What We Do
Downtown Tempe Authority works every day to support a downtown that is welcoming, active, easy to navigate, and full of reasons to return.
As the organization behind Downtown Tempe's Enhanced Services District, our work goes beyond any one event, campaign, or program. We bring together businesses, property owners, community partners, and the City of Tempe to support the district through Clean & Safe services, free community events, marketing and public relations, parking and mobility initiatives, placemaking, and merchant support.
In other words, there's a lot happening behind the scenes to keep Downtown Tempe moving forward.
Clean & Safe
A welcoming downtown starts with taking care of the district.
Our Clean & Safe team provides additional services throughout Downtown Tempe, including Safety Patrol Guides, graffiti removal, litter and debris cleanup, and ongoing support across public spaces. The team also serves as an important on-the-ground resource, helping connect businesses, visitors, and community members with the right assistance when needed.
Parking and Mobility
Getting to and around Downtown Tempe should be as easy as possible.
We manage and support parking and mobility initiatives that help businesses, employees, residents, and visitors navigate the district. From smart pricing strategies to mobility resources and technology like Tempe TRiP, an interactive parking finder, our work focuses on improving access and making it easier to plan a trip, find parking, and move throughout Downtown Tempe.
Events
We create reasons to come downtown and stay awhile.
Downtown Tempe Authority produces a year-round lineup of 12 signature events, including the Tempe Festival of the Arts, Tempe Blooms, 2nd Sundays on Mill, Pride Party, Juneteenth Block Party, and Fantasy of Lights holiday events.
These free, community events bring people into the district, create opportunities for local businesses, and turn Downtown Tempe's streets and public spaces into places for connection, entertainment, art, and shared experiences.
Placemaking
The little details can make a big difference in how a place feels.
Our placemaking work focuses on creating inviting, engaging, and people-centered public spaces throughout Downtown Tempe. Through public art, activating public gathering areas, community partnerships through a banner program, seasonal lighting initiatives, and many other efforts that address downtown needs, we look for thoughtful ways to strengthen the district and improve the overall downtown experience.
Marketing
We tell the Downtown Tempe story and help more people discover what's here.
Through social media, email marketing, digital campaigns, advertising, public relations, media outreach, content, and community partnerships, our team promotes Downtown Tempe as a vibrant destination for dining, shopping, entertainment, arts, events, and more.
We also actively look for opportunities to spotlight downtown businesses. From new openings and seasonal trends to food, retail, nightlife, and unique local stories, our team regularly identifies businesses and experiences to feature in marketing campaigns and pitch to local media.
Merchant Relations
Downtown businesses are at the center of our work.
Our Merchant Relations Liaison serves as a direct connection between Downtown Tempe Authority and the businesses throughout the district. We help merchants navigate resources, stay informed about district activity, connect with marketing and event opportunities, and find the right contacts when questions or challenges arise.
Through regular communication, merchant meetings, a weekly merchant newsletter, and one-on-one support, we work to keep downtown businesses connected to what's happening around them and to the people who can help.