Be a Visionary: 2025 Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting Recap

It was a memorable luncheon at the UTA Bluebonnet Ballroom on October 22 for our 2025 Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting, presented by Texas Trust. This year’s theme, “Be a Visionary,” invited guests to look ahead with courage, contribute with heart and help shape the next decade of downtown revitalization. It was a lively and inspiring celebration of our community’s past, present and future. 

The ballroom buzzed from the start as guests, including Mayor Jim Ross, city leaders, business owners and community partners, gathered to connect before the program began.

After a warm welcome from outgoing Board Chair Doreen Bruner and opening remarks from Maggie Campbell, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation President and CEO, the program highlighted how far we’ve come and what’s next for Arlington. Garret Martin, Vice President, shared updates from this year. From the opening of the Doggie Depot and the successful launch of the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market to beloved community events like the Classic Car Show, Pride Festival and First Thursdays, the morning reflected a year of energy, creativity and collaboration. 

We also took time to honor the visionaries who built the foundation for downtown’s success. Maggie recognized community leaders and past award recipients including Ryan Dodson, Ralph Shelton, Trey Yelverton, former Mayor Jeff Williams, Terry Bertrand and Tom Cravens.

Several local leaders then shared updates on the initiatives shaping downtown’s future. Doug Kozma from UTA discussed the university’s Campus Master Plan and its role in strengthening

Downtown connections. City Manager Trey Yelverton emphasized the city’s continued commitment to revitalization through strategic public–private partnerships that drive investment and opportunity. 

 Our keynote speaker, Molly Alexander, closed the program with a powerful message about the Return on Emotion©, the human value created when cities invest in spaces that foster belonging, connection and joy. She encouraged attendees to see revitalization not just as an economic effort, but as an emotional one measured in the smiles at community gatherings, the pride in local businesses and the shared sense of ownership in a thriving downtown. Her remarks reminded us that our collective story is strongest when people feel truly part of it.

The highlight of the event came when the spotlight shone on Doreen and Joe Bruner, recipients of this year’s Dream Builder Award, presented by Texas Trust Credit Union. As longtime property owners, local philanthropists and community leaders, the Bruners’ individual leadership and shared philanthropy helped bring the Doggie Depot to life and paved the way for the new Downtown Arlington Farmers Market.

The organization also awarded two more annual awards. The first was the Legendary Lionheart, which honored Mosaic Market for their creativity, community spirit, and the heart they’ve poured into their storefront. Next was the Golden Lantern, awarded to HELP Center for LGBT Health & Wellness for their unwavering dedication to inclusivity and compassion in the Downtown area for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Thanks to our past and present visionaries, Downtown Arlington is ready for the next 20–30 years of growth. And it will take all of us to bring that vision to life. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another unforgettable Annual Meeting.