Friday, May 8, 2026 | 12:00 pm ET (9:00 am PT)Downtowns are evolving fast, and today’s leaders need clear insights to navigate what comes next. Join us for a conversation featuring leaders from communities that have used The Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities studies to shape their local strategies, strengthen advocacy efforts, inform investment decisions and articulate downtown’s value to elected officials, partners and the public.
The session will also explore key insights from the 2026 Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities Trends Report, including shifts in worker presence, rising residential demand, visitation resilience and the strength of the experience economy. Panelists will highlight practical examples of how the study’s framework has helped their districts respond to post-pandemic realities, manage rapid change and plan for stronger downtowns.
Learning Objectives:
- Examine national trends shaping the future of downtowns.
- Learn how communities are applying The Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities insights on the ground.
- Identify strategies to leverage the study’s data in your own district.
Webinar Pricing: IDA Members: Free | Nonmembers: $40
LPM | 1 - IDA LPM professionals can earn credit hours for this webinar. More information about IDA’s Leadership in Place Management certification program can be found here.
CM | 1 - AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this webinar. More information about AICP’s CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm