City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board Recognized
Last updated on November 11, 2019
Orlando, FL – During its 65th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Baltimore, MD, the International Downtown Association (IDA) recognized the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board and the Creative City Project with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its work and initiatives related to IMMERSE.
The Award of Excellence acknowledges an excellent response to an industry challenge and exceeds the jury criteria. IMMERSE was among 17 qualified entries in the category of Events and Programming. This category features programs and events that improved the image and vitality of downtown.
"One of the highest priorities of our shared vision for downtown Orlando is the desire to have more cultural and arts amenities within our urban core," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "Reoccurring community events like IMMERSE bring awareness of the arts to downtown and its businesses, helping to grow a healthier economy and making Orlando an even cooler place."
“IMMERSE received the IDA Award of Excellence for uniquely implementing best practice in urban place management,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “IMMERSE is a shining example of excellent urban place management delivering real value to the city and an exemplary response to a community challenge.”
The Creative City Project has produced an annual event in the streets and public spaces of downtown Orlando annually since 2012.
IMMERSE helps to shape the global perception of Orlando as a city known for creativity and innovation. By assembling more than 1,000 artists and performers in the urban core for the duration of the festival, downtown Orlando becomes a destination for a diverse audience. A variety of free and paid experiences ensure that all audiences are served. And a diversity in programming showcases the diverse populations of the region.
"The Downtown Development Board strives to incorporate the arts into our community as well as increase arts and cultural opportunities," said Thomas C. Chatmon, Jr., Executive Director of the Downtown Development Board/Community Redevelopment Agency. "IMMERSE helps to advance the arts in our vibrant metropolitan area by bringing a unique combination of creativity, innovation, and diversity.”
Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. The Orlando Downtown Development Board is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in Orlando, FL.
About the Downtown Development Board
With more than $5.2 billion in total development investment, downtown Orlando is the economic engine driving Central Florida’s economy. The mission of the Orlando Downtown Development Board (DDB) is to strengthen the role of downtown Orlando as the economic, governmental, and cultural center of Central Florida. The DDB is responsible for the planning, implementation and administration of the City of Orlando’s core area redevelopment and development program.
About IDA
The International Downtown Association is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management. For more information, visit downtown.org.
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IDA Media Contact:
Allison Shashok
Membership & Marketing Director
International Downtown Association
(202) 798-5926
allison@downtown.org