State of Downtown Tempe
Paving the Way
APRIL 15, 2025
The State of Downtown Tempe event is all about momentum—where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and how we’re getting there. With Mill Avenue under construction and a bold new mobility initiative on the horizon, this year’s theme, "Paving the Way," couldn’t be more fitting.
Join us at this year's State of Downtown event for an evening of bites, drinks, and big ideas as we celebrate progress, honor the Downtown Tempe Impact Award winners, and map out what’s next.
We want to hear from you! Nominate a business, person, program, or event that has contributed greatly to the success of Downtown Tempe. The annual Impact Awards highlight those who help shape its growth, keep it thriving, and make a lasting impact.
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS
FOR THE 2025 IMPACT AWARDS BY MARCH 25, 2025
2024 Impact Awards Categories & Winners
Business Community Impact: improving the quality and viability of the Downtown Tempe Business Community. Examples include a business that offers something new or a historic business that has been steadily adding vibrancy to the district.
2024 Recipient
Cactus Sports
Cultural Impact: improving the image, vibe, and cultural vitality of Downtown Tempe. Examples include cultural venues, performances, street activations, or events demonstrating new and unique programming.
2024 Recipient
Arizona Theatre Company at Tempe Center for the Arts
Economic Impact: increasing Downtown Tempe's economic vitality. Examples include a unique development, residential growth, companies that are increasing the number of jobs available, or events that draw people and bring an economic boom to the area.
2024 Recipient
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
Environmental Impact: exemplifying environmentally sustainable practices in Downtown Tempe. Examples include a transit project, improved resource utilization, or a development exceeding green standards.
2024 Recipient
City of Tempe Transportation Team
Social Impact: making outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes in Downtown Tempe. Examples include individuals who volunteer their time, companies that encourage philanthropic acts, or social service agencies that are leading the way in positive social change.
2024 Recipient
Healing Field - Exchange Club of Tempe
Iconic Businesses: helping to shape the sense of place over an extended time. These are businesses that have become institutions, have weathered the test of time, contribute to the economic vitality, add distinction to the business community, and have enhanced the culture of Downtown Tempe.
2024 Recipient
Phoenicia Cafe
Signature Event: events that brand Tempe as a vibrant dynamic place and showcase downtown building new customers. Events should bring an impactful cultural element to our Downtown and/or have a large economic impact on the district.
2024 Recipient
Tempe Blooms
Lifetime Achievement Awards: Game changer events, projects or people that made downtown what it is over an extended period of time.
2024 Recipient
Kiwanis Club of Tempe (Tempe 4th, Fantasy of Lights Parades)
Volunteer of the Year: Recognizes outstanding event/program volunteers whose dedicated service to a program or event has made a significant difference in the downtown community.
2024 Recipient
Chariti Stern
Check out all previous award winners HERE.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
EVENT SPONSORS