International Downtown Association

08/27/2026

More than a networking event, IDA's 72nd Annual Conference & Marketplace is a premier learning experience for place management professionals. Attendees can explore emerging trends, share best practices and advance their careers, while certified Leaders in Place Management (LPMs) can earn 12 credit hours toward certification renewal. Additional LPM certification maintenance credits can be earned by attending qualifying pre-conference workshops during the conference: https://downtown.org/event/2026-annual-conference/

08/26/2026

Your experience could inspire downtown leaders. IDA is seeking session proposals for the IDA+CDA Place Matters (March 2027). Submit your proposal today! Find all the details here: https://downtown.org/ida-cda-place-matters-call-for-sessions/

08/26/2026

Is Gen Z really anti-office, or are they just redefining work-life balance? In a guest commentary Center City District’s Lauren J. Smith breaks down what early-career Philadelphians actually want from their jobs, their communities, and the city they call home. Read the full piece:
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/guest-commentary-what-gen-z-wants-from-work-and-philadelphia/

A local Gen Zer weighs on where they get their rep — and why they really do want to be in an office and maybe even go out for happy hour

08/25/2026

Vacancies, shifting consumer habits and evolving markets make retail recruitment more challenging than ever. Explore IDA's Curated Pathway: Retail Recruitment for practical resources, strategies and examples to help strengthen your district's retail environment.

Retail Recruitment Retail mix and occupancy are foundational to urban district vitality, yet UPMOs rarely directly control the key levers. They are expected to influence outcomes across multiple actors while managing the day-to-day impacts of vacancies on foot traffic, perception and consumer confid...

08/24/2026

We love seeing creative content shared across our community! Members DowntownDC BID recently put together a video series called "Marketing Isn't Magic"—a look at the practical side of building effective websites, campaigns and content. If you're looking for quick tips and insider knowledge from industry experts, give it a watch! 🍿 https://www.downtowndc.org/news/why-marketing-isnt-magic-a-downtowndc-bid-series-unpacking-what-makes-marketing-work/

08/24/2026

Applications are now open for IDA's Leadership in Place Management (LPM) Certification! Validate your expertise, strengthen your leadership and join a network of place management professionals shaping the future of downtowns and districts. Learn more: https://downtown.org/certification/

08/22/2026

With the official launch of the new Downtown Honolulu BID, local leaders and property owners are teaming up to enhance safety, cleanliness, and overall neighborhood vibrancy:

Downtown Honolulu is getting a new look with the launch of the Downtown Business Improvement District, or BID. Since July 1st, ambassadors in bright pink shirts have been out cleaning

08/21/2026

Retail recruitment doesn't have to start from scratch. IDA's new Retail Recruitment Pathway brings together practical resources, best practices and guidance for downtown, place management and economic development professionals:

Retail Recruitment Retail mix and occupancy are foundational to urban district vitality, yet UPMOs rarely directly control the key levers. They are expected to influence outcomes across multiple actors while managing the day-to-day impacts of vacancies on foot traffic, perception and consumer confid...

08/20/2026

New BID coming to Columbia, SC aiming to enhance safety, cleanliness, and marketing:

Columbia's new BID promises enhanced safety and cleanliness to boost The Vista.

08/19/2026

This August is all about our downtowns. Celebrate local businesses, connect with your community and bring people together. How are you taking part in ?
https://downtown.org/idacanada/