40. Connecting communities with Plaza19
Plaza19 is back open and hosts Juliana and Ricky are celebrating the reactivation! First, they speak with Shannon McBride from the 19North Community Alliance about how the organization helped Valley Metro revitalize the plaza. Then, they sit down with Mandi Rupple from Discover to learn how the business is supporting this transit-oriented space. To learn more about the Northwest Extension Phase II Transit-Oriented Community Policy Plan visit https://www.phoenix.gov/nweii
Transcript
SL040 - Plaza19 Draft 2
Juliana:Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your daily commute?
Ricky:Or how transportation impacts the community you call home?
Juliana:Maybe you want to explore outside your community and don't know where to start.
Ricky:Well, you're in luck because this is where you hop on.
Juliana:I'm Julianna Vazquez-Keating.
Ricky:And I'm Ricky Tejada.
Juliana:We work for Valley Metro and together we'll discover all the ways that public transit enhances lives across the cities we serve.
Ricky:And we might even make some new friends along the way.
Juliana:Welcome to Storylines. On this episode of Storylines, we're celebrating the revitalization of Plaza19.
Ricky:Once known as the 19th Ave and Dunlap Ramada, this space has been upgraded to not only serve transit riders, but to also host community events.
Juliana:The upgrades were made possible through a partnership between Valley Metro, the City of Phoenix and the 19North Community Alliance. And we spoke with someone from 19North about how we work together to create the best space for the community.
Shannon:My name is Shannon McBride, and I'm the Executive Director for 19North Community Alliance.
Ricky:How was the 19North Community Alliance involved in the revitalization of Plaza19?
Shannon:So the plaza had been designed to be an asset for our community, but it had been underused. And so through some really cool conversations with the City of Phoenix and Valley Metro, we began dreaming about reactivating the space, branding the space, Plaza19, and then bringing events into the area. So, I was just part of those conversations about how can we partner with resources and efforts to make this plaza the asset it was always meant to be.
Juliana:So you've been a major advocate just for this community and just the involvement of the community in this revitalization. How did community feedback play into, you know, your ideas for revitalization?
Shannon:So, as you know, we're in the middle of an opioid crisis in our nation. And so that means that we're all dealing with some unhealthy drug related crimes everywhere. And so the frustration that we often hear from the community has to do with that. With just not feeling as safe in our community as we used to. So I take that and say, okay, then what can we do? How can we together make the area safer? So I am a real advocate for the community, it's been a journey of trial and error and successes and failures. But my heart is 100% trying to say, how could we collectively make our community all that we want it to be?
Juliana:So last month we celebrated the reactivation of the plaza with a family festival. How do you think the festival turned out and how well do you think it was received in the community?
Shannon:The festival was above and beyond my expectations. Valley Metro really just took the lead of this concept of revitalizing the plaza and did something extraordinary for our community. There was a great turnout. There was great publicity. There were a bunch of businesses that got to celebrate what they do and share that with the community. There were vehicles of all types. There were families. It was beauty. It was beauty. It's what that space was always meant to be and so I got a little teary, you know what I think that the Valley Metro team, because I said, you guys, thank you. This is gorgeous. And I can't wait to continue to have events such as this happening, because that's what breathes life and safety back into a community.
Ricky:It's always great to hear that our team is out there doing some great work. But what are your hopes for the Plaza19 now that it's been reopened?
Shannon:So here's a cool story. I have lots of cool stories. To activate the plaza requires some fundraising because we need to be able to provide individuals who are going to come and host events some support. So I reached out to Discover and asked if they would sponsor the reactivation of the plaza and they stepped up as a prime sponsor and the funding, the 10, 000 dollars that we received from them is going to be used to cover the rental costs marketing materials for future events in the area. So that made it really attractive for groups who are looking for spaces to have their event, if they come and join us and do it in our space, we've got some of their costs covered. The group that I contacted was the IRC, the International Rescue Committee, and they are bringing events to that space that are going to be promoting, small businesses that are minority and women owned primarily, but also multicultural events. So that will just be an amazing opportunity for the community to connect with each other, but also with other cultures.
Juliana:So last month's event was just the start of many good things to come.
Shannon:That was the kickoff event to show everybody what can happen when we work together. And it was a beautiful model of that. So now Discover and Quick Trip and community medical services and Valley Metro, you know, all these partners will be helping to bring the next group and the next event into that space. And my goal is to just have that ongoing that we are now an invitational place for people to come in and say, hey we'd like to have an event and we can help make that happen for them and with them.
