On June 5, the Tempe City Council approved the renewal of the Mill Avenue enhanced multiple services district, known as Downtown Tempe Community, Inc. (DTC).

The DTC has managed the Mill Avenue District since January of 1994 with a mission of ensuring the vitality and excellence of the urban experience in downtown Tempe. The organization focuses on such issues as public safety, district aesthetics, marketing, events, transportation, membership services, economic development, and design.

The special assessments district that funds DTC activities originally had to be continued by the City of Tempe and the commercial property owners of the district every five years.

With this June renewal came several changes for the DTC, including a new name, Mill Avenue District, Inc. The name change is consistent with the Mill Avenue District brand, therefore helping identify their services to the public, as well as members.

Mill Avenue District, Inc. will also exist in perpetuity, which means no renewal process every 5 years, unless there is a 51 percent protest from landowners during the annual assessment period.

Due to the intensity of development in downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue District, Inc. also will go from 5 assessment zones down to 3, which was a big change for a number of landowners. In addition, The U.S. Department of Commerce annual index will also be applied to keep assessments in line with general economic conditions.