It was once a place where people cleared out after work, where most restaurants closed by 3 p.m., where only the occasional sports game or First Fridays art walk drew a younger crowd.

Now Arizona State University students live and learn on the Downtown Phoenix campus, bringing an energy and presence that have helped inject new life into the area.

• Read more about Downtown Phoenix campus turns 15

For a second year in row, ASU’s Social Embeddedness Network Conference was held virtually. But the Zoom-based conference was bigger, better, with more participants than years past, proving community-university partnerships can thrive in an array of settings.

• Read more about ASU's Social Embeddedness Network Conference has record turnout in virtual format

• Read more about ASU grads make billion-dollar impact on Arizona economy