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Welcome to the IDA submissions portal. Here you will find links to submit projects, proposals, and applications. For any submission, you can always save, exit and return to your work at a later time. To begin, please select the category in which you wish to submit. Note, you will need to create a Submittable account (or login to an existing account), which is separate from your IDA account.
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Submit to 2026 Emerging Leader Fellowship Application

The IDA Emerging Leader Fellowship is a week-long experiential program that brings together a cohort of IDA professionals from within the place management profession. The fellows will learn essential leadership and place management skills and gain practical tools in the areas of place-based economic development, the live-work-play experience, and public-private partnerships.


Who is eligible to attend?
   This program is for mid-career place management professionals who are currently employed by a place management organization as a CEO new to the industry; a senior staff member in a large organization; or an executive director of a small to mid-sized organization looking to advance their skills. If you aspire to lead an organization one day, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Consultants or vendors who provide services to place management organizations are not eligible to participate in this program.


How are applicants accepted?
    IDA is looking to create a diverse cohort of fellows with a variety of professional backgrounds, organization size, geographies and demographics. It is important to IDA that we are successful in our efforts to have a diverse cohort. Space is limited to 30 professionals. Attendees must be IDA members.


When, where and cost?
  IDAELF26 will take place June 7-12, 2026 in New York City, NY.  The program cost is $3000 and includes expert speakers, program materials, meals each day and a subway pass for the week. Price does not include hotel, airfare, airport transfers, or any other incidentals you may incur.


Applications
  Applications are due to IDA by December 10, 2025 at midnight ET. Applicants must complete several brief essay questions and submit the following:
 

  • Two references who will provide letters of support,
  • Updated resume and bio, and
  • Recent high-resolution color headshot.

Please contact Carolyn Dellutri, CAE, CMSM, CTP  IDA Director of Professional Development, at carolyn@downtown.org with any questions about the program.

How will I know if I’m accepted?
  The final cohort will be selected by February 2026.  You will be notified via email from Carolyn Dellutri, CAE, CMSM, CTP, IDA Director of Professional Development.
Details
      Space is limited to 30 professionals. Attendees must be IDA members. The hotel accommodations and travel are at the expense of the attendee. Attendees will be required to stay at the IDA selected hotel during the week of the program. A room block has been secured by IDA and will be announced once attendees have been accepted and notified.
ELF Program 

This program is a sample and subject to change. 

Past ELF Cohorts 

To see past Emerging Leader cohorts, click here.

 

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Submit to IDA 2026 Top Issues Councils Applications

Are you an expert in your field? IDA’s Top Issues Councils address a selection of the most pressing issues facing downtowns and city centers. This year’s Top Issues Council briefs cross a variety of topics that UPMOs face.  Applications to join the 2026 Councils are open now and due by Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET. Council work will commence no later than February 2026.  

To be eligible for a Top Issues Council position, the applicant must be an IDA member. Further guidelines can be found below on the application. Questions? Contact Cathy Lin, AICP, Director of Research, at cathy@downtown.org.  

1. Adapting to the Future of Commercial Office 

As office property values decline across North American cities, many municipalities and UPMOs face financial uncertainty due to budgets tied to assessments. The Council will lead research to identify strategies for stabilizing and increasing downtown office values, and quantifying the scale of the challenge. Key questions could include: How are UPMOs collaborating to attract tenants and reinvigorate office markets? What innovative approaches are mitigating financial impacts? 

2. Growing Membership Organizations

Membership programs are essential for UPMOs, offering financial support and engaged stakeholders. This research will explore how to grow and sustain membership, focusing on revenue generation and cultivating organizational champions. Key questions could include: What drives individuals and businesses to join and stay active? How can UPMOs better communicate value and tailor benefits? What role do events, referrals, and digital tools play? 

3. Sustaining Partnerships

UPMOs play a key role in fostering “radical collaboration” across public, private, and philanthropic sectors to tackle complex urban challenges. As funding tightens, partnerships become increasingly vital—smaller-budget UPMOs may focus on maximizing impact with limited resources, while larger ones rely on sustained collaboration for major initiatives like large-scale amenities. Key questions could include: How are these partnerships structured and maintained? What governance, funding, and accountability mechanisms ensure their durability?

4. Amplifying Impacts of Events

With fewer daily office workers, visitors—tourists, event-goers, and day-trippers—are vital to downtown economies. In 2026, the World Cup and America’s 250th birthday represent unique global events spanning multiple cities that could create new opportunities. This research will examine how UPMOs amplify event impact and sustain momentum. Key questions could include: How can UPMOs collaborate with tourism partners? What sponsorship models drive long-term revenue? How can events align with broader district goals? 

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