What Makes a Great Downtown? Building Cities for the Future

In this episode of the Table 6ix Podcast, hosts Tiana Atapattu Jayatunga and Dana Duncanson are joined by David Downey, President & CEO of the International Downtown Association (IDA), to explore what makes a great downtown and how cities can create vibrant urban cores where people want to live, work, visit, and spend time.

The conversation looks at how downtowns have evolved beyond traditional business districts into destinations for culture, entertainment, community, and connection. Drawing on his experience working with downtown leaders around the world, David shares the ingredients that consistently create great places, from diverse experiences and welcoming public spaces to programming that brings different people downtown throughout the day.

David also discusses what cities can learn from one another, the value of looking at downtowns through the eyes of visitors, and the role sports, entertainment, festivals, arts, and culture play in creating destinations people want to return to. Along the way, he shares his perspective on how we can measure the health of a downtown and where Toronto has opportunities to continue evolving.

Whether you work in city building, run a downtown business, or simply care about the future of Toronto, this episode offers a global perspective on what makes urban centres thrive and what could define the world’s most successful downtowns over the next decade.

Listen now at yourexperienceawaits.ca/table-6ix-podcast or follow along on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast.