We Make Inclusion Experiences Growth Innovations The Action Development Incubations Connections Together Happen Together
We Make The Action Happen Together
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) serves as a strategic partner and fiduciary for key, large-scale events including the Detroit Grand Prix, a wholly owned subsidiary of the DDP. Our collaboration with public and private partnerships help to make the action happen in Downtown Detroit. Other key partnerships include, serving as fiduciary of the annual Crain’s Detroit Homecoming and more. In keeping the action alive, the DDP also stewards 18 Downtown Detroit parks and public spaces.
We Make Connections 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. We are 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. We convene business, philanthropic and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the region.
We Make Development Happen Together
When it comes to improving public spaces and urban innovation, the Downtown Detroit Partnership is a trusted leader in convening public-private partnerships to move strategic projects forward. Most recently, DDP serves as a conduit to projects under the Revitalization and Placemaking Grant and the revisioning of I-375. Additionally, DDP works to improve mobility and accessibility throughout Downtown; specifically in Campus Martius Park and Grand Circus Park, as well as adding pedestrian bridges to support the large events like the Detroit Grand Prix, and more.
We Make Growth Happen Together
The Downtown Small Business community is an integral part of making growth happen for our city. We proudly share Small Business Spotlights, host Downtown Detroit BIZ Job Fairs throughout the year, and provide critical information and resources to our small business community all year-round.
We Make Experiences Happen
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) creates four seasons of attractions and fun, as we produce more than 2,000 programs and events annually. Whether dropping into a “Yoga in the Park” session at Capitol and Grand Circus Park, attending the Grand Prix, Night Market or an end of the summer concert at Beacon Park, fall festivities, the Detroit Tree Lighting and The Rink at Campus Martius Park we make experiences happen all year-round.
2023 Grand Prix
Check out all that the Grand Prix had to offer when it returned to the streets of Downtown Detroit last year.
2024 Annual Meeting
The DDP held its first in-person Annual Meeting for the first time in two years. Watch the recap below.
We Make Holidays Happen
The Downtown Detroit Partnership produces the Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Foundation. Now, celebrating its 20th anniversary at Campus Martius Park, this hallmark event will be held Nov. 17. 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.
Beacon Park ground-breaking
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Featured Stories
Downtown Stories
Showing Up for Our Neighbors
April 25, 2025
Earlier this month, DDP CEO Eric Larson joined an economic leadership panel hosted by CBC Windsor and the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce. The conversation featured leading voices in policy . . .
Downtown Stories
Recap: DDP’s Opening Day Tailgate
April 11, 2025
What an epic Tigers season opener! Last Friday, April 4, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) hosted its free Opening Day Tailgate Party presented by Miller Lite at the historic Grand . . .
DDP Datascape Trends
Opening Day’s Impressive Impact
March 24, 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 . . .
Downtown Stories
Enhancing Downtown Detroit: A $800,000 Boost from Knight Foundation
March 17, 2025
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 . . .
Small Business Support
DDP Focused on Supporting Downtown Small Businesses
March 12, 2025
By Cari Easterday You’ve probably heard it a million times. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. But it’s not idle chatter; we have the data to support it. . . .
Downtown Stories
List: Women-Owned Businesses in Downtown Detroit
March 11, 2025
Women-Owned Business in Downtown Detroit The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) recognizes the incredible contributions of women-owned businesses to Downtown Detroit. This Women’s History Month—and every month—the DDP invites you to . . .
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.
