About SAMA

For several years, the communities and neighborhoods in Central Phoenix have been fighting a winning battle against drugs, graffiti, vandalism, and vagrancy. In the Midtown area, along Seventh Avenue between Indian School Avenue and Camelback Road, the small business owners have banded together to focus their efforts for the benefit of the entire community. Upon forming a non-profit organization, SAMA – Seventh Avenue Merchants Association – the business owners prioritized the needs of our community. We applied for Block Watch and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to fund crime prevention and community redevelopment projects. We worked with various departments within the City as well as ASU School of Architecture to create permanent art installations and pedestrian amenities at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Glenrosa, creating a quaint shaded respite where pedestrians can enjoy the day as they visit their local merchants.

Recently, SAMA joined with the local neighborhood associations of Carnation, Woodlea Melrose, Pierson Place Historic District, and Grandview to tackle issues in the area and sponsor events in Midtown. In addition to building a sense of community, these events are fundraisers as well. The cornerstone event is the annual Melrose on 7th Avenue Street Fair, a collaboration between the merchants association, the neighborhood associations, and the City of Phoenix. It’s an opportunity for Phoenix residents to experience the vitality of Midtown and Downtown, showcasing the history of a city that’s gone through tremendous growth.

The Seventh Avenue Merchant’s Association (SAMA) is a collection of hard-working business owners who live and play in the shadow of their shops and restaurants. Their efforts aren’t just in hopes of financial success, but in hopes of developing the community at large.

SAMA, Facilitating Safety, Community, Revitalization and Beautification
Join Today!

Join the Seventh Avenue Merchants Association by printing the Membership Application form below. Associate memberships are open to anyone outside of the designated service area that is interested in the goals of the organization. General memberships are open to the property owners and businesses within the one mile stretch of 7th Avenue from Indian School to Camelback Road including the commercially zoned property adjacent to 7th Avenue within the designated area.

Please click here to download and print an application form
Mail signed Application/Renewal Form and check to:
SAMA, 4245 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Join these businesses in creating a vibrant destination district!