoting for the Holidays Webinar
2021 Arizona Historic Preservation Conference. Coordinated and presented three sessions:
The Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund is Back and Funded!
The Importance of Community Development Corporations During and Post Pandemic
Shaping Public Policy – Making Preservation Work in Your Community
For more information about the Arizona Downtown Alliance, send an email.
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