International Downtown Association (IDA) Company Profile

Background

The International Downtown Association (IDA), established in 1954, serves as the premier organization for urban place professionals dedicated to shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. With a membership comprising over 2,500 place management organizations and employing approximately 100,000 individuals across North America, IDA plays a pivotal role in fostering vibrant urban centers. The association's mission is to connect and empower place management leaders with knowledge, research, and public policies to create prosperous city centers, commercial neighborhoods, and livable urban places for all.

Key Strategic Focus

IDA's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Leadership Development: Providing training and resources to cultivate effective urban place management leaders.

Economic Development: Implementing strategies to stimulate economic growth within urban centers.

Public Space Management & Operations: Enhancing the quality and functionality of public spaces.

Marketing, Communications & Events: Promoting urban districts through targeted marketing and events.

Organizational Management: Strengthening the operational capabilities of member organizations.

Policy & Advocacy: Advocating for policies that support urban development and place management.

Planning, Design & Infrastructure: Guiding the planning and design of urban infrastructure to support vibrant communities.

These focus areas are designed to equip urban place management organizations with the tools and strategies necessary to create healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of towns, cities, and regions worldwide.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, IDA's financial health is reflected in its recent fiscal performance:

Revenue: $3,158,444 in 2023.

Expenses: $2,882,608 in 2023.

Net Assets: $1,515,170 as of 2023.

The organization's revenue streams primarily consist of program services and contributions, which are utilized to support its various initiatives and member services.

Technological Platform and Innovation

IDA employs a range of modern technologies to enhance its operations and member services, including:

Google Analytics: For website traffic analysis.

Microsoft SharePoint: For content management and collaboration.

AMS (Association Management Software): To manage member information and engagement.

Double Dutch: For event management.

jQuery Migrate and Modernizr: To ensure website functionality across various browsers.

Flywheel: As a platform-as-a-service for website hosting.

Gravity Forms: For form management on their website.

These technologies support IDA's commitment to innovation and efficiency in serving its members.

Leadership Team

IDA's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing urban place management:

David Downey, IOM, CAE, Assoc. AIA: President & CEO. David oversees IDA's strategic positioning as a global leader in urban place management. His background includes roles as Managing Director for the American Institute of Architects’ Urban Design Center and Executive Director for the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association.

Kris Larson, LPM, AICP: Chair. Kris serves as the President & CEO of Central Houston, Inc., with prior leadership roles in Raleigh, NC, and Grand Rapids, MI. He holds an MPA from NC State University and has been recognized with multiple IDA Pinnacle Awards.

Nicole J. Thompson: Chair Elect. Nicole is the President & CEO of Downtown Durham, Inc., with extensive experience in economic development across various cities. She earned an M.A. in City and Regional Planning from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Kate Borders, LPM: Past Chair. Kate recently became President of University Circle, Inc. in Cleveland, bringing nearly two decades of experience in place management from roles in Milwaukee, Fresno, and Tempe. She holds a BA in Music from The University of Arizona and a master's in non-profit Arts Management from Columbia College in Chicago.

Jon Scholes: Treasurer. Jon is the President & CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, overseeing operations and programs aimed at creating a vibrant downtown Seattle. He has led the expansion of the organization's services and advocacy efforts.

Davon Barbour: Secretary. Appointed President & CEO of the Downtown Development District for the City of New Orleans in 2021, Davon brings over twenty years of experience in economic and community development across cities like Baltimore, Miami, Orlando, and Los Angeles.

Kate Fenske: Vice Chair. As CEO of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, Kate provides strategic direction and advocacy for downtown Winnipeg, with a background in journalism and communications.

Derreck Hughes: Vice Chair. Derreck serves as ...