April 3rd, 2013

March 27th, 2013

Following the success of pop-ups throughout the country, Downtown Albuquerque is joining the innovative retail movement. Pop-ups continue to drive retail innovation as a unique sales and marketing venue for both existing brands and daring start-ups.

“Pop-up stores offer shoppers a novel experience that is here today and gone tomorrow, injecting excitement, urgency and a compelling reason to take interest and make a purchase. Shoppers are seduced by the notion that pop-ups may offer one-of a kind opportunity, not to be repeated. They are very successful at drawing the shoppers’ attention and focus on visually powerful propositions.” -Ipsos Retail Performance

Do you have an exciting idea, product, brand you want to test? Do you have an established business and want to test a new downtown location? Then join us, grow your business, and transform Downtown’s storefront vacancies into vibrant and exciting retail adventures! Why not:

• Utilize an economic alternative to full-scale retail set-up

• Generate a marketing buzz

• Test new brands, products, concepts, and markets

• Gain valuable consumer feedback and insights with relatively little investment (without a long term lease)

• Move/unload inventory

• Target a niche audience

• Aggressively market merchandise around a finite period of time, season, or holiday

• Tap marketing support by DAT and its alliance of Downtown partners

Are you interested?
We are looking for pop-up proposals for fun and exciting projects ranging from 1 week to 6 months in length to fill and energize Downtown’s vacant storefronts. Submit a one page application to lbird@downtownabq.com with your idea (project, brand, product and photos) and if selected, we’ll help match you with a great, rent-free retail or gallery space! Be inspired by other pop up projects: click here, here, and here!

March 26th, 2013

We were happy to be on the 1050 show this past Saturday with host Terrie Q. Sayre! Click here to listen to our 15 minute discussion on downtown, upcoming events and projects we are working on, and how to reach us for future downtown activities  (for example, our up-and-coming retail pop-ups.) We look forward to returning to the 1050 Show so we can continue to keep everyone updated, informed, and active! We are the second guest on the 3/25 show.

January 4th, 2013

January 2nd, 2013

We had a wonderful response to our Annual Survey this year: over 100 BID property, business owners, and downtown stakeholders accessed our survey online and took the time to let us know their thoughts, concerns, and ideas about forming a great downtown. A big thank-you to those that let us know what they think about Downtown, about how we’re doing, and what else needs to be done. We continue to work on these issues daily, and it’s a nice affirmation to hear we’re headed in the right direction.

The members of the BID were made aware of the survey through a mailed letter, via the ambassadors, and through our Weekly Alert e-newsletter (all methods included a link to access the survey online, and hard copies of the survey could be requested as needed.) The 25-question survey was revamped from years prior and included multiple choice questions as well as areas for free commentary. It was optional to leave contact information, so surveys respondents could remain anonymous if they so chose. Questions ranged from demographic information and downtown perception to the work of the ambassador team and the main issues of concern for the BID. (You can see all the questions listed below, as well as the results.)

Nearly 64% of responses collected were from business and/or property owners, owning at least one property in the BID. Of these, about 50% of these were restaurant/retail properties, or office space. Most property and business owners tend to be male (over 64%). It’s also important to know that over 55% of the respondents feel “very safe” or “fairly safe” downtown, and that recruitment of retail and restaurants, cleaning up 4th street, and marketing downtown to new businesses are pressing and important agendas for the business and property owners. Respondents wanted more green-space, trees, and better lighting to beautify our neighborhood. The final results of the survey are graphed below, with additional comments and questions as well.

Question 20: Would you consider allowing temporary retail (“pop-up”) shops on your property for emerging businesses and artisans/entrepreneurs for lowered-rent or rent-free space, with the understanding that such vendors may become permanent in the future?

24 firm “No”; 34 firm “Yes”

Others stated:
“People who own business property downtown should do a win-win contract with pop-up shops in which they only make money when the business makes money so they make a percentage of the profits…”…….“Possibly but it would be under strict guidelines and control”……“If done with style and uniformity.”

Question 21: What is the one thing you would change or do that would positively affect Downtown Albuquerque?

“Increase retail business, and decrease transient population”……“Clean it up, light it up…”…….“Decrease the bar venue”……..“Make it family friendly”……..“Recruit destination retail/restaurants; more foot traffic”………“Grocery store”

“More downtown growers markets, art fairs, street vending, & family events on Central. Use trolleys to get people form Old Town to Downtown to Nob Hill”

“Public transportation”………“More green-space along with more recruitment of resident living”…….“More art-based business”

“Outdoor seating opportunities….public areas with shade…seating pocket parks along streets would provide a nice rest stop to enjoy your lovely city in locations that are visible.”

