As many of us know, our districts – downtowns and neighborhoods alike – have suffered from the loss of people and sense of place. However, downtowns are best at connecting people to one another. While we’ve all grappled with the perception of crime, desolation and decline due to myriad circumstances like the pandemic and civil unrest, we’ve also found ways to combat those perceptions with reality. From creating major events or showcasing the potential of fresh, new downtowns, we are all shaping the future of place management.
In the Chicago Loop’s case, we recently posed the question, “How is the Chicago Loop doing?” because for all the negative drumbeat of decline reported locally on a daily basis, we have your answer:
- Chicago’s downtown is the largest central business district in the U.S. outside of Midtown Manhattan
- The Loop features the fastest growing residential downtown in the U.S.
- Chicago remains the best big city in the country for six years in a row
- For 10 consecutive years, Chicago has been the top metro area for corporate relocation and growth
It’s pretty clear that we have a bit to boast about, but we also recognize that downtowns across the country (Chicago’s Loop included) are faced with criticism and skepticism about our success and future.
Creating and hosting major events is one of many strategies the City of Chicago and Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) are implementing to enhance the Loop’s economic and social recovery. Here, we’ve seen how concerts like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift draw hundreds of thousands of people, generating millions in economic impact. Additionally, first time events like Sueños Music Festival and NASCAR Chicago Street Race draw people downtown to bask in joy and culture. These events also encourage visitors to experience our district as much more than an office center.
CLA’s own Sundays on State event series generates economic benefits, while inviting all people of Chicago to celebrate and be jubilant that we survived the pandemic and are looking forward to better days for everyone in the Loop. Aside from major events, theatre and entertainment like the return of Broadway In Chicago’s HAMILTON, attract large audiences, advancing the Loop’s economic recovery. Fun fact: you can buy tickets for an exclusive HAMILTON experience along with your Chicago conference registration!
The 2023 International Downtown Association (IDA) Annual Conference & Marketplace exists to be a landmark event where place managers and downtown districts gather to collaborate and share ideas (and war stories). Remember, in many downtowns, only one of you knows the challenges of this job, so think of the IDA conference as a place where you can talk to people who do what you do. IDA continues to serve as validation to your innovative ideas and placemaking solutions as a professional and for your district’s future. As co-hosts of this year’s conference, we invite you to explore your curiosities regarding how Chicago is doing. From a world-class theater district to award-winning dining, education, retail, residents, and visitors, Chicago is ready to show you a good time (and we’re sure you’ll learn a thing or two).