State of Downtown Tempe
October 21, 2026
The State of Downtown Tempe is an annual event that brings together community leaders, local partners, business owners, and stakeholders to reflect on the district’s progress and look ahead at what’s next.
Each year, attendees get a behind-the-scenes look at the work being done to support a thriving downtown, along with engaging moments that highlight the people and stories behind it all. The evening includes food, drinks, networking, and the presentation of the Downtown Tempe Impact Awards, which recognize people and projects making a meaningful difference in the district.
More details are coming soon!
Check back for this year’s location, ticket information, and your chance to vote for the 2026 Downtown Tempe Impact Award winners.
Impact Awards Categories & Winners
The Downtown Tempe Impact Awards recognize the people, businesses, organizations, projects, and events making a meaningful difference in the district.
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.
2025 Recipient: The Plant Mill
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.
2025 Recipient: City of Tempe Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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.
2025 Recipient : U.S. Post Office - Mill Avenue
Environmental Impact
Exemplifying environmentally sustainable practices in Downtown Tempe. Examples include a transit project, improved resource utilization, or a development exceeding green standards.
2025 Recipient: Tempe Streetcar
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.
2025 Recipient: Tempe Bicycle Action Group
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.
2025 Recipient: Lotions & Potions
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.
2025 Recipient: Four Peaks Sister Cities Oktoberfest
Lifetime Achievement Award
Game changer events, projects or people that made downtown what it is over an extended period of time.
2025 Recipient: Robin Arredondo-Savage
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.
2025 Recipient: Greg & Michele Spear
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: Cactus Sports
2023: Canopy, VIB, Westin (rooftop recognition)
2022: Team Tempe
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: Arizona Theatre Company
2023: Hackett House for Cultural Dinners
2022: OXDX
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: Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
2023: 100 Mill
2022: Silicon Valley Bank
Environmental Impact
Exemplifying environmentally sustainable practices in Downtown Tempe. Examples include a transit project, improved resource utilization, or a development exceeding green standards.
2024: City of Tempe Transportation Team
2023: The Beam
2022: Keep Tempe Beautiful
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: Cactus Sports
2023: Canopy, VIB, Westin (rooftop recognition)
2022: Team 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: Phoenicia Café
2023: Shoe Mill
2022: Café Boa
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: Tempe Blooms
2023: Innings Festival
2022: Ironman AZ & Indigenous Arts Arizona
Lifetime Achievement Award
Game changer events, projects or people that made downtown what it is over an extended period of time.
2024: Kiwanis Club of Tempe
2023: Kristin Scharlau at Care 7
2022: Robin & Robert Trick at House of Tricks
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: Chariti Stern
A Look Back at Last Year
