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About

Downtown Waco is the heart of our city—a vibrant mix of businesses, culture, and community-driven progress. At the center of it all is City Center Waco (CCW), a nonprofit organization committed to the ongoing growth and revitalization of downtown. Through strategic planning, engagement, and management, CCW ensures that downtown remains a thriving hub for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

City Center Waco: Driving Downtown’s Growth

City Center Waco plays a critical role in downtown’s development by overseeing projects, supporting local businesses, and maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Our efforts are guided by four strategic pillars:

Plan

We create and implement strategic plans that guide downtown’s future growth while maintaining the historic character and community-driven vision of the area. Explore the Elm Avenue Plan to see one of our key initiatives.

Engage

We collaborate with business owners, developers, and residents to align investments with downtown’s long-term goals. By fostering strong relationships and communication, we help bring community-driven projects to life.

Accelerate

We enhance downtown through safety, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements. This includes ensuring clean streets, supporting beautification projects, and overseeing the Public Improvement District (PID No. 1) to maintain and enhance the downtown experience.

Manage

We collaborate with various stakeholders on programs and events that keep downtown alive, well-maintained, and positioned for long-term success. From advocacy to event programming, we work to make Downtown Waco a place where people want to be.

Public Improvement District No. 1

The Waco Public Improvement District No. 1 (PID No. 1) provides a range of essential services to keep Downtown Waco clean, safe, and welcoming. These services are funded through an annual assessment included in property taxes and are carried out by City Center Waco under the guidance of the PID Advisory Board.

What the PID Provides

  • Clean & Safe Services: More than half of the PID budget is dedicated to cleaning, landscaping, graffiti removal, and monitoring bird hotspots downtown.
  • Night Patrol: A marked patrol vehicle monitors the district after hours, helping ensure safety.
  • Beautification & Public Art: The PID funds various beautification efforts, including holiday décor and community-led public art projects.
  • Marketing & Programming: This website and the Downtown Waco social media accounts are part of the PID’s marketing efforts to attract businesses and visitors to the area.

To report a clean or safe issue downtown, contact us at 254-754-8989 or [email protected].

Board of Directors

City Center Waco is led by a dedicated board of community leaders committed to downtown’s continued success.

Board Members:

  • Commissioner Will Jones
  • Everett Phipps
  • Andrea Kosar
  • Dominique Bolts
  • John Calaway
  • Ben Lacy
  • Chris McGowan
  • Connie Lozano
  • Weldon Gooden
  • George Chase
  • Linda Weaver
  • Carla Dotson
  • John Bible
  • Bernadette Hookham
  • Mayor Jim Holmes

Staff

Executive Director: Africa Tarver
Office Manager: Helga Garay

Texas Downtown Association

City Center Waco is a proud member of the Texas Downtown Association (TXD), a statewide organization dedicated to strengthening and revitalizing downtown districts across Texas. As a TXD member, we gain access to resources, networking, and advocacy that help shape Downtown Waco’s future. TXD supports communities through:

  • Economic revitalization & development strategies
  • Historic preservation & adaptive reuse guidance
  • Public-private partnerships & funding opportunities
  • Workshops, networking, and policy advocacy

By leveraging TXD’s expertise, City Center Waco ensures Downtown Waco remains vibrant, economically strong, and community-focused.

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

City Center Waco holds quarterly board meetings to discuss initiatives, updates, and planning efforts. Below, you’ll find past meeting agendas.

PID No. 1 Board Meeting Agenda 11/20

Board of Directors Agenda Wednesday | November 20, 2024 | 3:00 PM Location: 801 Elm…

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PID No. 1 Board Meeting Agenda 9/25

Board of Directors Agenda Wednesday | September 25, 2024, | 3:00 PMLocation: 801 Elm Avenue…

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PID No. 1 Board Meeting Agenda 8/23

Board of Directors Agenda Wednesday | August 28, 2024, | 3:00 PMLocation: 801 Elm Avenue…

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PID No. 1 Board Meeting Agenda 7/18

A quorum of the PID1 Board will meet at the Doris Miller Community Center, 1020…

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Board of Directors Agenda, February 28, 2024

Board of Directors Agenda Wednesday | February 28, 2024, | 3:00 PMLocation: 801 Elm Avenue…

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Past Projects

City Center Waco has played a key role in numerous downtown revitalization projects, working alongside local leaders and organizations to bring these initiatives to life.

The Elm Avenue Plan

The Main Street Resource Plan

News

Stay informed on the latest developments, initiatives, and community updates in Downtown Waco.

Condolences for McLennan County Commissioner Patricia Miller

The City Center Waco staff and Board of Directors wish to extend our condolences to…

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Informational Meeting to Answer Questions About East Waco Mixed-Use Trail

The City of Waco is undertaking improvements in the Dallas Street/ Waco Drive/ Gholson Road…

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City Center Waco Welcomes New Interim Executive Director

City Center Waco is pleased to welcome Noah Simon to the organization this week as…

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Update on the Transformation of Bridge Street

We can picture it now, families strolling the wide flowing stretch of Bridge Street while…

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The Work of City Center Waco Goes On

The front door at 801 Elm Avenue may be locked due to COVID-19 precautions but…

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Setting Standards for Mary Avenue

When it comes to Downtown Waco streets, Wacoans may think of Austin Avenue first, lined…

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Elm Avenue Development Picks Up

All the buzz about development down Elm Avenue has started to come to fruition this…

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Elm Ave Plans: A Bird’s Eye-View

Sometimes it’s hard to picture what is happening where. We put together this bird’s eye-view…

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Military and First Responder Appreciation at Humidor on Austin
May 18, 2025
All Day
Humidor on Austin
804 Austin Ave
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Latest Blog

Celebrate Asian-Owned Businesses in Downtown Waco This AAPI Month
Celebrate Asian-Owned Businesses in Downtown Waco This AAPI Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a [...]

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Downtown Waco

Thursday May 15th, 2025

Downtown Waco
We want to shout out our amazing Downtown Waco Summer Sips partners who are ready to bring you some original, refreshing bevs! This is a guaranteed way to make the first day of summer one to remember. Don’t wait, tumblers are selling fast!☀️ Grab your tumbler here square.link/u/puSnxowK and get access to free drinks all along the route! #SummerSips25 ... See MoreSee Less

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May 14, 2025 by DownTown Waco Leave a Comment

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