Congress Street in Tucson is deemed by the American Planning Association (APA) as one of five Great Streets on the APA’s Great Places in America list, which marks the kick-off of the organization’s National Community Planning Month celebration.

“The story of Congress Street is the story of downtown Tucson. From boarded-up buildings less than 10 years ago, we’ve brought back a vibrant downtown, with arts, entertainment, office and residential space,” said Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. “People are seeing the potential and that makes for a pretty optimistic outlook.”

Since launching the Great Places in America program in 2007, APA has recognized 275 neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces around the country.

Designees are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for the future.