What We Do

IDA provides tools, intelligence and strategies for creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of towns, cities and regions of the world.

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Leadership Development

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Economic Development

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Public Space Management & Operations

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Marketing, Communications & Events

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Organizational Management

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Policy & Advocacy

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Planning, Design & Infrastructure

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Media

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Blair

Block by Block

“Maximizing the perceptions of your downtown is the key to a successful and vibrant downtown.” 
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Sherryl

West Palm Beach

“Acquiring the LPM certification from IDA validates the expertise needed to be an urban place management professional.”
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Michael

Chicago

“A variety of factors show the Loop as not only a legacy district with deep roots in the business community, but also a cultural hub of innovation and growth.“
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Judith

Regina

“The Path to Reconciliation project brought meaningful Indigenous art into our downtown that educated and involved the community with Reconciliation.”  
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Kerry

Los Angeles

“I can’t think of an award that means more to me, to be recognized by your peers for whom I have the greatest admiration.” 
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Guillermo

Mexico City

“Great places need anchors; they need small areas that are full of activity and things to do. Place needs places.”
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Derrick

Seattle

“Please do more. You got to do better. Go out and try to reach out to Native communicates and organizations, and partner with them. “

Who We Are

Connecting diverse practitioners who transform cities into healthy and vibrant urban places.

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Urban Champions
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Organizations Worldwide
7
Countries Represented
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Online Resources

Stay Connected!

Inspired by IDA, our weekly e-newsletter, include curated headlines, member spotlights, industry announcements, and business intelligence for urban place management professionals.

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Leadership Retreat

The IDA Executive Leadership Retreat is a comprehensive program for CEOs and Executive Directors in place management, aimed at enhancing leadership skills to create engaged, future-ready organizations. The retreat is will take place in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Get Certified

The Leadership in Place Management (LPM) certification recognizes place management professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills to manage and lead a place management organization.

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Industry Rising Stars 

Congratulations to the 2024 Emerging Leaders Fellowship cohort! IDA has selected 30 of the industry’s brightest professionals to learn essential leadership and place management skills.

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Innovative Projects

The Pinnacle Award represents the most creative and inspiring innovations in the industry. These projects set the new standard for improving cities worldwide. Explore projects in planning, economic developments, events, programming and marketing.

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IDEA Connection

From retail best practices to emergency preparedness and response, situations often arise where the opinion or expertise of a peer from another district is your most valuable resource. You can ask those questions instantly to make better, faster decisions.

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Advancing Places Series

IDA’s online series empowers urban champions with the tools and solutions needed to address the most critical urban issues and support our downtowns and city centers. The Advancing Places series is free for all members.

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Staffing & Salary Survey

The 2023 Staffing and Salary Survey provides up-to-date business intelligence and insights into our unique industry on the diversity, staffing, and salary levels of 25 different positions and many organizational KPIs.

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Publications

IDA maintains a wide array of resources to ensure our members are always at the forefront of the place management industry. Search IDA’s publications including Top Issues Council reports, staffing & salary surveys and more.

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Join the Narrative

IDA’s Urban Place Management Narrative Toolkit provides a framework for communicating IDA members’ commitment to shaping dynamic city centers all around the world. It includes key messages and facts about the downtown management industry. 

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