Juliana:I'm excited to see the future of the plaza. It's exciting.
Shannon:Okay, so then let me take you on another story. Recently I was at an event and I got to get a sneak peek of the transit-oriented policy plan for this area. What that is is really the community's voice on what they want to see for the future of the area. And the team had put together a beautiful, I mean beautiful, visual of what this corner could be like in the future. And it is again, I again teary eyed because I just get so excited when vision starts becoming reality. I hope that you'll all go and check it out. It's in the city of Phoenix transit-oriented development for Northwest Phase II of the light rail and the visuals are magnanimous of this really being a plaza and stores and events and green and walkable urban spaces. Again, let's go there, let's go there together. I'm really excited about the additional support and partnership with the city of Phoenix that we will together move us toward a really brilliant future.
Juliana:How do you think transit connects communities in the area?
Shannon:I think that we have yet to experience the fullness of what light rail can do for our community. Because as a city, it's relatively new. This concept of walking and not driving your own car. And we're still, I think, learning and adapting to that. What I'm excited about is, the vision that's been put forth by the city of Phoenix, around transit-oriented areas, such as this, that really are going to make it so healthy and so much stronger of a community where we are walking and engaging. And there's more opportunity to support local businesses and engage in outside spaces and move away from the silo effect that we kind of have built as a city and move into something. That's much more collective and collaborative and community.
Ricky:Nice. It's great to hear that so much funding has been secured for Plaza19. What future events are planned for Plaza19?
Shannon:So Plaza19, our newly branded plaza, is going to be a space that is activated with events, with people, with energy. Because of its design, it's got shade most of the day, which is really helpful for events in Arizona, there's electricity available that events can use, there's security on site to help everyone feel safe. It's a beautiful venue that can also spill out into the parking lot, the adjacent parking lot. So events can be larger than just the plaza, which is exciting, so with IRC bringing all of their resources and small businesses and all the connections they have with the international multicultural events. I think we're going to see some pretty exciting, beautiful activities happening in that space. And then we are also opening up to others to come forth and say, hey, can we have our event in that space? And I'll say, yes, you can. So, I think the evolution will include, I hope a farmer's market. Again, spaces where people can have healthy choices and be in a common area together and get to know each other, which ultimately strengthens community.
Juliana:The future is bright for Plaza19.
Shannon:Nice that’s what I feel like too. And it was, this was always the intent, I'm sure, but we are all kind of taking a step back with, you know, we've got a problem that we're trying to work through together, and addiction is real, and the drug addiction, all that stuff is real. So together we get to rethink, regroup, and rebrand, and relaunch this plaza.
Juliana:Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Shannon:I think the big one, I would encourage people to go check out the Northwest Phase II transit-oriented policy plan that is in the process of being developed right now. One of the things I've always said is people need vision to follow and so when we cast before people, here's what it could look like. Then we have something we can rally behind. And that's what the transit-oriented development plan does is put our vision to pictures and words, and then it allows us to get behind that collectively the city businesses, property owners, developers and say, let's move that direction. So, that's something I think is really important as a next step is let's get our voices as strongly as we can into that plan, because it is our future.
Juliana:And Shannon this plan is, the one that includes all the development around the Metro Center area, correct?
Shannon:Exactly, so Northwest Phase II goes from our Plaza19, all the way over to Metro Center. And so all that connecting all of those businesses and all those communities together. So that the policy plan I'm referring to includes beautiful development in the Metro Center area. Things that I think will delight and surprise people. When I saw it, it was and I was in the middle of even helping to plan it and talk about the policy. But when I saw the renderings, I saw the visuals, because I think most of us are visual people. We want to see it. I'm really excited for where we are all headed and the partners are at the table to make it happen.
Juliana:It's funny you say that because, an engineer for the Northwest Phase II, he said, if you build it, they will come. And I think that's the case for this.
Shannon:And I will say, too, I think that it isn't only building it, making it, it's having the community part of the building, part of the planning, part of the design that it becomes our plan, not their plan that we're walking into, but it's ours and we're helping to create it. And the property owners are saying, wow, if that's the direction we're going, then I'm going to add this in this element and put some more trees in and put some green space and, you know, everyone starts getting excited about what they can do to help us get there.
Ricky:As Shannon said, big events like these require partnerships and coordination between a lot of people.
Juliana:That includes local businesses. We spoke with one of the sponsors of the Plaza19 reactivation series to learn more about their involvement.
