Events
About West Coast Urban District Forum
Join the Downtown San Diego Partnership, California Downtown Association (CDA) and the International Downtown Association (IDA) for the West Coast Urban District Forum on February 28, 29 and March 1, 2024. This year’s theme – Pillars of Resiliency – will address how residents, businesses and tourism continue to support the changing urban economy.
We will share best practices and strategies to sustain and grow strong communities and discover new ways to motivate our staff, boards and stakeholders. Hear from industry leaders, and civic and community thought leaders, on engaging and supporting resiliency in communities with an equity lens in retail, office, housing, transportation, public safety, homelessness and behavioral health. Join us in San Diego to network with your peers, exchange ideas and share solutions.
The Downtown San Diego Partnership is a nonprofit organization that serves as the principal voice and driving force behind the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of downtown San Diego. It also serves as the managing organization for several special districts including the Property and Business Improvement District, otherwise known as the Clean & Safe program, which provides essential public services in the 275 blocks of downtown. The organization’s nearly 400 members, representing a variety of business sectors, including real estate, technology, banking, law, defense, insurance, communications, energy, and tourism, are committed to nurturing a downtown that benefits the entire San Diego region.
Conference Details
WCUDF24 will be held at The Westgate Hotel, located at 1055 2nd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 and at various locations throughout downtown San Diego.
Want to make the most of your time in downtown San Diego? Explore seven unique neighborhoods, each offering a different vibe and experience. Check out the map to find must–see spots!
Get social! What questions will you come ready to ask? Share them on social media #WCUDF24.
Registration is now open for the 2024 West Coast Urban District Forum. In order to register for the Forum, you need to either have an account in IDA’s database or you must create one. If you previously registered for an event in the past, you should have an account in the database. All below prices are USD.
- Early Bird Rate until Wednesday, January 24, 2024: $375 Member | $425 Nonmember
- Standard Rate until Wednesday, February 21, 2024: $425 Member | $475 Nonmember
- On-site Registration Rate available Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | $475 Member | $525 Nonmember
Daily rates are also available.
- Early Bird Rate (Thursday only) until Wednesday, January 24, 2024: $275
- Standard Rate (Thursday only) until Wednesday, February 21, 2024: $300
- Early Bird Rate (Friday only) until Wednesday, January 24, 2024: $225
- Standard Rate (Friday only) until Wednesday, February 21, 2024: $275
Daily registration includes access to sessions, meals and/or receptions scheduled for the day of your attendance. Daily registrants are not eligible to attend activities outside their selected day. Session-only registrants are eligible to attend their session only.
CDA Members: If you are logged into the system and are not able to see the member pricing as noted above, please contact registration@downtown.org for assistance before proceeding with your event registration.
Mentor Program: CDA has designed a program to match you with a mentor prior to attending the West Coast Urban District Forum. You will be notified via email by your mentor to set up a time to either talk on the phone or meet at the forum. Sign up by checking the box “Match me with a Mentor” during registration. Questions? Email registration@downtown.org.
Cancellation Policy: Written notice of cancellation is required. Cancellations received via email by February 7, 2024, will receive a refund less a $100 processing fee. Cancellations received via email after February 7, 2024, will not be refunded. If a tour cancellation is received via email by February 7, 2024, there will be no penalty. Tour cancellations received via email after February 7, 2024, will not receive a refund. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Please email the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association at registration@downtown.org.
Substitutions: Substitutions of complete registrations (including tours and/or workshops) are gladly accepted prior to the event start date. Please submit a written request to registration@downtown.org before Monday, February 26, 2024, at 3 pm ET to complete your substitution. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant and must be transferred to an individual in your organization. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution.
Adding a Pre-Conference Tour/Pre-Conference Workshop/Mobile Tour: Pre-conference workshop, pre-conference tours and mobile tours sell out quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to add these items at the time of your registration. If you are registering for someone else or a group, please find out their selection prior to registering them. Although each person within the group can purchase a tour after they have been registered, they run the risk of the tour no longer being available.
Payment Methods: For your convenience, payments may be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Should you need to pay by check, you will not be able to complete registration online. Please email registration@downtown.org for assistance.
