BuildRGV is focusing on the Rio Grande Valley’s downtowns and their economic prosperity with “The Future of Downtowns” Aug. 30 in downtown Weslaco. Held for downtown merchants, property owners, builders, developers, city planners and EDC staff, and county and downtown managers, the event provides innovative approaches to driving traffic to downtown.
Attendees will learn not only how to bring more traffic to their downtowns, but also success stories of other vibrant downtown cities and what they are doing correctly. The essentials of Place-Making will also be of discussion along with supporting small business by creating smart marketing.
Speaking during the evening are Main Street Program Manager for the City of San Marcos Samantha Armbruster and events coordinator Kelsey Huckaby. Armbuster and her team are responsible for programming events and campaigns in downtown San Marcos. Huckaby is a self-employed San Marcos-based artist, muralist and events coordinator and curator in Central Texas. Huckaby will discuss her experience facilitating arts and cultural exhibits, the importance of keeping a place in the community for artists and makers for cultural purposes, educational benefits and historical significance.
The evening’s moderator and host is Rio Grande Valley local urbanist Pedro G. Ayala. Networking and information on economic incentives, tax credits, preservation tips are also part of the event.
“The Future of Downtown” takes place from 6:30-9 p.m. at Villa de Cortez in downtown Weslaco. Tickets are $25 for BuildRGV members and $35 for non-members. Tickets are available at the door if seating is available. Admission includes dinner of chicken breast pan-seared with a mushroom cream sauce with baby greens over a bed of rice, along with tea and dessert. Architects in attendance have the opportunity to earn AIA Learning Units.
Exhibit tables, company logo ads and membership benefits are available.