Congress Street Award

Tony Ray Baker
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Congress Street Award
Accolades or Kudos for Congress Street Award in Tucson, Arizona.
Accolades or Kudos for Congress Street Award in Tucson, Arizona.

Congress Street Award

A view of Tucson's beautiful sunset down Congress Street to Church Avenue. Photo courtesy Steven Meckler.
A view of Tucson’s beautiful sunset down Congress Street to Church Avenue. Photo courtesy Steven Meckler.

Again, another accolade for Tucson, Arizona. Recently, Congress Street was awarded Great Street by the American Planning Association. Congress Street was a happening place back in the day. However, due to a skyrocketing population and increased car traffic, it ever so gradually became less friendly to the pedestrians walking on the street. This was a huge problem. The city planners wanted to address the situation head-on which ended up labeled from the American Planning Association as a 2017 Great Street Award.

In early 2000s, city planners, Tucson officials, and engineers planned out a series of inventive plans to breathe new life into the local economy and restore its commercial opalescence. Since then, Congress Street, has had several makeovers to try bringing mode-sharing back to the street.

Congress Street Award: Renovations Since Early 2000s

  • Reduced the street from three lanes to two
  • Sidewalks widened to encourage more pedestrian activity
  • Trees planted to help with the relentless Arizona heat
  • Bike parking added for cyclists
  • SunLink, a modern streetcar added
  • Restoration of the Rialto Theatre and the Fox Tucson Theatre

Congress Street Award: By The Numbers

Congress Street is a major cultural hub for Tucson and hosts an array of events, including the annual Tucson Jazz Fest every January. Photo courtesy Steven Meckler.
Congress Street is a major cultural hub for Tucson and hosts an array of events, including the annual Tucson Jazz Fest every January. Photo courtesy Steven Meckler.
  • 67 new businesses have opened along the street since 2008
  • 25 restaurants are currently operating along Congress Street, 16 of which are in historic buildings and 22 of which are locally owned or Arizona based
  • 40 years is how long the Fox Tucson Theatre sat empty before it was revived as a significant community resource
  • 12 historic buildings have had facades restored with private investment matching public funding at a ratio of 6:1
  • 4 of SunLink’s 23 stops are along the street

Congress Street Award: The Designated Area

The designated area for Congress Street extends 1.63 miles from Toole Avenue on the east, which serves as a gateway to downtown, to Silverbell Road on the west, home of the historic Menlo Park Neighborhood and the Mercado District. The street’s commercial corridor runs about four-tenths of a mile between North Church Street and East Toole Avenue.

In conclusion, I truly hope that you get a chance to take a trip downtown and checkout the newly planned and reconstructed Congress Street. There are so many things to do and plenty of fun businesses to take your money. lol 😉

Have a great day! 🙂

Tony Ray Baker & Darren Jones

Download the PDF of Planning Excellence - Congress Street

IFEA Award Kudos to Tucson, AZ

Tony Ray Baker
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IFEA Award Kudos to Tucson, AZ

IFEA Award Kudos to Tucson, AZ!

IFEA Award Luncheon in Tucson, AZ
IFEA Award Luncheon in Tucson, AZ Photo: Dawn Vandaveer www.Prototypes-v3.com

Congratulations are in order, once again, for Tucson, Arizona! Winning the IFEA Award (International Festivals & Events Association) for 2017.

Recently, FEATSAZ (Festival & Events Association of Tucson & Southern Arizona) submitted the video (above) to the IFEA for review.

After reviewing the video, beautiful Tucson, Arizona has met the IFEA’s most highest standards. And in doing so, on Thursday, September 14th, at 1:30 PM the IFEA officially designated Tucson as a World Festival & Event City!

This event took place at the 62nd Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat at the prestigious J.W. Marriott Starr Pass. This is the third year in a row Tucson has been host to the IFEA Convention and most likely the last in the region for some time to come.

Nevertheless, on top of Tucson becoming the first city in the United States to be recognized as a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, winning the IFEA Award, for 2017, is a great honor and another huge success for our city! We love you, Tucson!

More about the IFEA:

The main focus of the IFEA is to identify and provide services for those organizations that put on festivals.   More specifically, organizations that create and run quality festivals and events that support their communities in a positive way.

In Tucson, that organization is FEATSAZ (Festival & Events Association of Tucson & Southern Arizona).  FEATSAZ deserves a big kudos for their ongoing work for our community.  They should get an even bigger high five for their video and pdf submission to the IFEA that helped Tucson win the renowned award.

Great job to everyone at FEATSAZ and thank you.

Have a great day,
Tony Ray

P.S. Shout out to my ghost-writer “Gonzo” for writing up this piece.
Also, Please check out these other great Tucson Accolades.

Download the PDF of the 2017 IFEA Award Winners

Tucson: The #1 Mountain Town for Adventure, Culture, and Sunshine

jamesportis
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Tucson: The #1 Mountain Town for Adventure, Culture, and Sunshine

Tucson has earned the prestigious title of the #1 Best Mountain Town according to WeGoDating.com, and it’s no surprise why. This desert gem offers a rare combination of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an affordable lifestyle that appeals to families, singles, and retirees alike. Whether you’re drawn to Tucson for its majestic mountain views, year-round sunny skies, or its welcoming sense of community, it’s a place that truly has it all.

Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina Mountains and Rincon Mountains. These iconic landscapes create the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, and stargazing, while also providing a sense of serenity that only a mountain town can deliver. From its outdoor adventures to its lively downtown, Tucson offers a lifestyle that seamlessly blends relaxation and excitement.

A Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts

With a weather score of 94, Tucson’s climate is one of its greatest assets. Boasting 350 days of sunshine each year, the city is the ultimate playground for outdoor lovers. Imagine spending your weekends hiking through the Saguaro National Park, biking scenic desert trails, or simply soaking in the warm Arizona sun. Winters are mild, with average lows around 40°F, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round without the chill of harsh winter conditions.

Tucson also ranks as the sunniest mountain town on the list, offering an unmatched opportunity to live life outdoors. Whether it’s attending local festivals under a clear blue sky or exploring hidden desert gems, the city inspires a sense of adventure in everyone who visits. Plus, with Tucson’s low annual snowfall, residents can enjoy mountain living without the challenges of shoveling snow or icy conditions.

Affordable Living Without Compromise

Tucson offers a lifestyle that combines quality and affordability, making it an appealing option for individuals and families alike. With a family cost of living at $6,120 per month and $2,933 for individuals, Tucson is one of the most affordable destinations among mountain towns. Its affordability score of 67 ensures that residents can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Beyond the numbers, Tucson delivers incredible value. Residents benefit from low healthcare costs, ranked among the lowest in the nation, as well as an affordable housing market that allows newcomers to find their perfect desert retreat. Whether you’re starting a family, retiring, or seeking a fresh start, Tucson offers the opportunity to live comfortably while enjoying everything this vibrant city has to offer.

Vibrant Culture and Community

Tucson’s charm extends far beyond its natural beauty and affordability. The city boasts a lively downtown filled with unique restaurants, art galleries, and cultural festivals that reflect its diverse and welcoming community. From the world-famous Tucson Gem and Mineral Show to the colorful All Souls Procession, there’s always something exciting happening in this dynamic city.

Food lovers will also feel right at home in Tucson, which was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its unique Southwestern flavors and farm-to-table culinary scene. Whether you’re dining at a trendy downtown café or savoring authentic Sonoran cuisine, Tucson’s food culture is as rich and diverse as its history.

Tucson is a community where people connect, celebrate, and thrive. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and warm, sunny weather, it’s no wonder Tucson continues to attract newcomers from across the country.

Discover Tucson for Yourself

Tucson isn’t just the #1 mountain town—it’s a city where you can create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors, a welcoming community, or a place to enjoy affordable and sunny living, Tucson has it all.

📦 Secure your free relocation package today to learn more about why Tucson is the perfect place to call home. Or, better yet, reach out to Tony Ray Baker directly at 520-631-8669 to explore everything Tucson has to offer. From finding the perfect neighborhood to answering all your questions about life in Tucson, Tony Ray is ready to help you take the next step toward your dream life in the #1 mountain town.

The 10 Cheapest Places for Millennials to Live

Tony Ray Baker
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The 10 Cheapest Places for Millennials to Live
The Hub - Downtown Hot Spot for Millenials, Cheapest Places for Millennials to Live
The Hub - Downtown Hot Spot for Millenials

10 Cheapest Places for Millennials to Live

Housely.com published an article, The 10 Cheapest Places for Millennials to Live in the U.S. where they considered data about cheap housing, availability of jobs, and social + cultural advantages.

In the past, New York City and Silicon Valley were enticing millennials in groves with fast paced tech jobs and other business opportunities; unfortunately, housing prices were so high (and they still are!) that millennials had trouble finding affordable housing and those with dreams of home ownership had a difficult decision to make and the opportunity cost was high. But now people are saying that Tucson may be the next Silcon Valley.

On the flip side, Florida is known to have an abundant affordable rental housing market, but the retiree demographic and job availability makes it a less desirable long-term destination for millennials.

Young people today are being challenged to think-outside-the-box and find destinations that will offer a more complete package and Tucson definitely does.

Without further ado, The Cheapest Places for Millennials to Live:

10. Austin, TX

9. Dallas, TX

8. Louisville, KY

7. Columbus, OH

6. Dayton, OH

5. Wichita, KS

4. TUCSON, ARIZONA

3. New Bedford, MA

2. Sioux Falls, SD

1. Cape Canaveral, FL

“With a median one bedroom apartment price of $540, it’s no wonder that Money rated Tucson number 4 of their best places for millennials. The article credits the city’s revitalized downtown area and ethnic restaurants as a draw for young renters. Tucson’s job growth is expected to rise 11% over the next five years.”
We’ve done the research and this isn’t an all-encompassing description of why Tucson is one the cheapest places for millennials to live. Did you know we have one the lowest point of entry housing markets in the country? Boasting many programs to help first time home buyers and some the lowest homeowners insurance prices making Tucson a great place for someone just starting out to start their life.
Tucson also has an abundance of art, culture, and a very fun and hip downtown. There’s an abundance of nature– to hike, climb, ski and explore and there are a lot of other amazing places that are a short road trip away like: Las Vegas — 4 hours, Phoenix– 1.5 hours, Rocky Point, Mexico (Where you can rent entire beach front houses for the weekend for a couple hundred dollars)– 4 hours, San Diego, CA– 6 hours, and Showlow, AZ (home of Arizona’s biggest ski & snowboard mountain)– 4 hours.
This is only the tip of the iceberg… If you have questions about art, culture, or housing in Tucson please contact me– I’d be happy to help you however I can.
Download the 10 Cheapest Places for Millennials to Live
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