Outstanding Balance: Please note, if you have an outstanding balance for this event and/or tour(s), you will not receive your badge on-site or be allowed to attend tours until payment is received. Please contact registration@downtown.org prior to your arrival on-site to pay your outstanding balance.
By registering you are agreeing to IDA’s Event Agreement and Code of Conduct and IDA Attendee Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release Form.
The Westgate Hotel, located at 1055 2nd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101, is offering a rate of $222 USD per night, plus tax, for a standard room for WCUDF24 attendees. Please book your room by Tuesday, February 6, 2024 online. Valet parking is available at $50 USD overnight. Daily maximum parking rate is $55 USD. The first hour of parking is $12, and every additional 30 minutes is $6.
About Westgate Hotel
Arriving at The Westgate is to arrive outside of what is ordinary. Easily accessible by freeway, train and trolley, The Westgate Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the San Diego airport, and within easy walking distance of The San Diego Opera and Symphony, The Museum of Contemporary Art and the historic vibrancy of San Diego’s Gaslamp quarter. The Westgate offers access to AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club, featuring 40,000 square feet of cardio, exercise, and strength equipment by Technogym and Precor; saunas and steam rooms; rooftop Gym; and a heated rooftop pool.
Don’t be Scammed by Third Party Housing Companies
The official hotel and overflow properties (if applicable) are listed above. Please beware of other companies soliciting hotel room “deals” over the dates of the event. Third party housing companies typically offer a higher rate than the official block rate. These company’s cancellation polices are often harsh and unforgiving. IDA is not working with any third parties to offer attendees accommodations! If you receive a solicitation and are unsure whether or not it is legitimate, please contact Lul Teklit at lul@downtown.org.
Travel
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is approximately 10 minutes (3.4 miles) from The Westgate Hotel. Taxi/Uber/Lyft is approximately $20-35 USD one-way, based on time of day.
IDA is committed to making our educational sessions accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and to reasonably accommodating the assistive needs of our members, attendees and partners. We are actively working to increase the accessibility of our offerings. In so doing, we strive to comply with the available standards and guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws to the greatest extent possible. If you are having trouble accessing an IDA offering, or have a question regarding session accessibility features, please contact IDA at registration@downtown.org for assistance.
By attending the 2024 West Coast Urban District Forum, certified Leaders in Place Management will earn 8 credit hours toward the renewal of their LPM certification. Please visit downtown.org/certification to learn more about becoming certified or recording continuing education units.
IDA is an AICP credit provider. AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for sessions. When CM credits are available, they are noted in the program. IDA’s 2023 sessions provide an easy way for AICP certified planners to earn their CM credits.
Preview the schedule-at-a-glance below (program is subject to change). To see the full description, click on the down arrow next to the title. The program will be updated in the coming weeks. Please note, all times listed are Pacific Time and all prices are in USD.
For decades, urban place management professionals have acted as leaders of their communities by undertaking the strategic and visionary work of city building. IDA has developed seven official knowledge domains, recognizing the distinct areas of professional practice used to shape vibrant urban districts which anchor the well-being of towns, cities, and regions around the world. Content for IDA’s forums, summits and conferences is organized around this framework. For more information about each domain, visit the Career Center.
Conference Program
- Wednesday 28 Feb 2024
- Thursday 29 Feb 2024
- Friday 01 Mar 2024
Wednesday 28 Feb 2024
- The Westgate Hotel (Second Floor)
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- TBD
- Tour San Diego’s oldest continuous-neighborhood business district as it works to highlight Italian-American heritage and contributions. As you explore the district's historic plazas and modern architecture, gain insights into the passion and expertise that drive the success of Little Italy's businesses. Witness the harmonious fusion of culinary heritage and modern commerce that makes Little Italy a true San Diego gem, where the aroma of delicious food mingles with the energy of a thriving business district. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Economic Development
- The historic Gaslamp Quarter is one of the most exciting areas of San Diego, combining business and nightlife entertainment. This tour will highlight exciting completed and future projects, including Phase 1 of the long-awaited 5th Ave promenade. Explore how to promote and manage a business improvement district in a historically designated area and how to achieve its mission of being San Diego’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment district. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- $25
- TBD
- Public Space Management and Operations
- LPM | 3
- With 275 blocks in its care, the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe program knew the traditional model of dispatching services needed an overhaul. Join the Clean & Safe team for a workshop and tour to learn more about how the team worked to develop a custom app that succeeds as both a customer service and district management tool, and a source of data-driven evidence of the district’s value to its ratepayers. During this workshop, attendees will take a walking tour of the downtown neighborhood to see how the team implements the Clean & Safe app in the field to dispatch maintenance and safety ambassadors within the district 24/7, rain or shine. *This workshop includes walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- TBA
Thursday 29 Feb 2024
- The Westgate Hotel (Second Floor)
- TBA
- TBA
- TBA
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn how they can enhance your district!
