Knowledge Center
Leadership Development
Leadership is the ability to positively influence those over whom we have no authority. Successful urban place management begins with successful leadership that inspires trust, inclusivity and vision. The place manager inspires a culture of leadership and vision that permeates the organization. In addition, they assume a leadership role in creating a long-term strategic plan for a managed place while building an internal team focused on implementing and promoting the mission, values and objectives of that plan. The urban place manager must build meaningful relationships with various stakeholders including, but not limited to, board members, property owners, nonprofit partners, government officials, residents and business owners. Place managers are proactive, industrious and creative community leaders.
Kris Larson Farewell Message
Kris is the President & CEO of Downtown Houston+. He’s held positions on the public and private sides of community leadership and served as the President & CEO for the downtown organizations in Los Angeles, CA, Raleigh, NC, and Grand Rapids, MI. He earned an MPA from NC State University and was a Daniel Rose Fellow through the Rose Center for Public Leadership. IDA has awarded four Pinnacle Awards to his projects in the fields and Leadership, Planning, Advocacy and Marketing.
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Nicole Thompson, Looking Forward Message
Nicole began her career in economic development while working for the Institute of Minority Economic Development in downtown Durham in the early 90s. Since then, she has worked in economic and community development on the state government, local government and nonprofit/community levels in North Carolina, Virginia and Colorado. Since 2017, Nicole has served as the President and CEO of Downtown Durham, Inc. She is a proud graduate of the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
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The Dance of a Downtown Executive
Davon Barbour serves as President & CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance. He has worked for private sector, public sector and nonprofit organizations revitalizing urban communities across the nation in cities such as Baltimore, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles and New Orleans.
Maggie Campbell is an entrepreneurial leader with 35+ years of experience leading downtown organizations. She currently serves as the fractional President and CEO for the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation in
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Partnerships for Parks
DAMC led partnerships, fundraising and stakeholder engagement to create parks, public art and community amenities that helped establish downtown Arlington’s civic identity. The approach leveraged public and private investment and delivered lasting public spaces. Arlington, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation.
Read MoreAdvancing Places: Data-Driven Storytelling
Downtown leaders are expected to communicate complex information in ways that inspire confidence, build trust and mobilize action. This webinar brings together insights from from the 2025 Top Issues Council, Increasing Stakeholder Engagement for District and Organizational Growth, including speakers from Tysons Corner Alliance (Tysons, VA), Milwaukee Downtown BID #21, and Fairfax City, VA.
Read MoreTop Issues Council Brief: Inclusive Events Primer
Inclusive Events Primer provides a comprehensive framework for planning inclusive downtown events. Featuring case studies such as Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Washington, DC) and CicLAvia (Los Angeles), it offers actionable guidance on community co-design, accessibility, sensory inclusion, mental well-being, sustainability, and impact measurement to increase participation and trust.
Read MoreTop Issues Council Brief: Increasing Stakeholder Engagement
Increasing Stakeholder Engagement for District and Organizational Growth provides a framework for turning board members, property owners, workers, and residents into active champions of downtown organizations. Featuring examples from Downtown San Diego Partnership, Milwaukee Downtown BID #21, Downtown Cleveland, and others, it outlines governance structures, communication strategies, placemaking tools, and engagement ladders that improved advocacy, participation, and district outcomes.
Read MoreJason Ilstrup Master Talk
Jason Ilstrup is the President of Downtown Madison, Inc. (DMI), a member based non-profit working to create the best quality of life downtown for everyone. Prior to joining DMI, Jason worked in hotel management and development at HotelRED, the Iron Horse Hotel and the Madison Concourse Hotel. Before entering hospitality, Jason served as a legislative aide and legal counsel for several politicians including Rep. Martin Sabo and Rep. Barney Frank. He is also a returned Peace Corps Volunteer
Read MoreRonald “Moe” Moten Master Talk
Ronald “Moe” Moten is a fifth-generation Washingtonian whose work blends cultural pride with community transformation. A returned citizen turned champion for youth and public safety, he co-founded Peaceoholics, guiding more than 140 students to college and brokering 40 truces between rival crews to reduce violence and heal neighborhoods. In 2019, he co-launched the Don’t Mute DC movement, sparking a citywide call to protect go-go music – the heartbeat of DC – and leading to its
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Beyond the Sirens: Urban Resilience in the Face of Modern Disasters
Beyond the Sirens documents lessons from Asheville Downtown Association and other disaster contexts on how downtown organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. It covers preparedness planning, communications, financial shock mitigation, and community-led recovery, showing how downtowns function as anchors for relief, coordination, and long-term rebuilding.
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!
