We Make Inclusion Experiences Growth Innovations The Action Development Incubations Connections Together Happen Together
For more than a century, the DDP has served as a trusted steward, convener, and implementor advancing Detroit’s economic vitality, public realm excellence, and quality of life. Today, DDP represents one of Detroit’s most sophisticated and scalable civic platforms, combing place management, safety, mobility, data analytics, small business support, and large-scale event execution.
We Make Experiences Happen Together
The DDP is internationally recognized for its leadership in place management. Through stewardship of Campus Martius Park and a portfolio of 18 public spaces, DDP delivers more than 1,200 free public programs annually, attracting millions of visits and catalyzing billions in private investment.
We Make the Holidays Happen
Detroit Tree Lighting
Start your holiday season at the annual Detroit Tree Lighting at the award-winning Campus Martius Park, presented by DTE Foundation and produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. This free celebration brings together music from national and local performers, dazzling figure skating shows, food trucks and unique lighting displays throughout Downtown Detroit.
Each year, nearly 100,000 attendees gather Downtown to kick-off the holidays just steps from the Cadillac Lodge, a cozy, family-friendly space right next to the Downtown Detroit Markets. As part of the event, attendees will enjoy a spectacular stage and ice show, assortment of festive food trucks, holiday drinks, visits with Santa, and many other attractions. This highly anticipated winter festival is made possible by our generous sponsors and the collective efforts of the Downtown Detroit business community, and civic and community partners.
We Make Connections Happen Together
DDP strives to bring business, government, and community leaders together around our shared committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. We convene public, private, and philanthropic to make this happen together!
DDP's Fall Forum: A Real Estate Update
The Fall Forum traditionally brings together leaders in all areas of the business, real estate development, and construction sectors (property owners and managers, real estate professionals, architects, engineers, and a host of others) to share industry trends and real estate updates, review numerous Downtown development projects that are completed, under construction, or in the pipeline.
It is also where DDP’s Downtown Detroit Community and Development Update is released. The report is a leading resource on significant commercial, residential, infrastructure, and public space projects happening in the Greater Downtown Detroit neighborhood. Detroit’s future as a global innovation and transportation hub and the Detroit-Windsor Binational Region was the focus of the 2025 Fall Forum: Special Edition in partnership with Michigan Central and the RIVER Collaborative, which took place at The Station at Michigan Central.
Detroit Aglow, DDP's Annual Fundraiser
Detroit Aglow, presented by Amazon, supported by Verizon, is DDP’s annual fundraiser and has become the must-attend holiday event of the year. The evening attracts more than 500 guests on the Monday before Thanksgiving. It’s a festive gathering that includes exclusive networking, terrific entertainment, and a traditional turkey dinner carved by a “chef” chosen by the guests at each table. The City of Detroit Mayor has a standing invitation to address this influential audience and join DDP’s CEO, Board Chair, and others on stage for a holiday toast.
Detroit Homecoming
The DDP also serves as fiduciary of Detroit Homecoming, an exclusive annual event led by Crain’s Detroit Business that welcomes hundreds of Detroit expats back home. DDP CEO, Eric B. Larson is the chair of the Detroit Homecoming Host Committee, which gives DDP a unique opportunity to helpe showcase a vibrant city that is seeing tremendous growth in investments, population, real estate developments, public spaces, and more.
We Make The Action Happen Together
DDP’s mission is to cultivate economic and social impact in Downtown Detroit. We make this possible by connecting public, private and philanthropic sectors, providing stewardship of public spaces, and developing programs that engage and benefit the entire community. DDP’s collaboration with public and private partnerships help to make the action happen in Downtown Detroit.
Detroit Grand Prix
The Detroit Grand Prix, a subsidiary of the DDP, strategically leverages DDP’s expertise and services from the planning stages of the race to execution over race weekend. The DDP oversees cleanliness, maintenance, safety, and hospitality on race days annually, along with the days leading up to and following.
The three-day Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear impacts virtually every segment of the city. It engages and supports small businesses, students, and community groups. Beyond the thrill for attendees each year, it provides national and international exposure and a year-over-year economic impact exceeding $76 million.
We Make Development Happen Together
The Downtown Detroit Partnership plays a leadership role in some of Detroit’s most complex infrastructure initiatives, including I-375, I-75, wayfinding systems, digital kiosks, and placemaking pilots. DDP consistently serves as the connective tissue between community, government, philanthropy, and technical experts.
Beacon Park Groundbreaking
We Make Economic Impact Happen Together
The Downtown Detroit Partnership believe small businesses are the heartbeat of our city. This is why there is a dedicated DDP Small Business Team that supports the small business community all year round. The team works on strategic and coordinated marketing campaigns and event-driven customer traction, as well as provides critical information and resources, data insights, and technical assistance to help local entrepreneurs compete and thrive.
