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.

Kate Borders Leadership Talk

November 21, 2023 Master Talk

Kate Borders has recently relocated to Cleveland to assume the role of President of University Circle, Inc. (UCI). However, Kate has been in the Place Management industry for almost twenty years.

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!

Jahmal Cole Master Talk

November 21, 2023 Master Talk

As the founder and CEO of the city’s fastest-growing social impact organization, My Block My Hood My City, Jahmal is the creator of an exposure-based education program for teens and a network of volunteer initiatives that serve Chicago communities year-round.

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!

Advancing Places: Strategic Planning for Your Organization

October 27, 2023 Webinar

Place management organizations vary from city to city whether it be in size, structure, funding or implementation strategies, but ultimately performance needs to align with the downtown and its stakeholders. Hear from three seasoned professionals and the work they are doing to keep their strategic plan front and center.  

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Facilitated Forum: Board Members

October 05, 2023 Presentation

Gain insight into everyday challenges of Board Members at Place Management Organizations.

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!

Culturally Responsive Placemaking – Embedding Equity in Place Management

September 23, 2022 Presentation

As the importance of inclusive downtowns and city centers becomes increasingly apparent, many place management organizations struggle to appropriately embed equity in their operations. Using tangible and current examples, this presentation will illustrate how organizations can leverage organizational equity commitments into culturally responsive placemaking that thoughtfully increases their impact and community leadership position.

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!

Brent Toderian Master Talk

September 21, 2022 Master Talk

Brent Toderian is a nationally and internationally respected thought-leader on better cities, and a leading global practitioner in city planning, urban design, transportation, downtown revitalization and advanced urbanism with 30+ years of experience.

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!

Ebony Walton Master Talk

September 21, 2022 Master Talk

Originally from Miami, Florida, Ebony Patrice Walton is a wife, mom, minister and self-proclaimed BID nerd. A 16-year veteran in the place management industry, Ebony currently serves as Associate Director of Stakeholder Engagement for the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and also supports its organizational development initiatives.

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!

David Downey Master Talk

September 21, 2022 Master Talk

As President and Chief Executive Officer, David is responsible for the overall strategic positioning of IDA as a world leader and champion for vital and livable urban centers.

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!

Kathleen Rawson Master Talk

September 21, 2022 Master Talk

Kathleen Rawson has more than 30 years of experience in both Hospitality and Destination Management. Before arriving at The Hollywood Partnership, Rawson served as CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

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!

Taking Action in Public Safety & Community Health Planning

June 16, 2022 Presentation

Place management organizations often employ public safety and law enforcement systems as the primary mechanism for response to low-level crimes in their communities. In recent years, calls for defunding and decreasing law enforcement’s response to low level crime has left a service gap for place management organizations. This presentation examines the nuanced role and opportunities BIDs can take on to manage gaps and tackle these issues.

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!