“Bring back more neon signs and prevent business owners from removing iconic and historic neon signage.”

“Find a way to educate people that it’s no more dangerous than their neighborhoods!

“Fill chronic vacancies”; “Develop all the parking lots into viable residential and commercial spaces.”……..“Change attitude of police in the area, and make parking free.”

Question 22: When you think of a great mid-size city with a great downtown, what city comes to mind? Why?

“Boulder: walkability, beauty, good retail”

Austin: “They welcome food vendors, and create an atmosphere cultivating small and local businesses, and public art”; “They have a vibrant bar/club nightlife based on the music industry, but there is a variety of shops, coffee houses, etc., that are open late”; “…A vibrant area with many different industries represented…walkable grocery, liquor, retail, restaurants, and housing.”

“Santa Fe, for its walking distances”

“Golden, Colorado. Lots to do, safe and clean.”

Denver: “Lots of people walking”; “Has retail, street malls, and a great mix of loft retail and restaurant. Also they have sports teams that drive business to downtown”; “It has saved its historic buildings.”

“Providence. Very clean and vibrant, plentiful foot traffic, no homelessness or panhandling, friendly and safe.”

“Portland, because they have embraced their small business and promote their community.”

“We should think about Austin, Berkeley, and Savannah. Austin for its ability to attract young people and innovative businesses, Berkeley for its public transportation system, and Savannah for its beautiful public spaces. We can integrate those best practices into a plan for downtown Albuquerque.”

Question 23: Other comments, suggestions, and feedback?

“…Working closer with the City and the homeless agencies…”…….“Electric cars for rent? More to do on Friday or Saturday nights for an older crowd?”

“Need a permanent farmers’ market store or small grocery store.”…….“Lights need to be brightened throughout downtown.”……..“DAT seems to have its hands tied. I hope DAT can secure more funding so it can do more and have a greater presence. We really need more Clean & Safe Ambassadors.”

“Your ambassadors do an excellent job! Your staff is accessible and helpful.”……..“I realize it’s a chicken and egg dilemma, but the more people living and working downtown, the better. I love being downtown.”

“Downtown has a TON of potential…I really like the urban farm concept.”

“Downtown needs someone to champion it. It has a really bad PR problem. People are afraid to go downtown because they think they will get stabbed or arrested. We need to remind people that it is safe…”

“Give small businesses incentive to open downtown through leasehold improvements and lease rates!”…….“Encourage events that reach across demographic/economic divides.”…….“Would love to see the 4th street mall renovated to showcase more storefronts and additional waling space. Maybe consider extending south to Gold Street?”

“Address the homeless problem…stop the drug activities with a vengeance!”

December 8th, 2012

Chris Ramirez of KOB Eyewitness News 4 and his team checked out the Winter Markets yesterday. Check out the video here! The Winter Markets are still going on until 2pm today.

November 28th, 2012

Business owners, property owners, and downtown advocates: our new and improved BID survey is here! We encourage you to take the time to let us know your thoughts, concerns, and hopes for Downtown Albuquerque. Please follow the link below.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/downtownBID2012

Should you require or prefer a hard copy of the survey, please contact us and we will mail one out to you.

We seriously consider any and all suggestions, criticisms, concerns, and comments regarding Downtown, and appreciate your taking the time to fill out your survey clearly and concisely.

We appreciate your responses and input no later than midnight on DECEMBER 10^th.

Our Annual Meeting will be held on December 12^th at 2pm at the Albuquerque Convention Center. We invite all BID property and business owners to attend. We also will share the results of this survey at that time.

We thank you for your continued support, honesty, and input.

-DAT Team

August 23rd, 2012

To have a positive impact on our built environment and create something of lasting beauty is an important charge.  The newest addition of the Convention Center Mosaic by artists Cassandra Reid and Margarita Paz Pedro is complete.  The art is located at the east entrance of the western building and was commissioned by the Albuquerque Public Art Program and the Harwood Art Center.  There will be a formal dedication tomorrow evening at 5:30 with the artists.  For more information, you can view an interview with Cassandra Reid, “Feat of Clay” about her mosaic work: http://vimeo.com/26062646.

Enjoy!

