State of Downtown Tempe
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 small bites, drinks, networking, and the presentation of the Downtown Tempe Impact Awards, which recognize people and projects making a meaningful difference in the district.
Past Impact Awards Categories & Winners
Rising Star
Recognizing a new Downtown Tempe business making an early impact through innovation, community connection and a strong customer experience.
2026 Recipient: Laymoon Cafe
Hidden Gem
Recognizing an under-the-radar Downtown Tempe favorite offering an exceptional product, service or one-of-a-kind experience.
2026 Recipient: University Sports Grill for their Comedy Show series
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.
2026 Recipient : Joshua Rutherford
Good Vibes Only
Recognizing programs and events that bring creativity, culture and positive energy to Downtown Tempe.
2026 Recipient: Reggae Rise Up Arizona
Downtown Event
Recognizing an exceptional event that brings people together, supports local businesses and showcases the spirit of Downtown Tempe.
2026 Recipient: Arizona Flower Market for Tempe Blooms
Lifetime Achievement Award
Game changer events, projects or people that made downtown what it is over an extended period of time.
2026 Recipient: Walt Richardson
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.
2026 Recipient: Ayesha Amirah
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: The Plant Mill
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.
2025: City of Tempe Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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.
2025: U.S. Post Office - Mill Avenue
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.
2025: Tempe Streetcar
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.
2025: Tempe Bicycle Action Group
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.
2025: Lotions & Potions
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.
2025: Four Peaks Sister Cities Oktoberfest
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.
2025: Robin Arredondo-Savage
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.
2025: Greg & Michele Spear
2024: Chariti Stern
A Look Back at Last Year
