International Downtown Association

06/06/2026

A decade after leading the nation with a “Housing First” model that dramatically reduced chronic homelessness, Salt Lake City is charting a very different path. A proposed 1,300-bed “homeless campus” signals a move toward centralized services, stricter enforcement and mandated treatment, raising urgent questions about what works, what’s humane and what comes next for cities nationwide. Read more on Bloomberg CityLab:

The state’s proposal for a 1,300-bed Salt Lake City shelter reflects a national movement to reverse longstanding housing and mental health treatment policies.

06/05/2026

During , attendees will have the chance to participate in thought-provoking workshops, engaging discussions and walk away with new ideas, strategies and connections to bring back to their communities. Workshops provide an in-depth, hands-on experience for delegates to fully explore a specific topic or issue. Learn more about this year's workshops here: https://downtown.org/annual

06/04/2026

IDA is looking for members to share their time, talent and expertise as subject matter experts across our professional practice areas. SMEs help shape education programs, provide insight to policymakers and media, support peers and contribute to LPM certification. Ready to get involved? Learn more and apply here: https://downtown.org/events

06/03/2026

Great storytelling starts with great data. Join Advancing Places: Data‑Driven Storytelling to learn how to turn metrics into messages that resonate with stakeholders and elevate your downtown’s impact. June 12 @ 12 PM ET https://ow.ly/zAW250YPaz1

06/03/2026

Cities around the world have spent years testing AI chatbots, predictive tools, and automation. But moving those technologies out of the sandbox and into daily city operations is a massive hurdle. Read more:

How cities are scaling AI from pilot projects to operational public services

06/01/2026

Do you know a leader who is transforming their downtown? Nominations for the 2026 IDA Inspired Leader Award are coming to a close tomorrow, June 2. Help us recognize the emerging and tenured pros making a real difference in their communities. Submit your nomination here: https://ow.ly/fOcb50YCTyP

05/30/2026

"For the last five years, IDA has been building its advocacy voice, developing pro-active policies that support the work of downtown districts, connecting downtown leaders to governmental leaders and making the case that when downtowns thrive, we all win." Read more from Jason Ilstrup, IDA U.S. Advocacy Leadership Group Chair: https://ow.ly/WcFQ50YTzoa

05/29/2026

How does Nashville keep building and building well? Take a closer look at the partnerships, policies and pace shaping one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. 🔗 https://urbanland.uli.org/development-and-construction/how-nashville-gets-it-built

05/28/2026

How do you turn data into stories that inspire action? Join Advancing Places: Data‑Driven Storytelling on June 12 to learn how downtown leaders can use data to engage stakeholders and demonstrate impact. Register today: https://ow.ly/c4sS50YPax0

05/28/2026

Pain at the pump is driving Americans back to public transit, but only where it's actually an option. Ridership is spiking most sharply in cities with robust transit systems and steep fuel prices, proving that when reliable alternatives exist, people will use them. Full story via Grist

Mass transit systems are seeing more riders as fuel prices rise, but experts say most Americans still have little choice but to drive.