Knowledge Center
Economic Development
A primary objective for place managers is fostering a healthy, sustainable, diverse and prosperous economy for the managed place. The place manager collaborates and works closely with various levels of local and regional economic development organizations, developers, real estate brokers, private firms, philanthropic foundations, destination management organizations, non-profits, and state and federal government agencies, while representing the specific and unique needs, challenges and trends of the managed place.
Additionally, the place manager will work to recruit and retain businesses, conduct market research, encourage a strong local workforce, maintain a diverse mix of commercial and residential development, and facilitate a built environment that is accessible for all users to live, work, play, visit and invest.
Curated Pathways
Curated pathways guide you through a focused set of resources on key topics that build on each other to help you understand a challenge, explore strategies and see them in practice.
Mark Williams Master Talk
From nightlife to global city strategy, Mark Williams’ work sits at the intersection of culture, experience and economic growth in one of the world’s most dynamic urban districts. Mark is Deputy Chief Executive at the Heart of London Business Alliance, where he helps shape the future of London’s West End – a district that generates billions in economic output from hundreds of millions of visitors each year. With a foundation in nightlife promotion, Mark brings a distinct, experience-led
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Monique Simard Master Talk
Monique Simard is a producer and cultural leader with a distinguished track record in cultural industries. Since 2019, she has served as Chair of the Boards of Directors of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership – North America’s largest cultural district – and of Quartier des Spectacles International, which produces and distributes participatory installations for public spaces in collaboration with creative partners, co-producers and exhibitors around the world. She has received the
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
A Conversation on Toronto’s Waterfront Redevelopment
Toronto’s waterfront transformation from an industrial area to a mixed use neighborhood is one of the largest urban transformations ongoing in North America. Hear from three local Toronto speakers with insider knowledge on this story. Ilana Altman leads The Bentway as CEO, advancing inclusive city-building through creative placemaking, civic partnerships and cultural programming. Saad Usmani is the Senior Director of Economic Research and Workforce Development at the Toronto Region Board of
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Emerging Producers
Emerging Producers trains new event leaders through mentorship, workshops and hands-on project delivery. Participants develop and launch downtown activations while building skills in budgeting, marketing and operations, strengthening Chattanooga’s creative economy. Chattanooga, River City Company.
Read MoreSmĂĄl Market Ballard
Smal Market is a business incubation program that provides affordable retail space, mentorship and operational support for entrepreneurs and artists. The model lowers barriers to entry, generates revenue and helps emerging businesses test concepts before moving into permanent locations. Seattle, Ballard Alliance.
Read MoreReStore Facade and Tenant Improvement Program
ReStore provides matching grants for façade improvements and tenant upgrades to activate vacant storefronts and support business growth. The program leverages private investment, improves walkability and strengthens commercial corridors through targeted redevelopment incentives. Reno, Reno Redevelopment Agency.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Collaborative Planning for Downtown Madison
Collaborative Planning for Downtown Madison explains how Downtown Madison Inc. and the City aligned a Downtown Area Plan with an economic strategy through shared engagement, governance coordination, and phased planning. Readers gain insight into structuring parallel plans and “big moves” to guide long-term investment.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Incrementalism as Innovation
Incrementalism as Innovation documents how Downtown Cedar Rapids, Milwaukee, and Lansing used small-scale grants, pilots, and partnerships to catalyze private investment and confidence. The resource shows how sequencing “small bets” produced measurable momentum toward larger economic development outcomes.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
IDA Issue Brief: Affordable Housing Conversions
U.S. communities face a severe affordable housing shortage—nearly 5 million homes—as prices and rents surge. At the same time, remote work has left significant commercial space underused, weakening downtown economies. Converting vacant offices to housing can ease shortages, support small businesses, and restore vibrant downtowns, but high costs limit feasibility without incentives. This Issue Brief was prepared for IDA’s April 2026 Capitol Hill Fly-In.
Read MoreBuilding Downtowns with Makers
With funding sources disappearing and vacant storefronts plaguing downtowns nationwide, Main Street leaders need fresh strategies to attract businesses that can survive – and thrive – regardless of foot traffic levels. This session introduces small-scale manufacturing and maker businesses as game-changing solutions for downtowns.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
