About the DDP

The Downtown Detroit Partnership aims to create a vibrant and thriving urban core that is clean, safe, and welcoming for Detroit and the region.  

DDP convenes corporate, philanthropic, and government partners to ensure collaboration, thought leadership, and advocacy on behalf of Detroit residents and local businesses and leaders.

DDP's Strategic Framework

Mission Statement

We cultivate economic and social impact in Downtown Detroit.

Vision Statement

Our North Star

A vibrant Downtown that unifies our city and strengthens our region and state.

Our Why

We love people, places, and a thriving community.

Core Values

Passion for Detroit

Stewardship

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Excellence and Expertise

Integrity

DDP Team at Party in the Park (2024)

DDP Divisions

DDP Corporate

DDP takes an active role in development, planning, and placemaking decisions that increase the city’s economic prosperity. DDP also works with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors on multiple programs and projects to enhance Downtown’s appeal to businesses, residents and visitors. 

Downtown Detroit Parks

DDP operates, programs, and manages over 1,600 events annually in our nine signature Downtown Detroit Parks - Campus Martius Park, Cadillac Square, Cadillac Square East, Grand Circus Park, Capitol Park, Woodward Esplanade, Washington Promenade, Beacon Park, and Paradise Valley Park and Plaza. These award-winning public spaces attract residents, visitors, and businesses and serve as catalysts for new investments in Detroit.

Business Improvement Zone

The Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ), established in 2014, is a special assessment district funded by Downtown Detroit’s property owners. The BIZ team works to create a clean, safe, and welcoming Downtown. The BIZ is led by a volunteer board of directors that contracts with the DDP to carry out its day-to-day operations.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) and Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) work together to create a vibrant Downtown Detroit that is welcoming to all.

The DDP is honored to have top business and community leaders serve on its Board of Directors. These leaders are committed to creating a vibrant Detroit.

DDP’s team is made up of unique experts in urban innovation, planning, marketing, and more that work together to bring serve the community year round.

DDP aims to keep diversity, equity, and inclusion at the center of their mission and vision by creating a culture that embraces the uniqueness of individuals.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a member-based nonprofit committed to creating a vibrant and world-class urban core. We invite you to become a member of the DDP.

The DDP works collaboratively with private, public, and philanthropic sectors to move the community forward. Check here for future opportunities to join us in this work.

News & Insights

Recent DDP News

Stay informed on the latest DDP news

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Downtown Street Eats Food Truck Rally Returns to Cadillac Square and Woodward Esplanade, Kicking Into Gear April 7

March 25, 2025

Downtown Street Eats Food Truck Rally Returns to Cadillac Square and Woodward Esplanade, Kicking Into Gear April 7

More than 80 local food trucks and restaurants will unite to offer a diverse culinary experience to satisfy the lunch crowd in the heart of Downtown Detroit DETROIT – Springtime . . .

Opening Day 2025 

March 24, 2025

Opening Day 2025 

By Joshua Long  I’m not alone when I say the Detroit Tigers Opening Day is one of my absolute favorite days of the year. I love baseball, the Tigers, and . . .

Project Lighthouse™ Member Spotlight: Ilitch/Olympia

March 24, 2025

Project Lighthouse™ Member Spotlight: Ilitch/Olympia

Project Lighthouse™ Member Spotlight The success of Project Lighthouse™ cannot be achieved without its members. Hear from Melissa Lesperance from Ilitch Companies/Olympia Development about the importance of collaboration and communication in . . .

Meet John Foley, 2024 BIZ Ambassador of the Year

March 24, 2025

Meet John Foley, 2024 BIZ Ambassador of the Year

2024 BIZ Ambassador of the YearJohn Foley John Foley has been on the Downtown Detroit BIZ Ambassador Team for several years and his passion for this community is almost as . . .

Enhancing Downtown Detroit: A $800,000 Boost from Knight Foundation

March 17, 2025

Enhancing Downtown Detroit: A $800,000 Boost from Knight Foundation

Downtown Detroit is about to get even better! Thanks to an $800,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is set to . . .

Downtown Detroit Partnership Secures Knight Foundation Grant to Enrich Downtown Detroit

March 17, 2025

Downtown Detroit Partnership Secures Knight Foundation Grant to Enrich Downtown Detroit

Funding to benefit accessibility, inclusivity, and design of Downtown Parks and Public Spaces DETROIT –The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation have granted $800,000 to the Downtown Detroit Partnership . . .

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