- TBA
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- With the proliferation of social media and the ever-changing cultural dynamics, people are seeking authenticity and tune out promotional messaging. How do we find the right balance between promoting our districts and businesses while being authentic about the place? And add to that the challenge of reaching young professionals – a critical component to return to downtown. Come hear about interesting ways these BIDs are using messaging and getting the word out.
- Assess messaging to find ways to make yours more authentic.
- Experiment with creative content ideas.
- Analyze social media and email metrics through the lens of authenticity.
- Bree von Faith, SVP Marketing and Communications, Downtown Center BID (Los Angeles, CA)
- David Romako, Partner, Bright Brothers (Phoenix, AZ)
- Johnna Hughes, Sr. Content Marketing Specialist, Downtown Center BID (Los Angeles, CA)
- Shifra De Benedictis-Kessner, Urban Economic Analyst, City of Oakland - Business Development Division, Economic and Workforce Development Department (CA)
- TBA
- Economic Development
- CM | 1.25
- Increased office vacancies in downtowns across North America due to economic downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic have required innovative solutions towards revitalization. Calgary's Downtown Development Incentive Program for office conversion had its beginnings back in 2021, while more recently Denver launched their Adaptive Reuse Pilot Program in August 2023. Learn how these two cities are using a variety of strategies to transform their downtowns from business districts to diverse neighborhoods.
- Understand how municipalities have leveraged resources to incentivize the conversion of vacant office space to residential and other uses in the downtown core.
- Engage in collaboration between downtown development organizations, municipalities and other interested parties to understand the best opportunities and tools for revitalization.
- Envision increased vibrancy and diversity in the downtown, moving from a 9-5 central business district to a 24-7 community with services and amenities for a variety of demographics.
- Steve Wirzba, Downtown Planner – Downtown Strategy, City of Calgary (AB)
- Natalie Marchut, Manager of Development & Strategy – Downtown Strategy, City of Calgary (AB)
- Jennifer Ramsey, Adaptive Reuse Senior Development Project Administrator, City of Denver (CO)
- Chelsea Rosty, Chief of Staff – Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, City of Denver, (CO)
- TBA
- Organization Management
- Diversified revenue streams are critical for robust, sustainable and successful place-based management districts. Many place-based management organizations maintain a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity. However, only some maximize the potential of creating vibrant districts through a comprehensive philanthropic strategy. In this session, learn how districts across the country successfully manage tax-exempt 501c3 organizations and leverage corporate, individual and foundation gifts to support their districts.
- Build a successful capital development strategy.
- Create board and stakeholder buy-in for philanthropic support.
- Diversify management district revenues to support thoughtful, sustainable services and programming.
