Title
Downtown Phoenix Entertainment District Implementation Plan - Districts 7 and 8
Description
This report requests the Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to adopt the Downtown Phoenix Entertainment District Implementation Plan.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
In 2019, Conventions, Sports & Leisure International completed a market study on behalf of the Phoenix Convention Center (PCC). The study included an analysis of the PCC's strategic advantages along with recommendations to enhance the PCC market capture through near and long-term space and site planning, convention hotel development, and destination enhancements. In 2022, an update to the study was completed to incorporate the effects and changes of COVID-19 pandemic had on the industry. A key finding and recommendation of both the 2019 study and the 2022 update was the creation of an entertainment district, generally surrounding PCC. An entertainment district would provide conventioneers, visitors, and residents a walkable, vibrant, safe and navigable area that could include hospitality amenities such as a density of restaurants, bars, attractions, street performers, public art, significant lighting and landscaping, scooter docks and electric vehicle shuttles.
In September 2023, staff issued a solicitation for consulting services to assist in the identification, establishment, and activation of an entertainment district. The scope of work included a comprehensive consulting effort encompassing project management, viability assessment, public engagement and visioning, a market and feasibility analysis, implementation action matrix, and governance strategy. In 2024, City Council awarded the contract to HR&A Advisors and staff began working with the consultant team. The consultants implemented an outreach plan to engage downtown stakeholders and obtain feedback through direct stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, City staff, and community forums. An advisory committee was formed along with City department leadership and other community member committees to provide local insights and vision. In late 2025, the consultant team provided a draft of the study for City review and public engagement.
The Downtown Phoenix Entertainment District Implementation Plan (Attachment A) builds on the area’s growing momentum by addressing gaps in connectivity, public space cohesion, and emerging identity. Developed through a robust stakeholder-driven process and tactical approach, the plan identifies strategic interventions and ten catalyst projects, such as enhancements to the PCC South Building, Jefferson Street Garage, and Chase Field Plaza, to activate key sites and elevate the overall visitor experience. Grounded in themes of public realm, mobility, real estate activation, programming, and branding, the plan provides targeted recommendations across open space, streetscape, shade, signage, marketing, funding, and governance. A detailed implementation matrix defines timelines, responsibilities, and funding pathways to ensure accountability and progress.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact for this item.
Public Outreach
Throughout the formation of this plan, the consultant team and City staff engaged downtown stakeholders through interviews, forums, and community meetings. An advisory committee was formed along with a City Department Leadership committee to provide insights and vision for the plan. In 2026, City staff provided presentations to the Roosevelt Action Association, Downtown Voices Coalition, Phoenix Revitalization Corporation, Enhanced Municipal Services District Advisory Board, Evans Churchill Neighborhood Association, Eastlake Park Neighborhood Association, Warehouse District Council, Phoenix Core Community Association, the Phoenix Community Alliance Arts, Culture and Public Life Committee and the Phoenix Community Alliance Central City Planning and Development Committee.
Location
Council Districts: 7 and 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Ginger Spencer and the Community and Economic Development Department.