You’re in a tough, demanding profession. Urban place management is our focus and our passion. Learn about joining IDA by visiting downtown.org/member-benefits/
IDA empowers place management leaders with knowledge, research and public policies for creating prosperous city centers, commercial neighborhoods and livable urban places for all. Expectations of place management professionals have never been higher as the unique challenges of the past year have underscored. IDA is the only international organization that represents urban place managers who bridge
05/30/2026
"For the last five years, IDA has been building its advocacy voice, developing pro-active policies that support the work of downtown districts, connecting downtown leaders to governmental leaders and making the case that when downtowns thrive, we all win." Read more from Jason Ilstrup, IDA U.S. Advocacy Leadership Group Chair: https://ow.ly/WcFQ50YTzoa
How does Nashville keep building and building well? Take a closer look at the partnerships, policies and pace shaping one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. 🔗 https://urbanland.uli.org/development-and-construction/how-nashville-gets-it-built
05/28/2026
How do you turn data into stories that inspire action? Join Advancing Places: Data‑Driven Storytelling on June 12 to learn how downtown leaders can use data to engage stakeholders and demonstrate impact. Register today: https://ow.ly/c4sS50YPax0
05/28/2026
Pain at the pump is driving Americans back to public transit, but only where it's actually an option. Ridership is spiking most sharply in cities with robust transit systems and steep fuel prices, proving that when reliable alternatives exist, people will use them. Full story via Grist
Gas prices are rising. So is public transit ridership. Mass transit systems are seeing more riders as fuel prices rise, but experts say most Americans still have little choice but to drive.
05/27/2026
Do you know a leader who is transforming their downtown? Nominations for the 2026 IDA Inspired Leader Award are OPEN! Help us recognize the emerging and tenured pros making a real difference in their communities. Nominate by June 2: https://ow.ly/fOcb50YCTyP
05/27/2026
At the heart of IDA’s 72nd Annual Conference & Marketplace are breakout sessions designed to deliver practical, in-depth insights from fellow practitioners shaping downtowns and city centres around the world. These sessions will explore timely challenges and emerging opportunities in urban place management, from economic development and public space strategy to AI, governance and community engagement. View the agenda: https://downtown.org/annual
05/25/2026
Cooler neighborhoods start with greener spaces. Learn how trees, parks and smart design can reduce urban heat—and why it matters more than ever. 🔗
How Much Cooler Are the Greenest Neighborhoods? – Healthy Green Spaces Coalition Water ManagementHow Much Cooler Are the Greenest Neighborhoods?Contributor: Steve Whitesell When you walk from a treeless block into a leafy one on a hot day, it feels cooler. In some cities, that gap can reach almost 4°F between concrete deserts and green neighborhoods. This new report from Health...
05/25/2026
Looking for the perfect way to extend your stay to explore Toronto? Register for before 27 May 2026 for a chance to win two Toronto CityPASS® tickets so you and a guest can experience the sites Toronto has to offer: https://downtown.org/annual
05/23/2026
This article out of BC highlights how BIAs are being stretched thin and asked to tackle complex social issues + property damages that fall outside their traditional scope. In Prince George alone, businesses faced $4.5 million in damages in just one year:
BIA BC report released PRINCE GEORGE - A Business Improvement Association is designed to have businesses within a certain boundaries ...