The International Downtown Association (IDA) is a world leader and champion for vital and livable urban centers. Through its network of diverse practitioners, rich body of knowledge, and unique capacity to nurture community-building partnerships, IDA provides tools and strategies for creating healthy and dynamic urban centers. IDA members transform cities into healthy and vibrant urban places throughout the world.
David Downey
HRS recruited David Downey to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Downtown Association in 2011.
David is responsible for the overall strategic positioning of IDA as a world leader and champion for vital and livable urban centers. Prior to joining IDA, David served as the Managing Director for the American Institute of Architects’ Urban Design Center and as Executive Director for the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association.
David has been a city advocate since the 1980s having received his degree in Architecture and Design with a focus on Urban Design. He speaks frequently throughout North America and has delivered talks in the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, El Salvador and Japan. David has served on numerous not for profit boards in the past 25 years and is currently serving on the boards of the Golden Triangle BID in Washington, DC and the Responsible Hospitality Institute.