Texas Downtown

Calling all Texas Downtown community and business members! It's time to rally for this year's Anice Read Silent Auction! Ready to help make a BIG impact on downtown projects across Texas? Donate a silent auction item TODAY for the Anice Read Fund—our largest annual fundraiser happening at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29 before the President's Awards Gala at the Texas Downtown Conference in the City of Abilene, Texas's downtown. Why donate? For every $1 invested in the Anice Read Fund, there’s a $30 reinvestment in Texas downtowns! That’s some serious ROI! So, hit the "Easy" button and submit your auction item details no later than Thursday, October 24 in the spreadsheet, https://lnkd.in/e7-Dis4J so all you need to do is drop your item off in Abilene OR mail it ahead of time to arrive by the same deadline. Here’s where to send it: Amy Miller 313 West 4th Street Elgin, TX 78621 Need ideas? Think light, local, and fun! Jewelry, handmade items, Texas-made adult beverages, trips and travel experiences, or even quirky antiques are top sellers. Pro tip: Bring cash/checks to make purchases—no transaction fees means more funds go directly to the Anice Read Fund! Help us continue awarding these impactful downtown grants annually! Let's make this year's auction the best one yet. Thank you to the following downtowns who have currently made an Anice Read Fund Silent Auction item donation: City of Elgin, TX, Center City of Amarillo, City of Weatherford, City of Georgetown, City of Mesquite, City of Fate, City of Mineral Wells, City of Odessa, Texas, City of Cuero, City of Abilene, Texas, City of Ennis, City of Nacogdoches, Texas, and City of Aubrey! We appreciate y'all supporting TXD Co-Founder Anice Read's legacy! #TXD24 #AniceReadFund #GrantFundraiser #SilentAuction #HappyHour #TexasDowntown #TXD #resources #education #advocacy #connections

Don't Miss Out! This week's 2024 Texas Downtown Conference Deadlines! Pack your boots and meet us at the annual Texas Downtown Conference, October 28-30 in the City of Abilene, Texas's downtown at the new DoubleTree by Hilton Abilene Downtown Convention Center. Here are some friendly reminders for all TXD members: * Friday, October 18: Last day for conference registration and event ticket refunds * Saturday, October 19: Last day to book at two of Abilene's overflow hotels Plus, don't forget to donate an item for the Anice Read Happy Hour & Silent Auction, starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29. This is your chance to represent your downtown, organization, or business and raise money for the Anice Read Fund grant program, so be sure to sign your item up now, https://lnkd.in/e7-Dis4J . Everyone is welcome to donate and bid, mix and mingle! Don't pass up this downtown opportunity to connect, learn, and get inspired! Let's shape the future of Texas downtowns together. For the conference schedule and overflow hotel info, https://lnkd.in/gB5fq8yC #TXD24 #TXDConference #AbileneTX #StorybookCapital #DowntownRevitalization #ProfessionalDevelopment #AniceReadAuction #TexasDowntown #TXD #resources #education #advocacy #connections

Saving one of the best for last by celebrating a La Porte, Texas artist on the final day of National Hispanic Heritage Month! The City of La Porte is proud to highlight local artist Adrian Avila during Hispanic Heritage Month! Adrian played a key role in bringing life and color to downtown La Porte by creating a stunning mural at Dimensions Comics, Music, and More, one of their newest Main Street businesses. As a La Porte native, Adrian has been pouring his talent and passion back into their growing arts community. He is also a founding member of The Cultural Canvas, a new arts organization in town. They are especially thankful for his volunteer efforts, including painting a live mural during a First Friday event that celebrates local and public art. Thank you, Adrian, for your incredible work and heart for the La Porte community! #HispanicHeritageMonth #LaPorteTX #DowntownLaPorte #SupportLocalArt #ArtsAndCulture #CelebrateHeritage #TexasDowntown #TXD

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of former Texas Downtown Board President, Debbie Charbonneau. Debbie retired from the City of Manor Texas last fall after making an incredible impact on downtowns and Main Streets across Texas, including in Manor, City of Taylor, Texas, City of Georgetown, Village of Salado, and the City of Huntsville, Texas. Her dedication and passion for community revitalization touched countless lives, and she will be dearly missed by the entire Texas Downtown family and its members. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Debbie’s family, especially her beloved husband, Lauren, during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Debbie. Your legacy will live on in the vibrant communities you helped shape. #RememberingDebbieCharbonneau #InMemoriam #TexasDowntown #TXD #CommunityChampion #DowntownLegacy

Good mornin' from Downtown Houston+ , H-Town! Texas Downtown is ready to rock and roll at Booth #140 at the Texas Municipal League Conference! Swing by to say "Hello!" if you are in the neighborhood! #TMLConference #Exhibitor #HoustonTX #TexasDowntown #TXD #resources #education #advocacy #connections

Texas Downtown continues to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month through October 15, and this week, we are shining the spotlight on Rio Grande City Main Street! In collaboration with the Rio Grande City Public Library and the City of RGC - Kelsey Bass Museum, Rio Grande City Main Street hosted Grito en el Kiosko y Noche de Mercado, a vibrant event celebrating their rich culture with food vendors, mariachi, conjunto, and traditional dance groups. Just minutes from the border, this annual event strengthens their connection with communities on both sides. ¡Que se oiga el Grito! The Kelsey Bass Museum also hosted several moving exhibits, including a tribute to the United Farmworkers Movement in partnership with LUPE and CMAS, and a traveling altar from the San Antonio Eye Bank honoring local donor heroes. Community members even shared personal memories and photos in a heartfelt celebration of their loved ones. Celebrate the month with Rio Grande City and take part in this beautiful tribute to their culture, heritage, and community! #HispanicHeritageMonth #RioGrandeCityTX #TexasDowntown #TXD #CulturalCelebration Rio Grande City EDC Texas Tropical Trail Region

