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Signature Programs
Downtown Denver Leadership Program
By becoming a member of the Downtown Denver Partnership, you invest in our mission and play an active role in shaping the future of our center city. There are multiple ways members can get involved, from participating on our advisory committees and task forces to building relationships within the Denver business community and accessing our resources and signature programs.
Our Members
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Guide strategic city planning and promote economic prosperity alongside fellow leaders
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Weigh in on key issues and have a say in how the city’s future is shaped for years to come
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Connect to the right stakeholders at the right times to influence impactful decisions
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Access an unparalleled network of key industry decision-makers and influencers
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Promote company city building initiatives through discussion and cross-collaboration
For more than 20 years, the Downtown Denver Leadership Program has developed emerging leaders who are passionate about shaping our center city.
Running annually from February through October, DDLP selects 60 participants from across sectors to engage in expert-led workshops, hands-on civic projects, and peer learning. Participants build relationships, strengthen their leadership skills, and dive into real issues facing urban environments.
They leave empowered to advocate for Downtown’s future and take on a stronger civic voice—both in their organizations and the broader community.
To learn more about the program, download the 2025 Program Packet
The 2025 DDLP Program kicked off on February 25, 2025. Follow us on LinkedIn for program updates.
Urban Exploration
By becoming a member of the Downtown Denver Partnership, you invest in our mission and play an active role in shaping the future of our center city. There are multiple ways members can get involved, from participating on our advisory committees and task forces to building relationships within the Denver business community and accessing our resources and signature programs.
Our Members
-
Guide strategic city planning and promote economic prosperity alongside fellow leaders
-
Weigh in on key issues and have a say in how the city’s future is shaped for years to come
-
Connect to the right stakeholders at the right times to influence impactful decisions
-
Access an unparalleled network of key industry decision-makers and influencers
-
Promote company city building initiatives through discussion and cross-collaboration
Urban Exploration takes a cohort of Denver’s most influential leaders to a peer or aspirational city to learn from experts and study bold ideas in city building, bringing back insights that spark action.
Since 2008, this destination-based experiential program for Denver's business and non-profit leaders, as well as elected officials, has aimed to discover and embrace best practices and innovative ideas from cities around the world. Through a diverse range of activities and sessions in a peer or aspirational city, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and interactive workshops, Urban Exploration offers a comprehensive three-day itinerary that fosters collaboration, learning, and growth.
We focus on real issues that are facing our city including infrastructure, economic development, mobility and public-private partnerships. By bringing together a diverse group of influential individuals, we aim to cultivate a dynamic community committed to driving positive change and shaping the future of our city. This program is dedicated to equipping participants with the knowledge, tools and connections necessary to transform Downtown Denver into a thriving center city that embodies sustainable development, inclusivity and innovation. By seeking out and sharing exemplary practices, we aspire to contribute to the ongoing evolution and improvement of our city's landscape, ensuring its long-term resiliency and success.
In 2025, Urban Exploration went to Detroit!
Stay posted on 2025 insights and takeaways!
Previously explored cities include: Vancouver, Mexico City, Denver, Copenhagen, Los Angeles, Portland, Downtown Brooklyn, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Chicago, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Washington D.C. and Portland
City Scout
By becoming a member of the Downtown Denver Partnership, you invest in our mission and play an active role in shaping the future of our center city. There are multiple ways members can get involved, from participating on our advisory committees and task forces to building relationships within the Denver business community and accessing our resources and signature programs.
Our Members
-
Guide strategic city planning and promote economic prosperity alongside fellow leaders
-
Weigh in on key issues and have a say in how the city’s future is shaped for years to come
-
Connect to the right stakeholders at the right times to influence impactful decisions
-
Access an unparalleled network of key industry decision-makers and influencers
-
Promote company city building initiatives through discussion and cross-collaboration
The Downtown Denver Partnership’s City Scout Program brings local stakeholders to another city to conduct a deep-dive on a project or initiative that is highly relevant to a specific project we are advancing in Downtown Denver.
What is City Scout?
Over the course of the program which runs each year from February to October, participants cultivate important professional relationships, engage in experiential learning projects and strengthen their leadership skills through expert workshops designed to grow strong leaders who lead both in and out of the office.
More than just a program, City Scout is an unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of urban development in Denver and influence tangible projects that will shape the future of Downtown Denver for generations to come.
In 2023, our successful inaugural program brought 50 Downtown Denver decision makers, project managers, and community stakeholders to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to experience a multimodal trail in a downtown environment and build support for the important advancement of the 5280 Trail in Denver.
City Scout 2024
In 2024, we proudly partnered with Urban Land Institute Colorado to bring 60 Downtown Denver stakeholders to Calgary to study their groundbreaking investments in office conversion incentive programs and downtown neighborhoods, and identify near-term actions and practical solutions that we could bring back to Denver to inform our 2024 Downtown Area Plan update and adaptive reuse strategy.
In 2026, our City Scout Program is headed to Montreal!
Stay tuned for updates, application requirements, deadlines and more.
Apply for a Signature Program
Applications are open to both members and non-members, with priority access and discounted pricing available exclusively to Downtown Denver Partnership members.
Become a member today to ensure you're the first to receive updates on application deadlines and program details!
There are currently no open applications. If you are interested in the 2026 Downtown Denver Leadership Program, please complete the below interest form.