- Charlotte Jernick, Project Manager, BDS Planning & Urban Design (Seattle, WA)
- Steven Welliver, LPM, Executive Director, The Hollywood Partnership (CA)
- Raasin McIntosh, VP Active Urbanism, Downtown Austin Alliance (TX)
- Jacqueline Robinette, Organizational Development Lead, BDS Planning & Urban Design (Seattle, WA)
- TBA
- TBA
- TBA
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Petco Park has been named America’s top ballpark! This tour will highlight the activation and management of both the ballpark and the surrounding ballpark district. Learn more about what it takes to operate and manage one of the top cathedrals of America’s Pastime. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Economic Development
- Attend and view the IQHQ office space at 989 Pacific Highway for a two-part session that opens with a panel discussion and a guided tour of the innovative IQHQ-RaDD campus. RaDD, the largest urban commercial waterfront site spanning over ten acres along California's Pacific Coast, is a transformative life science district reshaping downtown San Diego. With over five acres of green space, premier retail, outdoor dining, public art and premium event space, RaDD aims to redefine the cityscape and elevate the urban experience. The panel explores the profound impact of public art on communities, tourism, foot traffic and social engagement. Emphasizing the transformative potential of integrating public art within office buildings and mixed-use campuses, the discussion focuses on fostering creativity and enhancing tenant attraction and retention in the dynamic real estate market. Post-panel, participants will embark on a guided tour of The RaDD Art Walk (located across the street from the IQHQ office), featuring 18 contemporary public artworks strategically positioned across the 8-acre waterfront campus. Spanning five city blocks, this curated collection provides a firsthand experience of the innovative urban development approach and the practical implementation of public art within RaDD's dynamic landscape. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
- TBA
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- Events are a long-standing tool in every downtown's marketing tool kit and are taking on a new importance in a post-COVID world. Whether your district has "bounced back" or is still assimilating to a WFH world, events and programming can start conversations, reposition brands and most importantly – drive foot traffic. Please join us for an exploration of what makes events successful and how to implement your own strategic event program, regardless of budget.
- Learn how to develop a strategic events program that meets the unique needs of your downtown.
- Hear about the role events and programming play in a downtown's resiliency.
- Leave with event ideas for all budgets.
- Ariana Gomez, Director of Marketing & Partnerships, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (CA)
- Kim DeMeritt, Director of Events, Downtown Tempe Authority (AZ)
- TBA
- Economic Development
- CM | 1.25
- The 2023 edition of P.U.M.A.'s Global Trends Report highlights opportunities and challenges arising from converging shifts in demographics, lifestyles and disruptive forces that are shaping our cities. The latest edition of the report comes at a pivotal moment for downtowns and urban districts. This session will provide an overview of post-pandemic trends, and how downtown organizations in Sacramento, Long Beach, and Spokane are responding.
- Gain an understanding of the top post-pandemic trends shaping cities and downtowns.
- Understand implications from key trends for downtown management organizations and practical ideas for navigating the years ahead.
- Explore how these trends are shaping cities and how organizations are responding.
- Brad Segal, President, Progressive Urban Management Associates, Inc. (Denver, CO)
- Michael Ault, Executive Director, Downtown Sacramento Partnership (CA)
- Austin Metoyer, President & CEO, Downtown Long Beach Alliance (CA)
- Emilie Cameron, President & CEO, Downtown Spokane Partnership (WA)
- TBA
- Economic Development
- CM | 1.25
- Looking to learn how to spur investment in your district by using data? Join this session and hear from seasoned practitioners in the field of place management and economic development about leading collaborations with stakeholders to develop a strategy to build what their respective districts deserve. Walk away learning how to conduct a comprehensive market analysis for your district and how to use it to spur investment, development and recruitment by making it accessible to everyone.
- Understand why a Comprehensive Market Analysis is important to entice developers.
- Explore engaging all stakeholders in the CMA process to create the results your city deserves.
- Discover how to use the data to spur investment, strategic planning and development.
- Julie Reinhardt, Community Development Director, Downtown Lansing, Inc. (MI)
- Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director, Downtown Lansing, Inc. (MI)
- Jennifer Lindley, Downtown Development Manager, Town of Queen Creek (AZ)
- TBA
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn about solutions!
