Ryan Jantzi, Executive Director of the Downtown Bettendorf Organization recently earned his Leader in Place Management (LPM) certification from the International Downtown Association (IDA)

Jantzi joins a community of professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills to manage and lead a place management organization.

“National certifications like this affirm we follow industry-best practices while managing our downtown improvement districts,” said Kyle Carter, Vice President, Place Management and Executive Director of the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP). “Ryan joins Alisha Espey of the DDP and Jack Cullen of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance (RIDA), in receiving IDA designations the past couple of years, and I’m proud of our entire downtown staff for always cranking out the work, going the extra mile and seeking professional career development.”

The LPM certification program requires professionals to demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of the place management profession while also maintaining a commitment to ethical conduct and personal and professional growth.

“Twelve years ago, I was hired as the Manager of Operations for the Downtown Davenport Partnership. At the time, I had no idea what place management meant, but was determined to make a difference in my community and was eager to learn everything I could about what makes a downtown thrive,” said Jantzi. “I have learned a lot about placemaking over the last 12 years, and my certification as a Leader in Place Management is proof of my commitment to creating a thriving downtown Bettendorf. Through communication, collaboration, integrity, honesty and trust, I have built relationships in downtown Bettendorf that are transforming it for the better.”

LPM certification requires knowledge of seven core domains of professional practice developed by IDA. These domains include Leadership Development; Organizational Management; Economic Development; Policy and Advocacy; Public Space Management and Operations; Planning, Design and Infrastructure; and Marketing, Communications and Events.

For more information about IDA’s Leadership in Place Management (LPM) certification, visit downtown.org/certification.

About the International Downtown Association (IDA)

The International Downtown Association (IDA) is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Its members are downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. IDA represents 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.