International Downtown Association

06/13/2026

Word on the (London, Ontario) street is: "Looking forward to September and feeling the positive energy that our IDA colleagues bring to the table like no others. It affirms the importance of the work and our commitment to doing it well in an ever-changing environment." –Kathy M.(Downtown London) Let us know in the comments why you're planning to attend

06/12/2026

IDA is looking for members to share their time, talent and expertise as subject matter experts across our professional practice areas. SMEs help shape education programs, provide insight to policymakers and media, support peers and contribute to LPM certification. Ready to get involved? Learn more and apply here: https://downtown.org/applications

06/11/2026

It's not too late to register for Advancing Places: Data‑Driven Storytelling, a webinar exploring how downtown organizations can translate complex data into compelling narratives that build trust, strengthen partnerships and drive community impact. Tomorrow @ 12:00 PM ET - Free for IDA members: https://ow.ly/WhQr50YPaCJ

06/10/2026

IDA Master Talks present the industry's most engaging and innovative speakers. From London’s globally recognized West End to Montréal’s internationally celebrated Quartier des Spectacles, attendees will hear about leveraging culture, nightlife, tourism and public space activation to drive economic growth, strengthen identity and create vibrant, people-centered cities. These inspiring Master Talks will explore how experience-led placemaking, cultural infrastructure and strategic collaboration can transform districts into thriving destinations and position cities for long-term success. Learn more about the 2026 Master Talk line up here: https://downtown.org/annual

06/10/2026

Explore the latest industry conversations! Hear from industry experts and discover real-world strategies. Trending Advancing Places webinars include: Retail Resilience in Action; Supporting BIPOC Small Businesses; and The Power of University Partnerships. Webinar recordings are free for IDA members: https://downtown.org/webinars/

06/09/2026

As nightlife rebounds, U.S. cities are realizing that “night mayor” roles can’t just be about vibes. This op‑ed makes the case for a more strategic, data-driven approach, one that pairs economic growth with safety, coordination and real authority after dark:

Op-ed: The night mayor role will gain greater legitimacy once it has the oversight and expertise to coordinate a unified municipal nightlife strategy focused on public safety outcomes.

06/08/2026

Strong downtowns don’t just happen — they’re built by people who care. This week's "News from the Top" explores how intentional stakeholder engagement can turn board members, property owners, workers and residents into true champions, strengthening both organizations and the communities they serve: https://ow.ly/yUlU50Z59Wl

06/06/2026

A decade after leading the nation with a “Housing First” model that dramatically reduced chronic homelessness, Salt Lake City is charting a very different path. A proposed 1,300-bed “homeless campus” signals a move toward centralized services, stricter enforcement and mandated treatment, raising urgent questions about what works, what’s humane and what comes next for cities nationwide. Read more on Bloomberg CityLab:

The state’s proposal for a 1,300-bed Salt Lake City shelter reflects a national movement to reverse longstanding housing and mental health treatment policies.

06/05/2026

During , attendees will have the chance to participate in thought-provoking workshops, engaging discussions and walk away with new ideas, strategies and connections to bring back to their communities. Workshops provide an in-depth, hands-on experience for delegates to fully explore a specific topic or issue. Learn more about this year's workshops here: https://downtown.org/annual

06/04/2026

IDA is looking for members to share their time, talent and expertise as subject matter experts across our professional practice areas. SMEs help shape education programs, provide insight to policymakers and media, support peers and contribute to LPM certification. Ready to get involved? Learn more and apply here: https://downtown.org/events