Growing up, giving back was considered a family value for Arlene Medrano. Volunteering at the H-E-B Feast of Sharing, delivering movies to patients at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and building homes for Habitat for Humanity top her list of core memories that instilled a deep sense of community and service in a young Medrano.
When you pair that with skills, education and experience in understanding budgets, tax increment financing and organizational management, the path to her becoming Corpus Christi Downtown Management District’s (CCDMD) Executive Director makes quite a lot of sense. Formerly an Assistant City Manager in Alice and the creator of South Texas Women Leading Government, she has stepped into her new role with a deep sense of civic responsibility, pride and unwavering dedication to the city she loves.
Kylie Cooper: You officially accepted the role of Executive Director in June. How have the first couple of months in the position looked?
Arlene Medrano: The first couple of months as Executive Director have been incredibly exciting and fulfilling. This summer began with the 4th annual Mural Fest, where we added five new murals in South Downtown, enhancing our public art scene. Our goal is to bring the community together through color, culture and collaboration. This year’s “Windows into the Coastal Bend” mural, designed by our local K-Space Mural Arts Collective and brought to life by 120 volunteers, is a testament to this vision. We also celebrated Independence Day during the First Friday Art Walk, with a record-breaking 56,000 attendees. We have already started planning our Holiday Series, which kicked off with the Christmas in July Mixer, where we announced our winter program dates. It’s been an exciting start, and I’m looking forward to continuing this momentum.
KC: You’ve worked in several departments across city governments. How has that multifaceted experience shaped how you are approaching this new position?
AM: Working in various departments and levels of city governments has given me a well-rounded view of public sector management. These experiences have shaped my approach to this new role by emphasizing the importance of focusing on real people and their needs. It has taught me to come up with creative solutions that truly benefit the community. The Downtown Management District (DMD) has shown that even tough problems can be solved when we work together toward a solution. My diverse experiences reinforce my belief in the power of collaboration and adaptability to achieve goals.
KC: How do you define “success” for an organization like CCDMD, especially when there are so many different stakeholders to serve?
AM: Success for the CCDMD is defined by our shared vision of creating the most vibrant downtown on the Gulf Coast. One success story stands out: the redevelopment of the Furman Plaza Building by Stephen Rybak and his team, who transformed a 100-year-old building into a bustling center of commerce and activity. The redeveloped building is now at 100% occupancy, with people creating and producing at every level. Stephen, with the assistance of the CCDMD and support from the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3, was able to provide space for three street-level retail stores: Thunderbird Wine & Spirits, Costa Sur Real Estate and Adelphos Coffee Roasters (opening soon). This project beautifully illustrates our impact on revitalizing downtown.
Our strategic plan tracks success through metrics like cleanliness, economic development, promotions and organizational management, but stories like The Foundry highlight the tangible results of our efforts.
KC: What are some ways you hope to further the relationship between CCDMD and small business owners and local creatives?
AM: The DMD provides reliable services, amplifies the voices of the community and supports entrepreneurs, whether they are starting a business or creating art. My goal is to strengthen trust among the community and stakeholders, ensuring that CCDMD maintains a relevant, responsive and effective presence. This begins with being an active listener and creating fun, interactive and accessible opportunities for collaboration, such as with our Downtown Business Association and Downtown Revitalization Alliance.
Relationships thrive on authenticity and ongoing dialogue, which I actively prioritize both in and outside the office. I encourage my team to find new, innovative ways to engage with the community. I hope business owners and creatives feel comfortable and confident in sharing their experiences, thoughts and ideas with us.
KC: How do you see Downtown Corpus Christi influencing the city’s overall trajectory, whether economically, culturally or in terms of civic pride?
AM: Downtown Corpus Christi is undeniably the cultural heart of the city, boasting six museums, multiple parks, 75 public art installations and numerous historic structures. It hosts major cultural events such as Art Walk, Día de Los Muertos, Music Walk, the Holiday Series, St. Paddy’s Day Festival, Buc Days, Jazz Festival, Corpus Christi Greek Festival, Mayor’s Big Bang Celebration and more. There’s no question that Downtown is the city’s cultural epicenter.
In terms of civic pride, Downtown serves as the gathering place for the community. Whether people are celebrating or voicing their concerns, they come together in Downtown. It is our Town Center, our Main Street, our Trafalgar Square.
Economically, events like Art Walk have a significant impact, $16.2 million per year, drawing visitors and boosting local businesses. Downtown’s vibrancy and cultural richness play a crucial role in shaping the city’s overall trajectory, fostering a sense of pride and community while driving economic growth.
KC: What motivates you in this role? Is there a guiding purpose or personal mission you return to?
AM: I am motivated by the remarkable progress made downtown over the last decade, built on foundations laid over the past 30 years. This progress is the result of persistent, unwavering efforts by the DMD representing downtown property owners, the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Del Mar College and numerous corporate and individual partners. Together, we’ve created an environment where businesses can not only survive but thrive.
The DMD has always been adaptive, meeting emerging challenges and monitoring economic changes to initiate necessary transformations. I am excited to work with a passionate team that views this role as a calling, not just a career. It is an honor and a significant responsibility to lead such a dedicated group, and I am thrilled to guide us into the future.
KC: What does a thriving downtown feel like to you—not just in metrics, but in energy, people and day-to-day life?
AM: Downtown Corpus Christi has a unique vibe, with micro-cultures that bring different energies to each block. A thriving downtown means vibrant street life and an engaging urban atmosphere. It’s the blend of historical architecture—the oldest buildings in the city—and the creative repurposing of historic gas stations or bus stations into trendy spots where friends gather. Downtown embodies a positive impact on life and enhances the city’s attractiveness with its lively edginess. It’s all about having that cool, dynamic charm.
KC: Looking ahead five/10 years, what’s a headline you’d love to see written about Downtown Corpus Christi?
AM: Over the years, we’ve seen a significant decrease in vacant storefronts and buildings, thanks to our dedicated redevelopment efforts. My goal is to push this initiative to completion, achieving a Vision Zero for storefront vacancies and creating a vibrant, bustling downtown.
KC: Are there any future projects or initiatives your team is working on that you can share with us?
AM: We are thrilled to announce the Downtown Economic Development Summit, scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 6 at House of Rock. This event will cover all aspects of downtown economic development, including guidance on opening a business in the area. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with longtime downtown business owners, gaining valuable insights from their experiences. The summit will conclude with an exclusive inside look at Drams Bourbon Bar development, a recipient of the Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) incentive.
We are particularly excited about the transformation of downtown with the opening of the new Harbor Bridge and the forthcoming demolition of the old bridge. Our team is actively advocating for and securing funding for infrastructure projects like Agnes/Chaparral Reimagined, which aims to accommodate increased vehicular traffic into downtown following the closure of the Twigg Street exit. This project aligns with the $1 billion Harbor Bridge project and significant local investments in South Downtown, including The Annex, PAM’s Rehabilitation Hospital, Nueces Brewery, Frost Bank and several other redevelopment projects. These efforts not only improve traffic patterns but also connect neighborhoods and enhance walkability in downtown Corpus Christi.
Contact: downtowncorpuschristi.org | 361.882.2363