Mandi:My name is Mandi Rupple, and I'm a Lead Community Affairs Specialist with Discover.
Juliana:Discover has worked with the 19North Community Alliance on several initiatives. So how did this partnership develop?
Mandi:Sure, yeah. Discover was introduced to 19North as we were researching hyper-local nonprofits in the area, in December of 2022, we moved into that general area, and as an organization we are committed to supporting, you know, different local initiatives. And we were drawn to 19North's focus on community development, education, and access to different opportunities. So we're just excited about the continued impact of this partnership and the opportunity to contribute to such a transformative initiative.
Ricky:What sparked Discover's interest in sponsoring the Plaza19 Reactivation Series specifically?
Mandi:Well, we decided to sponsor this initiative specifically because of our aligned missions of having a commitment in the community and the positive impact that it has to the residents in the area. So, by partnering with 19North, we really just hope to amplify their efforts to make meaningful changes. It's important for Discover to be a part of something that not only our core principles, but also helps build a brighter future for those in need.
Juliana:Awesome. So with your headquarters being near the light rail line, how do you see public transit's role in connecting Valley communities?
Mandi:Well, being located near the light rule gives us a unique perspective on the importance of public transit connecting the communities. I personally see public transit as a vital link that brings people together. It makes it easier for individuals to access jobs, education, healthcare. Other essential services like that, as our region grows, having an efficient and accessible transit system is crucial and ensuring that all of our communities, especially the underserved ones can participate in the economic and social life in the Valley. So, I think the light rail is not just a transportation option, but also a pathway for opportunity inclusiveness.
Juliana:Oh, I love that. That's exactly what our mission is, you nailed it.
Ricky:Beyond the Plaza19 Reactivation Series, what other community initiatives is Discover involved with in the Valley?
Mandi:Well, beyond our involvement with Plaza19 project, we are deeply committed to supporting a variety of community initiatives throughout the Valley. Our mission is to help provide brighter financial futures. So we do that through our community pillars that include financial education, success in schools and commitment to the community. So currently we're sponsoring our 24th house with Habitat for Humanity here in the Valley, we also just completed our sixth playground build in the Phoenix area with Kaboom at a local school, we also work with organizations such as Cloud Covered Streets, Back to School Drive, Junior Achievement and more. There's actually about 30 different nonprofits in the Valley that we work with.
Juliana:That’s amazing. So you're really making that impact in your local communities.
Mandi:Yeah, that's truly our goal is to be able to not only just provide financial support, but to be able to find a way for volunteer engagement to be able to see that impact in our communities on a day-to-day basis.
Juliana:That's amazing. Is there anything else you'd like to share about Discover's vision for community development in Phoenix?
Mandi:Well, our vision for community development is really centered around creating a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for all of our residents. We believe that the strength of the community lies in the opportunity of resources available to everyone, and we're committed being able to support initiatives that drive positive change and foster long term growth. We're focused really on projects that not only address immediate needs, but also build a foundation for lasting impact, whether that's through workforce development, education initiatives, or more.
Ricky:That's awesome. Anything else you'd like to add?
Mandi:Just that Discover is really excited about partnering with the 19North Community Alliance and the impact that it can have on this project area since it's right in our neighborhood. We just hope to continue to be a part of the revitalization and just sharing the mission of bringing more opportunities to our community.
Juliana:Yeah, we can't wait to see what happens next there. It's gonna be awesome.
Mandi:Yeah, it's been a really exciting journey so far. I've been really happy to see you grow.
Ricky: Juliana:Honestly, Ricky, that event was a lot of fun, and we think more than 500 people came out to celebrate with us. Mayor Gallego was there, several city council members. I'd like to say it was kind of like a trick or treat meets touch a truck. There were vehicles on display, fire trucks, garbage trucks, all the things, and a lot of candy, so it was super fun. My kids had a great time, and it looks like everybody else did, too.
Ricky:That sounds awesome, and I'm sad I missed it. And the Plaza19 Family Festival is just one of many events Valley Metro hosts across the Valley. To learn more about any upcoming events, you can visit Valleymetro.org/event.
Juliana:That's it for this episode of Storylines. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For Valley Metro, I'm Juliana.
Ricky:I'm Ricky.
Juliana:Thanks for riding with us.
Ricky:We'll meet you at the next stop.
Juliana:Storylines is produced by Alex Tsotsos Peter Corkery is the executive producer. For Ricky Tejada, I'm Julianna Vasquez-Keating, thanks for listening
