Stronger Together through Investing in our Future: Weekly Message from Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of DAMC

Thank you, Arlington.

While the pending results of the 2020 presidential election are still grabbing headlines, something very powerful has happened here in Arlington. Voters made a big decision to make a big investment in the long-term health of their city. They voted for Prop A.

Funded by a quarter of a cent sales tax increase, Proposition A establishes a mechanism for investing in the kinds of economic development initiatives that best serve our community. Here in Downtown Arlington and all around our City, this translates into community redevelopment projects, new jobs, support for small and family-owned businesses, initiatives that help diversify the economy, and incentives for private investment that will bring new life to blighted areas. 

Think about how much Downtown Arlington has changed since 2000 thanks to a combination of public-private partnerships, commercial investment, dedication to the arts, and thoughtful placemaking. Now imagine how much more of the City of Arlington Downtown Master Plan may be realized through this new voter-approved funding mechanism. 

“Downtown Arlington is the place where people can start, build and cultivate their American Dream. It is a walkable, vibrant and economically strong urban center… It’s a place where residents establish a true sense of community, students engage with the community outside the classroom, artists and musicians light up hidden-gem venues and events, chefs create new and exciting dishes in bustling restaurants, and entrepreneurs develop the latest products and tech. Arlington’s city center is welcoming and diverse, with a range of housing types and jobs that fuel the 21st century economy…”

         -- excerpt from The Vision for Downtown Arlington, Downtown Master Plan

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been reminded again and again how much our Arlington community cares for one another through individual acts of kindness. With the adoption of Prop A, we’ve chosen to multiply our power to make a difference by collectively supporting the kind of economic development that we want and future generations need.
 

Tap into Arlington on Zoom 

On Tuesday November 10, the day before Veteran’s Day, National Medal of Honor Museum COO Jim Connors will join Downtown Arlington as our special guest on Arlington on Zoom.

Arlington on Zoom, our monthly series of live conversations with movers, shakers, leaders and makers, will begin at 6:30 p.m. for 30 minutes of networking with the program starting at 7:00 p.m. 

As a part of his Chief Operating Officer responsibilities, Jim oversees all design and construction aspects of the National Medal of Honor Monument in Washington D.C. and the Museum in Arlington. The Museum is projected to open in 2024. Jim’s previous experience includes serving as COO for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum Foundation, located at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. Joining Jim for Arlington on Zoom will be NMHM Director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Relations Amber Zuckerman.

Find the Arlington on Zoom log-in here, or catch the program live on Downtown Arlington TX Facebook Live starting at 7:00 p.m. Arlington on Zoom takes place on the second Tuesday of the month, and while we’ll be taking a break in December, we’ll resume in January 2021. Before you tune in to Arlington on Zoom, visit Downtown Delivers to order Zoom-worthy flavors from your favorite Downtown Arlington restaurants.

Apply Now: Tarrant County Small Business Assistance Grant 

If your small business has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency, Tarrant County is accepting a second round of applications for its CARES Act-funded Small Business Assistance Grant program. The dollar amount of individual grants will be determined by the financial information provided, the number of eligible grant applications received, and the funding pool available.

If your business did not receive this grant in Round One and meets the qualifications, I strongly encourage you to submit an applicatino before the November 10, 2020 deadline. Click here for more information and to apply.
 

Catalyst for Creativity 

Catalyst Creative Arts, a multi-faceted arts studio in Downtown, is committed to being a catalyst for talented local artists. Their 2nd Annual Art Market, from 1pm-6pm on Saturday, November 7, will showcase the work of eight artists who work in a variety of mediums including acrylic and oil painting, screen printing, mono printing, pottery, woodwork, mixed media, paper art, resin and jewelry making. Be sure to wear your mask and practice social distancing while inside the gallery. Music will be provided live by Sky Trio.

"The Art Market is a great opportunity to support your local art community," said Jaime Marum, artist and managing owner of Catalyst Creative Arts. “You will discover the talent of artists in your area, making some great purchases of gifts for others or for your home, and enjoying the afternoon at a cool spot in Downtown Arlington's Urban Union."

Pictured: Jaime Marum and Trey Wilder