About the Downtown Detroit Partnership

Scroll Down

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building.

DDP strengthens and supports Downtown Detroit through strategic initiatives and programs. We convene business, philanthropic and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the region. The DDP provides thought leadership on a broad range of timely issues affecting our community and advocates on behalf of Detroit residents and small and local businesses and convenes corporate philanthropic and government partners. 

Our Why Statement

We care about people, places, and a vibrant community.

Mission

The mission of the Downtown Detroit Partnership is to cultivate economic and social impact in Downtown Detroit by connecting public, private and philanthropic sectors, providing stewardship of public spaces, and developing programs that engage and benefit all.

Vision

Detroit is a city that welcomes everyone to work, live, play and visit.

Core Values

Promoter of diversity, equity and inclusion

Passion for Detroit and a steward of Downtown 

Demonstrate integrity in everything we do and providing a balanced voice in the community

Striving for excellence in our work every day

DDP Divisions

DDP Corporate

We take an active role in development, planning and placemaking decisions that increase the city’s economic prosperity. We also work with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors on multiple programs and projects to enhance Downtown’s appeal to businesses, residents and visitors. Additionally, we provide direct services that make Downtown a cleaner and safer place.

Business Improvement Zone

The Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ), established in 2014, is a special assessment district funded by Downtown Detroit’s commercial property owners. The BIZ team works to create a clean, safe, beautiful, and welcoming environment by leveraging the collective resources of property owners, the City of Detroit, and other stakeholders.

Downtown Detroit Parks

DDP programs and manages nearly 2,000 events annually in Downtown Detroit Parks + Public Spaces, including: Campus Martius Park, Cadillac Square, Beacon Park, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, and the Woodward Esplanade. These award-winning public spaces attract residents, visitors, and businesses and serve as catalysts for new investments and developments in the city.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) collaborates with the Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) to leverage local business and community leaders to provide 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 a vibrant Detroit, and their experience and continued investment help create a better . . .

DDP’s team are urban innovation experts that bring programming, management, and events to the Downtown throughout the year.

We believe that inclusion, diversity, and equity is about creating a culture that embraces the uniqueness of individuals and is representative of our Downtown Detroit stakeholders.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a member-based nonprofit committed to creating a vibrant and world-class urban core in Downtown Detroit. As Downtown Detroit continues to expand its story, we invite you to become a member . . .

Future opportunities for DDP projects

News & Insights

Recent DDP News

Stay informed on the latest DDP news

Scroll right to view more

DDP’s 2023 Year in Review [Video]

December 13, 2023

DDP’s 2023 Year in Review [Video]

2023 was a year filled with excitement and growth! Some key highlights include: Campus Martius Park was named #1 Public Square in the nation, the Detroit Grand Prix returned to . . .

Shopping Small Makes a Big Impact

November 16, 2022

Shopping Small Makes a Big Impact

November 26 is Small Business Saturday. In 2021, U.S. consumer spending on Small Business Saturday was north of $23 billion.  Let’s break that down locally.   According to American Express, 70 . . .

DDP CEO Note – October 5th

October 5, 2022

DDP CEO Note – October 5th

There’s been lots of great news since my last update. First, I want to extend a congratulations to the Huntington Bank team on the opening of its new commercial bank . . .

DDP CEO Note – September 21st

September 21, 2022

Eric B. Larson

DDP CEO Note – September 21st

Although the pandemic stopped us in our tracks and put billions of dollars in projects on hold, we saw Downtown go through phases of transition and continue to see a . . .

DDP CEO Note – September 7th

September 7, 2022

Eric B. Larson

DDP CEO Note – September 7th

The Michigan Strategic Fund announced that the Downtown Detroit Partnership and partner stakeholders will receive $13.74 million from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Working in collaboration with Bedrock, Greektown Neighborhood Partnership and Paradise Valley Conservancy, along with Karp and Associates, . . .

DDP CEO Note – August 24th

August 24, 2022

DDP CEO Note – August 24th

Tonight’s the night! The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s 100th Anniversary Celebration begins at 5:00 pm. We will gather in Campus Martius Park for a veritable who’s who from across the city and our . . .

View All News

View Our News Archive

View All News

View or extensive library of news and insights.

Explore

Search downtowndetroit.org