Conway Downtown Alive was founded in 1986 by a group of local citizens concerned about the economic health of downtown Conway. Established as a private, nonprofit organization with a twelve member Board of Directors and a staff person, the program depends on a private/public partnership.

Since the inception of Conway Downtown Alive, U.S.A., downtown building vacancies have been drastically reduced, property and business owner reinvestment has topped $19 million, over 200 gross new businesses have been established, over 35 businesses have expanded, and hundreds of jobs created.