Conway Downtown Partnership

Driving Positive Change In the Heart of Conway

Downtown Conway: A Thriving Hub of Business and Entertainment with a Promising Economic Future

Geographically located in the community center, a thriving downtown is critical to identity and economic vitality. A vibrant downtown functions as the community heart because it offers a gathering place to live, work, play, shop, and eat for both residents and visitors. 

Since its inception in 2001, Conway Downtown Partnership has made substantial progress in securing a bright economic future for the downtown area. The Partnership has been the driving force for positive, permanent change in downtown Conway.

Downtown Conway is home to more than 2,800 jobs and over 400 businesses and is a vibrant area that’s constantly growing and evolving. As the heart of our community, downtown Conway offers fantastic perks like gigabit Internet service through the Data District, networking opportunities, and easy access to amenities that make it a great place to work and entertain clients.

None of this would be possible without the support of partner businesses, downtown residents, private developers, and public investment. By working together, the Partnership has succeeded in building a thriving commercial climate with a positive economic future.

Conway Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c(3) organization. We are part of the National Main Street Program, which is designed to bring economic revitalization to communities with an emphasis on restoration and preservation of core downtown business districts.
 
The National Main Street movement grew out of a recognition that a community is only as strong as its core. The Main Street program offers a road-map for locally-owned, locally-driven prosperity, through a proven 4-point approach
 
Conway Downtown Partnership is committed to bringing economic vitality not only to downtown Conway, but the entire Conway community and surrounding area.
Logo-Main Street America

CDP Vision and Mission

Vision

By December 31, 2027 we will be, nationally recognized as the downtown of choice for visitors, residents, and employers.

Mission

Develop, Support, and Maintain a thriving downtown Conway

Fast Facts

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New Businesses in 2023

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New Jobs

Downtown Economic Development Study

In March 2024, the Conway Downtown Partnership partnered with the Central Business Improvement District and the Conway A & P Commission to hire EY, formerly Ernst & Young LLP, to conduct an economic development study and real estate analysis for downtown. The project aimed to address six key objectives

  • Completion of a competitive benchmarking assessment of downtown Conway against peer markets

  • Gathering input from local leaders and stakeholders

  • Collection of insights from leading practices in benchmark and other communities

  • Identification of opportunities to consider for real estate development and redevelopment

  • Real estate analysis for key sites and assets 

  • Exploration of the Conway Downtown Partnership’s strategic alignment with the economic development plans for the Chamber and Conway Development Corporation 

 The economic development study and real estate analysis helps stakeholders understand how Conway compares to its peers and provides best practices for opportunities. As Conway addresses the priorities identified in Conway 2035 and the City of Conway Citizen’s Survey, it is important to remember community and economic development success requires public and private participation. This report offers a road map for decision makers of stakeholder organizations. 

A statue of a little girl downtown.

Conway History

The downtown fountain at Oak Street and Court Street.

Accomplishments

Leadership

Main Street America

Economic Transformation

Transformation Strategies | Retail

Transformation Strategies | Real Estate Re-Development

Upcoming Downtown Events

Saturday, November 30, 2024

10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Downtown Conway Shops and Restaurants

Sunday, Nov. 10

1-4 p.m.

Downtown Conway Shops and Restaurants

July 5, 2024

5:00 - 8:00 PM

The Studio Downtown - Art Walk Headquarters Space

Your Place is Here

Throughout the years, the CDP has showcased the unique variety of businesses, organizations, and people that make Downtown Conway more than a dot on a map by encouraging members to say, “My place is here.”

As a member of the Conway Downtown Partnership, you will join residents, business owners, and corporate representatives who underwrite our ability to stimulate and fully leverage public and private investment for an improved downtown. 

Join our efforts by becoming a member today!