Texas Downtown (TXD) was founded in 1985, over 40 years ago, to connect and serve downtown professionals and champions. At the time, downtowns across the state were suffering from a lack of investment and there was no organization that was dedicated to turning the tide.
Texas Downtown empowers downtown leaders with the resources, advocacy, education, and connections they need to drive transformation and revitalization. We support the development of vibrant, thriving districts that celebrate local character, strengthen communities, and foster a strong sense of place.
Our members are dedicated to downtown development and revitalization. By joining Texas Downtown, you are connected with a statewide network of passionate downtown advocates and access to information and resources that will benefit your downtown and community.
Want to host our 2028 or 2029 Texas Downtown Conference? Click for RFP!
Texas Downtown Conference
The annual Texas Downtown Conference is the only statewide conference dedicated to downtown. Our 300+ attendees represent cities of all sizes, downtown and Main Street programs, economic development professionals, chambers of commerce staff, nonprofit leaders, small business owners, and entrepreneur consultants. The event features keynote, general, and breakout sessions, mobile tours, evening events, and networking. Sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are available.
Thank you to our 2025 Top Tier Sponsors and Partners above, who made this event possible! We're already working on 2026, which will be held in Downtown Amarillo, Texas during the 100th Anniversary Year Celebration of Route 66!
President’s Awards
The President’s Awards Program was started 40 years ago in 1986 to recognize outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns. The program features 11 different categories that fall under Design or Achievement. Winners are announced annually at our President's Award Gala at our Downtown Annual Conference in November.
Anice Read FUND
The Anice Read Fund was formed to honor Anice Read, one of the founders of Texas Downtown. Grants from the Fund support downtown projects and programs in member communities.
Learn More About Texas DowntownTexas Downtown offers a myriad of benefits to members, including: | ||
Resources | Advocacy | Education |
Connections | Membership & Partner Benefits | Learn More... |
Committees
Texas Downtown committees are responsible for many programs and services offered to members. Help us reach more Texas communities and sign up to serve today. No travel budget required - committees meet monthly, as needed, via online sessions.
Advocacy
Ensures that Texas Downtown has a coordinated effort to monitor and provide information to members about legislation impacting downtowns at the state and federal levels. Please note that Texas Downtown is not a registered lobbyist. Read our Advocacy One Sheet for more information.
Anice Read
Facilitates awareness and growth of the Anice Read Fund, the grant fund founded by Texas Downtown and managed by Communities Foundation of Texas. Read our Anice Read One Sheet for more information.
Conference
This committee plans and coordinates the annual TXD Conference, providing a valuable professional development opportunity for those involved in downtown revitalization in Texas. They also oversee the President’s Awards, a program featured at the annual conference, where award winners are showcased as the best in organizations, projects, and people in Texas downtowns. It highlights downtown successes for a broader audience and presents a program that offers a case-study learning experience members can use to model local projects. Read our Conference One Sheet for more information.
Education
Coordinates educational programming (webinars and Regional Roundtables) for the
Texas Downtown network throughout the year and supports staff in providing high quality technical assistance programs. Read our Education One Sheet for more information.
Membership
Supports the organization’s growth by developing and implementing strategies for
member recruitment, retention, and engagement. Through outreach to existing and prospective members, the committee fosters a vibrant and active membership community. Read our Membership One Sheet for more information.