Three Cheers to Donna Dow and the City of Denison's Main Street team in Downtown Denison TX for being one of eight semifinalists announced as Main Street America's 2025 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). The announcement highlights the remarkable work being done by the 2025 GAMSA semifinalists, emphasizing their outstanding efforts in revitalizing downtowns across the country. These communities have not only focused on inclusive and collaborative organizing but have also excelled in economic development, arts and culture, and historic preservation. This recognition as a semifinalist is a notable milestone in the Main Street Movement, and winning the award is a prestigious honor. Since its inception in 1995, only 112 out of over 2,000 programs have earned this distinction. The City of Georgetown's and the City of Denton's downtowns are the only two GAMSA winners in Texas. Many of the competing organizations invest years into strengthening their programs to meet the selection criteria, which includes a demonstrated impact on community transformation, dedication to historic preservation, innovative programming, and commitment to cross-sector partnerships, diversity, equity, and inclusion. A national jury, composed of industry professionals and local leaders, carefully evaluated applications from Main Street programs. After thoughtful deliberation, eight organizations were selected as semifinalists for their success in fostering preservation-based revitalization using the Main Street Approach™. These semifinalists have collectively made an enormous impact, generating $695 million in local reinvestment, facilitating the opening of 975 net new businesses, creating 7,190 net new jobs, rehabilitating 1,568 historic buildings, and contributing 333,050 volunteer hours. As we celebrate these incredible accomplishments, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the award ceremony on April 7 at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Three semifinalists will be honored with the coveted GAMSA. Stay connected through Main Street America's social channels for more updates and semifinalist features! #Congratulations #Semifinalist2025 #DenisonTX #CelebrateSuccesses #GreatAmericanMainStreetAward2025 #TexasDowntown #TXD https://lnkd.in/g2PQ9kft

Happy Friday, Texas Downtowners! Good News...Early-Bird Registration is Extended to Monday, October 7! Don't miss your chance to join us for the 2024 Texas Downtown Conference in the Storybook Capital of America—City of Abilene, Texas! Early-Bird Registration is now open through Monday, October 7—this is your FINAL opportunity to snag the best registration price for a truly one-of-a-kind experience! From October 28-30, immerse yourself in Abilene's vibrant Downtown Cultural District as we come together to shape the future of Texas downtowns. Let’s connect, learn, and be inspired at the brand-new DoubleTree by Hilton Abilene Downtown Convention Center! Don't wait—register today and be part of writing the next chapter for Texas downtowns! https://lnkd.in/gB5fq8yC #EarlyBirdRegistrationExtended #ProfessionalDevelopment #TXD2024 #TXDConference #AbileneTX #TexasDowntown #TXD #resources #education #advocacy #connections

Planning to attend the Texas Municipal League Annual Conference next week in Houston? Don’t forget to stop by the Texas Downtown Booth #140! We’re excited to join over 400 exhibitors and connect with 3,800 community leaders and municipal professionals from across Texas. Dates: October 9-11 Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston Swing by to learn how Texas Downtown can support your region's downtown development and revitalization efforts. See you there! https://lnkd.in/gUYDzMPU #TML2024 #TMLExhibitor #CommunityLeadership #TexasDowntown #TXD #connections #education

Let's continue the month-long celebration by highlighting Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Lancaster, TX's downtown! Join Texas Downtown as we shine a spotlight on three amazing small businesses, all owned by inspiring Latina women who bring their unique touch to downtown Lancaster. * BOBA Licious | Erika & Beatrice Boba Licious, co-owned by Erika and Beatrice, is more than just a boba shop. It’s a place where Hispanic/Latina flavors meet the art of boba. Stop by and experience their delicious, handcrafted drinks with a unique Latin twist. Erika Solorzano reflects on her deep connection to Lancaster: “Downtown Lancaster is special to me. As an 8-year-old, I would watch the cornfields grow while my mother brought lunch to my father. Years passed, and I grew up, eventually meeting the love of my life, my husband. Between enjoying city life and country roads, we have grown our family to seven. This is why we love Lancaster. Here, my little ones have learned to ride horses and enjoy the fresh country air. At Boba Licious, we make everyone part of our 'familia.' As we say, ‘Donde caben uno, caben tres o cuatro.’” * Gelu Italian Ice | Norma and Joselyn Hernandez This mother-daughter duo, Norma and Joselyn Hernandez, bring sweet frozen treats to the heart of downtown Lancaster. Swing by Gelu Italian Ice to taste a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any Texas day! The Hernandezes love being a part of the community and say: “We absolutely love our shop at the Historic Town Square and all of our fellow business owners growing along with us! We enjoy the small-town feel and the support we receive from the community." * Just Juice | Monica Ruiz Just Juice, owned by Monica Ruiz, is the go-to spot for fresh, healthy juices made with love. Treat yourself to some freshly made juice and support this thriving local downtown small business! Monica shares her pride in being part of Lancaster's Historic Town Square: “Historic Town Square in Lancaster is such a beautiful and welcoming community. To be a part of something wonderful and to open my first brick-and-mortar here is truly a blessing. A place where it gives small business owners, such as myself, opportunities to learn, thrive, and succeed.” Let’s celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by supporting these incredible entrepreneurs and enjoying the vibrant community of downtown Lancaster! Shop Small this fall, y'all! #HispanicHeritageMonth #LancasterTX #DowntownLancasterTX #SupportSmallBusiness #ShopSmall #ShopLocal #TexasDowntown #TXD