March 2nd, 2012

IN THIS WEEK’S ALERT:

Downtown Action Team bids farewell to Brian Morris
Council Re-District Dilutes Downtown Impact
Homelessness outreach meeting for business owners
Creative Bravos Awards Dinner – tickets on sale
Call for Artists – 100 for 100 Centennial Art Show

Downtown Action Team bids farewell to Brian Morris

At a recent Downtown Action Team Board meeting, Executive Director, Brian Morris presented his resignation and plans for a new career. After 10 years of dedicated service to the community at DAT, Mr. Morris is moving forward to pursue a career in consulting, political campaign management, fundraising and government relations at his own company, Morris Strategies For New Mexico. Brian’s last day with DAT will be March 9.

DAT would like to acknowledge Brian’s exceptional track record as the Image Enhancement Director, Deputy Director and Executive Director while at DAT. Brian began with the Downtown Action Team in 2001 and has served the last five years as Executive Director. He is widely respected for his leadership, integrity, vision and passion for Downtown Albuquerque.

“I have absolutely loved my career at Downtown Action Team,” said Brian Morris. “I’ve seen so many changes, developments and over $500 million in investment over the past 10 years. While it’s hard to leave this exciting and dynamic organization, I’m looking forward to working daily on my passion of politics and government relations.”

The Board has formed a Search Committee to hire a new Executive Director/CEO for DAT and has appointed DAT Board Chairman, Rick Rennie, as volunteer Interim Director during the search process. In the coming weeks, a posting for the position of Executive Director/CEO will be issued, both locally and nationally. 

For information regarding the new Executive Director position, please email EDSearchCommittee@DowntownABQ.com.

We as a staff, board and friends extend our deepest gratitude to Brian and wish him ongoing success in this new endeavour.

Council Re-District Dilutes Downtown Impact

The DAT Board has been actively engaged in the City Council re-districting process this year and voted to endorse Plan V or a similar plan, which keeps the Downtown District in tact. As you are probably aware, the Council passed Plan L instead this past week, which moves District 3 to the Westside and engulfs Downtown into District 2 (the North Valley).

It is feared this new re-districting will make it even harder to move key initiatives forward which are essential to redevelopment in Downtown.

The new District 2 has a population deviation of over 4%. In addition, it puts most of the cities’ MRA areas all into one district. And, the new plan puts some of the most rural areas in with some of the most urban areas.

We encourage you to call the Mayor at (505) 768-3000 or email Mayor Berry at mayorberry@cabq.gov and ask him to VETO the Re-District plan and ask the Council to support Plan V-1 or a similar plan. 

Homelessness outreach meeting for business owners

Albuquerque Heading Home, a collaborative initiative to combat cronic homelessness, has been very effective and innovative in addressing city-wide problems.  While there have been many significant accomplishments, the program continues to need the assistance and support of local business owners.  The ABQ Heading Home team has put together a meeting to inform the Business Community of “what’s happening and how it impacts your business”

Issues of homelessness affect everyone. They impact housing, businesses and our shared community pride. Representatives of Albuquerque Heading Home will meet with area business owners to share information about this exciting community initiative, lead discussion about challenges and progress, and gather your input for potential ways to move forward together.  There will be two meetings held at the Convention Center on March 14th. The AM session 7:30-9AM and the PM session 2:00-2:30PM.

The 2012 Creative Bravos Award Recipients are:

• Media Arts Collaborative Charter School
• Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque
• Matthew Greer – Quintessences Artistic Director
• Dr. Shelle VanEttten de Sanchez – NHCC
• Emerging Creatives: Tim Nisly & Carlos Contreras
• Young Creatives: Sofia Resnik & Mikala Aragon-Sterling
• People Choice Award: Albuquerque Theatre Guild
• President’s Award: Dale Dekker & Dekker/Perich/Sabatini

Advance reservations are required. Tickets to the event are $75 for Creative Albuquerque members, $125 for two member tickets purchased at the same time. The non-member rate is $95 per ticket.

Call for Artists – 100 for 100 Centennial Arts Show

The City of Albuquerque and the Downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District invite artists and craftspeople from the Greater Albuquerque area to participate in the upcoming Centennial Summerfest 100 for 100: A Statewide Juried Arts & Crafts Market.  

will showcase 100 artists from the statewide network of Arts & Cultural Districts; 50 of those artists will be from Albuquerque. A panel of judges from around the state will award prizes for presentation and content, including Best in Show. The market will take place in Downtown Albuquerque on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 12:00 – 6:00p as part of the larger Centennial Summerfest. For infomation on applying as an artist, please visit Creative Albuquerque’s website for detailed instructions 

Creative Bravos Awards Dinner – Tickets on Sale

Now in their 27th year of honoring excellence, the Creative Bravos Awards Ceremony have earned a place among the city’s most exciting annual events. The gala event includes a welcome reception, sensational silent auction and the food of Slate Street Cafe; the awards ceremony and celebration of the 2012 Creative Bravos Honorees; followed by a champagne and dessert reception. All take place in the stunning surroundings of the Albuquerque Museum.

