FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE, September 2, 2026
IDA Presents Awards Recognizing Innovative Achievement in Urban Place
Management
Durham, NC – The International Downtown Association (IDA) has recognized
Downtown Durham, Inc. with the Downtown Achievement Pinnacle Award for its work
and initiatives related to the 2035 Blueprint Strategic Plan.
Each year, IDA recognizes outstanding projects as winners of the Downtown
Achievement Awards which identify advances to urban centers by organizations world-
wide. The industry’s highest recognition, the Pinnacle Award, represents the most
inspiring innovations in urban place management. This year’s projects were awarded by
a jury of IDA members in the following categories: leadership development;
organizational management; economic development; marketing, communications and
events; planning, design and infrastructure; policy and advocacy; and public space
management and operations. The 2035 Blueprint Strategic Plan won in the category of
Plan Design and Infrastructure.
Downtown Durham has seen incredible growth and change since the last master plan
was established 23 years ago. To meet this progress and adapt to new challenges, DDI
launched the 2035 Blueprint Strategic Plan. This new plan aims to preserve downtown’s
unique character while supporting continued growth and development. The 2035
Blueprint was officially adopted by the City of Durham and Durham County in January of
2026.
“Downtown Durham, Inc.’s innovative project received the IDA Pinnacle Award for
setting the new standard for improving cities around the world,” said David Downey, IDA
President and CEO. “The 2035 Blueprint has made an impact on its community and the
people who live, work and play there, and is evidence of the continued commitment to
champion livable, vital and thriving urban centers.”
Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals
who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Downtown Durham, Inc. is
the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners
in Durham.IDA convenes this week in Toronto for Intersections: Where Districts, Disciplines &
Ideas Converge, a three-day conference to discuss emerging trends in place
management. Downtown Durham, Inc. was recognized for their award-winning project
during the Downtown Achievement Awards ceremony at the 72nd Annual Conference &
Marketplace. IDA’s Annual Conference & Marketplace is the premier gathering for
professional place managers and urban champions creating vibrant and healthy cities
around the world. The conference features educational sessions, Master Talks (short
keynotes from industry leaders), marketplace exhibitors and networking opportunities.
For more information about the session and conference, please visit the event
webpage.
IDA’s members have a proven track record of creating collaborative public-private
partnerships to tackle weighty issues. Place management organizations have significant
change in every major metropolitan area throughout North America in an industry that is
growing rapidly around the globe. More than 2,500 downtown management districts
exist in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Place management work touches every
discipline of city building, including economic development, leadership, marketing,
events, public space management, policy, planning and infrastructure.
About Downtown Durham, Inc.
Downtown Durham, Inc. is the only entity that focuses exclusively on the economic and
cultural vibrancy of downtown Durham. As the organization responsible for the business
improvement district, DDI provides resources to keep downtown Durham clean and
safe, and to attract visitors and residents to downtown businesses, venues and events.
For more information, visit downtowndurham.com.
About IDA
The International Downtown Association (IDA) is the premier organization for urban
place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our
members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life,
bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of
more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people
throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA
is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place
management. For more information, visit downtowndurham.com
