ASU's Taylor Place in Downtown Phoenix houses retail space on its first floor but ASU has been having trouble filling storefronts.

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Downtown Phoenix has been criticized for being like a "ghost town" at night after commuters leave their offices. By promoting more mixed-use development in the downtown sector, we can create a live-work-play environment for these professionals. Downtown recently got CityScape, which has added some great restaurants and shops, but where are the residents? Majority of downtown residents live out of walking distance to these great places popping up.

We should promote mixed-use development in the downtown sector, encouraging an intermix between residential and commercial properties. For example, future buildings could include 3 floors of office space followed by 10 floors or so of residential space. Let's take back our downtown streets and encourage a lively atmosphere that is attractive to those who want a vibrant downtown in which to live, work and play.