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 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 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
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, . . .
Downtown Stories
A milestone worth celebrating for Downtown Detroit
June 9, 2026
On Tuesday, June 9, the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) board of directors and DDP staff held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Downtown BIZ . . .
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.
