Downtown for Everyone Grant Awards Announced
The Downtown Tucson for Everyone Grant Program, sponsored by HSL Properties, has awarded $16,500 in funding to 18 recipients, supporting events that promote diversity, equity, inclusion and reach underserved communities. An additional $3,500 will be awarded soon as the Social Justice Committee finalizes funding for more events.
Among the awarded events are Cinema TucsĂłn, TENWEST, the Tucson International Mariachi Conference and the 40th Annual Tucson Folk Festival, showcasing a variety of cultural and community-focused programming.
A huge thank you to HSL Properties for supporting this initiative and to our Social Justice Committee members for their dedication in reviewing and grading over 25 applications. View the full list of awardees here.
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Celebrate Spring with the Haiku Hike
The DTP and the University of Arizona Poetry Center will soon unveil the 20 winning haiku in this year's Haiku Hike literary competition selected by Tucson's Poet Laureate, TC Tolbert. These haiku will be printed on acrylic signage and displayed in planters along Congress Street and Stone Avenue, starting Thursday, March 20, the first day of spring. If you'd like to explore the Haiku Hike, the map of the winning haiku will be available on the Haiku Hike webpage this coming Thursday.
In addition, we invite you to join us for a special guided Haiku Hike with TC Tolbert, DTP and the University of Arizona Poetry Center on Saturday, March 22, starting at 9 a.m. The meeting point will be at Hotel Congress Plaza.
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Ambassadors Receive De-escalation Training
At our Annual Staff Meeting on March 3 at the Pima County Historic Courthouse, our Clean & Safe Ambassadors participated in a De-escalation Training led by Tucson Police Department Sergeant Darrell Hussman. The training provided valuable techniques to help ambassadors safely diffuse situations while interacting with the downtown community. A big thank you to Sgt. Hussman for sharing his expertise and supporting our team!
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In Progress: New Storefront Mural Underway
We’ve partnered with Ignacio Garcia for the latest installment of our Storefront Activation Program at the former Johnny Gibson’s space, as we eagerly await the opening of Gibson’s Food Hall and Market later this year. This exciting remodel will feature four unique food vendors, a bodega and a bar. A special thanks to Steve Gibson for allowing us to activate this prominent downtown location!
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Landscaping Enhancements at Congress Street Entrance
The Downtown Tucson Partnership recently completed a landscaping and beautification project at the Congress Street, 4th Avenue and Toole Avenue junction, one of downtown’s key entry points. With gravel provided by the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility, DTP used its resources to spread it and add new shrubs, enhancing this vital corridor. The improvements create a more welcoming streetscape near Agave 350, Basqueria and OBON Sushi Bar Ramen.
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More DTP News...
🌆 DTP provided Rio Nuevo with an update on current initiatives and goals during their recent study session this week.
🌆 Yesterday, we hosted a successful quarterly Board Meeting at the Pima County Historic Courthouse.
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Did You Hear About the Urban Winery?
We had the chance to take a peek at Vertigo Wines, which is on the cusp of opening its doors to the public. With a barrel-to-glass business model, it will be one of the few places in the U.S. offering this unique experience. Located in the historic train depot at 410 N. Toole Avenue, the space is charming—one window overlooks tall eucalyptus trees, while the large back doors, a remnant of its past as a horse stable, provide the perfect view to enjoy a glass of wine and admire the train as it passes by. Follow Vertigo Wines on Instagram for updates on its grand opening!
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More Business News...Â
📢 The Art Cart is coming to Pueblo Vida for beer and crafts.
📢 On Thursday, March 20, Le Macaron is celebrating National Macaron Day with $1 Coffee, Tea and Macarons (limit one each per person).
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Partner News...
🤝 Chela's, Playground, Cobra and HighWire have partnered to implement a new scanner system to promote safety in their establishments. More to come.Â
🤝 Tucson Indian Center recently hosted an Open House and has completed renovations of its 2nd floor.Â
🤝 Diamondback Snake Bridge is currently undergoing repairs, with travel lane restrictions in place through mid-June.
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Be a Change-Maker at TENWEST Festival
Get your tickets for a transforming week at TENWEST, hosted by Startup Tucson, from March 25 through 30. This festival is Southern Arizona’s largest professional development experience. Don’t miss the keynote speaker Guy Raz, host of "How I Built This", and featured performer Reggie Watts. Plus, check out the IdeaFunding Pitch, LunchLinks, the Mega-Mixer, Creative Mornings, Soul Food Wednesdays, the Saturday Wellness Summit and themed conference days which include inspiring sessions on tech, entrepreneurship and creativity.
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More Upcoming Festivals...
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