The 2012 Creative Bravos Award Recipients are:

• Media Arts Collaborative Charter School
• Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque
• Matthew Greer – Quintessences Artistic Director
• Dr. Shelle VanEttten de Sanchez – NHCC
• Emerging Creatives: Tim Nisly & Carlos Contreras
• Young Creatives: Sofia Resnik & Mikala Aragon-Sterling
• People Choice Award: Albuquerque Theatre Guild
• President’s Award: Dale Dekker & Dekker/Perich/Sabatini

Advance reservations are required. Tickets to the event are $75 for Creative Albuquerque members, $125 for two member tickets purchased at the same time. The non-member rate is $95 per ticket.

Call for Artists – 100 for 100 Centennial Arts Show

The City of Albuquerque and the Downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District invite artists and craftspeople from the Greater Albuquerque area to participate in the upcoming Centennial Summerfest 100 for 100: A Statewide Juried Arts & Crafts Market.  

will showcase 100 artists from the statewide network of Arts & Cultural Districts; 50 of those artists will be from Albuquerque. A panel of judges from around the state will award prizes for presentation and content, including Best in Show. The market will take place in Downtown Albuquerque on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 12:00 – 6:00p as part of the larger Centennial Summerfest. For infomation on applying as an artist, please visit Creative Albuquerque’s website for detailed instructions.

October 28th, 2011

IN THIS WEEK’S ALERT:

DAT/CABQ to host Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett
29th Annual Doggie Dash and Dawdle ready to run
thriveABQ to host Buy Local event November 2nd

DAT/CABQ to host Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett

The Downtown Action Team, in partnership with Mayor Berry and the City of Albuquerque, is looking forward to welcoming Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett on December 14th for a year-end business luncheon. As the 35th Mayor of OKC, Cornett has been a proponent for progressive initiatives such as rapid and mass transit, economic diversification, urban renaissance and civic beautification. Under Cornett’s leadership, Oklahoma City earned the moniker, Renaissance City, from tourists and local residents. He has even put OKC on a diet, with over 45,000 registered dieters collectively approaching 1,000,000 pounds lost since January of ’08.  Cornett dropped 35 pounds himself, giving meaning to the phrase “leading by example”.

Some of Mayor Cornett’s accomplishments include the adoption of two MAPS quality-of-life projects  and he is widely credited for recruiting the NBA franchise Seattle Supersonics to Oklahoma, Cornett was a key figure in the historic renovation of the Skirvin Hotel, a 100 year old hotel that was shuttered for nearly 20 years and now is one of OKC’s downtown gems.  We hope you will join us for this inspiring lunch and conversation with Albuquerque’s business and civic leaders, more information can be obtained by contacting DAT at (505) 243-2230.

29th annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle ready to run

Event organizers of Animal Humane | New Mexico’s Doggie Dash & Dawdle are prepping for New Mexico’s largest social event for dogs and their families. Animal Humane’s largest fundraiser of the year takes place November 6th at Balloon Fiesta Park and registrations are now being accepted for the 5K Dash and 2-mile Dawdle. Returning this year is the dog carnival Dash Bash area which includes crowd favorites such as an agility course, bobbing for hot dogs, paw print painting, a pet advice booth, canine cake walk, off-leash dog park and doggie contests.

Adoptable pets will be on-hand from Animal Humane and other rescue groups for adoption. The popular rent-a-dog booth is back for those that want to show an adoptable homeless pet a good time. New this year is live music with local acts and a variety of food trucks to satisfy race day thirst and hunger.
 For full details, registration, entry fee and fundraising team information, go to animalhumanenm.org or call (505) 255-5523.

thriveABQ to host Buy Local Marketplace Nov 2nd 

Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent in Albuquerque every year by local & national companies and government agencies. The Marketplace is designed to provide local businesses with a connection to many of these buyers. This is an action fair. They expect our participants to find new local sources for goods and services, and attendees to find new customers and 
clients. Seminars will also be held to help local business owners increase their effectiveness. If you’re looking for new sources of business, this is a must-attend! More information and free registration for the Marketplace can be found at thriveabq.com and you can win an iPad by attending.