The team also manages The Detroit Card, a city-wide, digital gift card that helps create the ultimate Detroit experience. The Detroit Card can be used exclusively at participating merchants in Detroit.
Buying this e-gift card makes a meaningful investment in the city’s restaurants and retailers. To date, 149 businesses accept The Detroit Card, giving any cardholder a unique opportunity to Shop, Dine, and Discover Detroit!
We Make Inclusion Happen Together
From the DDP board to our members, partners, vendors and hiring practices; inclusivity is an integral part of our organization. To ensure a balanced voice, we make an intentional effort to have every part of our organization represents the communities in which we serve. As part of our Diversity and Inclusion initiative, we work collectively to build a vibrant Downtown community, we’re intentional about creating environments that are safe, clean and welcoming for all to access and enjoy.
We Make Clean Safe Vibrant Communities Together
For some Downtown Detroit is home, and for others it’s a workplace, weekend destination or a must-see attraction for out-of-towners; whatever you call Downtown — our goal is to ensure that it is clean, safe and welcoming while you’re here. We partner with public safety agencies to ensure that our Downtown is vibrant and safe. We contract the Downtown Detroit BIZ ambassadors to help with regular and supplemental beautification, safety and mental health supportive services throughout Downtown.
Featured Stories
Downtown Stories
O Canada! Bridged in Friendship. Happy Thanksgiving.
October 13, 2026
The 30-by-9-foot aerial banner flew Monday, Oct. 12, along the Detroit River between Belle Isle and the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Its purpose was simple: to thank our Canadian neighbors . . .
Downtown Stories
Cristina’s Race for the Cure Story
August 27, 2026
By: Cristina Ancog I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Detroit Race for the Cure, hosted by Susan G. Komen and supported by the Downtown . . .
DDP in the News
Placemaking Week 2026 Conference Report Now Available
July 30, 2026
This June, Downtown Detroit Partnership proudly co-hosted the 5th International Placemaking Week with Project for Public Spaces, welcoming a sold-out gathering of 642 placemakers from 177 cities across 12 countries . . .
Downtown Stories
Downtown BIZ Ambassadors at Work: What Makes a Great Ambassador
July 30, 2026
Each Downtown Detroit BIZ Ambassador cares deeply about Detroit and takes pride in the work that they do to keep our community vibrant and thriving. In the final installment of . . .
Downtown Stories
International Placemaking Week’s Lasting Impact: Detroit Inspires Cities Around the World
July 16, 2026
A few weeks after welcoming the world to Downtown Detroit for the 5th International Placemaking Week, the full impact of the conference is becoming clear. Beyond introducing hundreds of placemaking . . .
Downtown Stories
Downtown BIZ Ambassadors at Work: Keeping Downtown Safe
July 13, 2026
A welcoming Downtown begins with a safe Downtown. In the third installment of our Downtown BIZ Ambassadors at Work video series, we spotlight the dedicated Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) Ambassadors . . .
Downtown Stories
Downtown BIZ Ambassadors at Work: Keeping Downtown Clean
June 30, 2026
A vibrant Downtown starts with a clean one. In the second installment of the Downtown Detroit BIZ Ambassadors at Work video series, we’re highlighting the everyday services funded by Downtown . . .
Downtown Stories
Sharing Detroit’s Public Space Expertise on a National Stage
June 29, 2026
The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s leadership in public space management was recently highlighted at Greater & Greener 2026 in Austin, Texas, a national convening dedicated to exploring the full potential of . . .
Downtown Stories
Recap: Detroit on the Global Stage: International Placemaking Week Recap
June 28, 2026
In late June, Downtown Detroit proudly welcomed the 5th International Placemaking Week, bringing together more than 642 placemakers from 179 cities across 12 countries to experience firsthand the partnerships, public spaces, and community-driven work . . .
Downtown Stories
Detroit Grand Prix Delivers Another Winning Weekend in Downtown Detroit
June 16, 2026
Downtown Detroit once again took center stage as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear returned to the heart of the city from May 29-31, 2026. More than a . . .
Downtown Stories
Photo Gallery: 2026 Detroit Grand Prix
June 16, 2026
Downtown Detroit roared with the return of the 2026 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, a three-day weekend street circuit that brought racing, music and family fun to the . . .
Downtown Stories
DDP Releases 2025 Impact Report: Advancing Detroit Through Partnerships, Planning, and Placemaking
June 10, 2026
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is proud to release its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting another year of collaboration, innovation, and measurable progress in Downtown Detroit. For more than a century, . . .