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.
Navigating Politics & Politicians
Navigating Politics & Politicians provides practitioner guidance from Downtown Seattle Association, Union Square Alliance (San Francisco), and The Hollywood Partnership (Hollywood, CA) on working with elected officials and city agencies. It outlines how districts use data, define clear asks, align with voter priorities, and leverage relationships to secure public safety support and capital funding 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!
Strategic Thinking to Navigate Turbulent Times
Strategic Thinking to Navigate Turbulent Times documents how Downtown Spokane Partnership and Downtown Long Beach Alliance used strategic planning to reassess business models post‑pandemic. It outlines external and internal scans, implementation planning, and lessons learned around clean and safe services, social impact, equity, and leadership development, offering guidance for districts adapting strategy amid economic and political uncertainty.
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!
The Transformational Impact of PPP for Downtown Revitalization
Vacant to Vibrant is a public-private partnership (PPP) revitalizing downtown San Francisco through community-driven pop-ups. The initiative supports small businesses, artists and cultural organizations in activating vacant storefronts. The program has brought together the public and private sectors to address urban challenges and work collaboratively to envision and build a dynamic future for downtown.
Read MoreTop Issues Council Brief: The State of DEI
The State of DEI examines how political pressures and internal constraints shape diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in urban place management. Using case studies from Friendship Heights Alliance (Washington, DC), Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (NY), and Downtown Memphis Commission (TN), it documents DEI programs, public history initiatives, and inclusive development tools, concluding with recommendations and a call to action for integrating equity into UPMO governance and practice.
Read MoreStrategic Planning for Organizational Development & District Success
Strategic Planning for Organizational Development & District Success explains how Downtown Austin Alliance, Ballard Alliance, and DowntownDC BID use strategic planning to align mission, funding, staffing, and governance. It outlines planning elements, timing, and outcomes such as increased funding readiness, improved board efficacy, and clearer organizational priorities supporting district reauthorization and long-term impact.
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!
Kate Borders Leadership Talk (2023)
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
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
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. Â
Read MoreFacilitated Forum: Board Members
Gain insight into everyday challenges of Board Members at Place Management Organizations.
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Culturally Responsive Placemaking – Embedding Equity in Place Management
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!
