FUTURE DOWNTOWN of
ABOUT THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN MAY 27
, 2025 at ACL LIVE
The Future of Downtown is the Downtown Austin Alliance’s premier annual event that celebrates the people, progress and possibilities shaping the heart of our city. As the steward and champion of downtown, we bring together community leaders, partners, innovators and visionaries to explore what’s ahead for one of the most dynamic urban centers in the world.
Each year, we unveil the latest State of Downtown report our comprehensive market snapshot that illustrates downtown’s role as Austin’s economic, cultural and civic core. The 2025 event featured insights from this year’s report, a keynote from our new President & CEO, Davor Barbour, and vibrant performances from local artists and musicians that reflect the unique spirit of Austin.
We also honor individuals making a lasting impact on our community through the Future of Downtown Awards, celebrating excellence in culture, vision and service.
Together, we celebrate downtown’s evolution — and the people driving it forward.
2025 FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN AWARDS
Highlighting the Changemakers of Downtown Austin
Every year, the Downtown Austin Alliance recognizes dedicated people who make significant contributions or outstanding improvements to our downtown community at our annual Future of Downtown event.
The Meredith Powell Award for Community Culture recognizes a tireless advocate of the power of arts and culture to strengthen community and place.
The Downtown Vision Award is given to a group or project that has a significant impact on the community vision for downtown, striving to ensure that downtown is a place that is loved by all Austinites.
The inaugural Ambassador of the Year Award honors an individual who exemplifies the heart of downtown through unwavering dedication, pride and service. This ambassador leads by example ensuring our streets are clean, our spaces are welcoming, and every person they encounter feels seen and supported.
MEREDITH POWELL AWARD FOR COMMUNITY CULTURE WINNER, SYLVIA OROZCO
DOWNTOWN VISION AWARD WINNER, AUSTIN THEATRE ALLIANCE
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER, ISAAK GHEBREMARAIM
EVENT FEATURES
Ground Breaking Partners: Austin Bergstrom Airport
Project Connect I35
Waterloo Greenway Convention Center
Artist in Residency Program
Photography Fellows
Custom Embroidered
Downtown Themed Bandanas
Custom Vinyl Spin Art
DJ Silent Rob
Revenue Generated 28 $110,000+
“What an honor to be a part of such an incredible event highlighting the incredible work DAA has been doing to celebrate the uniquely special history of Austin while looking forward at what Davon and DAA plan to do in the years to come . This native Austinite couldn’t be more grateful to DAA for celebrating the rich history and culture of this amazing city while embracing all of the new!”
DeeAnne Vickery, Sponsor
WEBSITE & PUBLICITY
6,275,983
Advertisements Seen on Online Platforms
$318,085 Online Publicity Value
12,780
Eventbrite Page Visits
2,100 State of Downtown Report Website Views
123 Future of Downtown Event Program
“In the few years Future of Downtown event has existed it has quickly become one of my favorite communitydriven events in Downtown Austin. As a Native Texan and Austinite, it feels incredibly powerful for an esteemed organization such as DAA to recognize diverse individuals and organizations who are shaping Austin' s future in meaningful ways aligned with our communitys vision. The opportunity to advocate and elevate these changemakers makes me proud to serve as Chair of the Awards committee and be a small part of the Future of Downtown!”
DonationSponsor THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
SupporterSponsors
MediaSponsor
Thank you to all who brought the 2025 Future of Downtown to life!
PRESENTED BY: Downtown Austin Alliance
