Knowledge Center
Policy and Advocacy
The urban place manager advocates for resources and policy in support of the successful management of equitable and inclusive urban places. Ensuring the success of a managed place requires identifying and implementing the appropriate policies representing the values, mission, and objectives of a place’s strategic plan. While seeking to maximize a user’s experience within a place, the urban place manager acts as a convener and facilitator for various stakeholders including, the private sector, local and regional government, community organizations, and everyone who interacts with the place. The place manager is tasked with the ability to win the trust and confidence of a diverse group of stakeholders, understand the issues confronting the urban district from a multitude of perspectives, and manage complex partnerships to focus on the district’s issues, projects and initiatives.
Demystifying Data – Practical Tools for Reporting on Downtown Economic Recovery
Demystifiy data and visualization for downtown organizations, showcase accessible data sources, cost-effective platforms and real-world BID examples. Learn how to design meaningful metrics, tailor reports to your organization’s goals and present data clearly to drive economic recovery.
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!
Why It Matters – Highlighting UPMOs Everyday Value
Learn how an organization provides stakeholders with a holistic view of work by highlighting activities, data and targeted communication efforts to increase engagement and understanding of the day-to-day work BIDs complete.
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!
Shaping the Narrative to Shift the Policy
This presentation shows UPMOs how to shift conversations towards policies that will help revitalize downtowns by using ongoing research to surface voter opinion on key issues and build a media and stakeholder visibility and outreach strategy.
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!
Top Issues Council Brief: The State of DEI
The Inclusive UPMOs Top Issues Council examines both external and internal influences on DEI initiatives, and how UPMOs must navigate competing priorities to foster DEI practices in their own unique environments. IDA would like to thank Uncommon Bridges for their generous support of this Top Issues Council.
Read MoreTop Issues Council Brief: Empowering Urban Management Through AI
Urban place management professionals must recognize AI’s potential to transform a broad range of activities; this brief explores AI’s potential to enhance productivity, boost innovation and expand the capacity of UPMOs. IDA would like to thank Downtown Decorations for their generous support of this Top Issues Council.
Read MoreLet’s Set the Agenda, Shall We?
Discover how to collaborate with other districts in your city or region to develop and release a policy agenda. This agenda will sway candidates running for local office and provide policy solutions to sitting representatives and government officials.
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!
Weaving Indigenous Culture into Our Downtown Evolution
Learn organizations succeeding in integrating indigenous values, traditions, and languages in public spaces to honor the past, heal the present, and celebrating the future. These partnerships are authentic celebrations of indigenous life, art, and progress.
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: Becoming an Effective Advocate for Place Management
Every day, policymakers from city hall to Capitol Hill make choices that impact downtowns. From economic development to housing to public safety, place management professionals have a strong interest in government actions – and a powerful voice in setting the agenda. IDA is launching a new U.S. Advocacy Network to mobilize downtown professionals and give them the tools to advocate effectively.
Read MoreVincent-Ray Williams III Master Talk
Vincent founded Urban Compassion Project while still unhoused in April of 2021. With the vision of assisting the voiceless in cleaning up spaces and finding healthy solutions that lead to self-sufficiency.
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!
Robin Rue Simmons Master Talk
Robin Rue Simmons is the Founder and Executive Director of FirstRepair, a not-for-profit organization that informs local reparations, nationally. She also serves as the chairperson of the City of Evanston’s Reparations Committee. Rue Simmons is the former 5th Ward Alderman for the City of Evanston, IL.
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!