- TBA
- Leadership Development
- Join this open discussion forum and share your experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges you are facing. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- TBA
- TBA
- TBA
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Join this open discussion forum and share your experiences with public safety, ambassador programs and homelessness to gain insights. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- TBA
- TBA
- TBA
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- Join this open discussion forum and share your experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges you are facing. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- TBA
- TBA
- TBA
Friday 01 Mar 2024
- TBA
- $50
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Economic Development
- Tour the Pacific Beach Business District, a vibrant hub where innovation thrives amidst the allure of the Pacific Ocean. Discover a diverse array of businesses, from tech startups to established retail shops, all interconnected by a shared passion for growth and community. Witness the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the district's success, as you learn about the stories behind the businesses that shape its identity. Immerse yourself in the laid-back beach culture that permeates the district, where the rhythmic lull of the waves provides a soothing backdrop to your exploration. Experience the harmonious blend of urban energy and coastal charm that makes the Pacific Beach Business District a true San Diego gem. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Economic Development
- Delve into the captivating transformation of San Diego's City Center, the heart of downtown, where the echoes of the past resonate with the innovative spirit of the present and a flourishing live-work-play environment. As the city's oldest Business Improvement District (BID), the area has witnessed a remarkable evolution from its financial and government roots to a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and residential living, embracing an urban renaissance that is redefining the very essence of downtown San Diego. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
- TBA
- Economic Development
- CM | 1.25
- Inclusivity in downtown housing is usually framed as a question of who can afford to live in the finished product. But development is entrepreneurship, and for inclusive entrepreneurship, we think more about who’s selling than who’s buying. Who is pioneering strategies to nurture an inclusive pipeline of entrepreneurial new developers who come from marginalized communities and backgrounds? What can we learn from this work?
- Explore how to extend inclusive entrepreneurship programs to the business of development.
- Learn about partnerships with equitable real estate financing organizations.
- Gain an understanding of spotting and cultivating emerging developers.
- Elliott Balch, CEO, Downtown Fresno Partnership (CA)
- TBA
- TBA
- Public Space Management and Operations
- CM | 1.25
- As part of COVID revitalization efforts, three unique programs were created in downtowns across the country –Seattle Restored (Seattle), Arts on the Ave (New York), and Pop-Up to Storefront (Austin) – that activated spaces with arts and culture at the forefront to boost local economies. Explore each program’s implementation and economic impact, tracking strategies that can lead to diverse small business retention in downtowns.
- Understand the relationship between arts & culture and local economy.
- Learn to successfully launch and support an arts & culturally informed activation program that leads to long-term leases.
- Discover how to measure the economic impact of your program.
- Jennie Kovalcik, Project Manager, BDS Planning & Urban Design (Seattle, WA)
- Barbara Anderson, Founder, Art on the Ave NYC (New York, NY)
- Chris Guillot, Founder and CEO, Merchant Method (Seattle, WA)
- Molly Alexander, Founder and CEO, ITP Consulting (Elgin, TX)
- TBA
- Economic Development
- Guided by the "first of its kind" Public Realm Action Plan for Downtown SF, the Downtown San Francisco Partnership (DSFP) began designing and launching physical and programmatic improvements to reinvent how people relate to and use this historic – yet underappreciated – economic center. Learn about principles and specific "how to's" from a recent case study called Landing @ Leidesdorff and its unique project structure (and some good old fashion politicking) to achieve immediate results.
- Learn about the advantages of setting a district-wide vision and strategies for public realm improvements as economic and social resiliency building tools.
- Explore ways to make the case for public realm projects by tying into city-wide initiatives and current opportunities.
- Discover the importance of creating an alliance and building partnerships with the champions of a place (property owners, artists and ground floor businesses) to drive interest, investments and support in each step of the implementation process.
- Claude Imbault, Deputy Director, Downtown San Francisco Partnership (CA)
- Laura Crescimano, Cofounding Principal, SITELAB urban studio (San Francisco, CA)
- Jacob Bintiff, Manager of Economic Recovery Initiatives, City of San Francisco (CA)
- Julie Flynn, Senior Project Director, Street Plans (San Francisco, CA)
- TBA
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn how they can enhance your district!
- TBA
- Mingle with exhibiting sponsors to learn about solutions!
- TBA
- TBA
- TBA
Interesting in Joining CDA? CDA’s membership is diverse, representing hundreds of small businesses and property owners on main streets and in the historic downtowns and business districts. View CDA’s Membership website for more information.
Interested in Sponsoring?
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Interested in Hosting?
If you are interested in hosting a future event, contact Lul Teklit, IDA’s Meeting Planner.
Questions?
For assistance or further information, please contact the IDA registration team.
