Project for Public Spaces announced today that Detroit has been selected as the host city for the 5th International Placemaking Conference, taking place June 24-26, 2026. The Downtown Detroit Partnership will serve as the conference co-host. The global gathering will bring together over 500 public space professionals from around the world, including urban planners, designers, public officials, place managers, and researchers, emphasizing hands-on learning and innovative social events while leaving behind a public space legacy in host cities.
The conference theme, "From Recovery to Resilience through Placemaking," underscores the transformative influence of community-powered spaces in helping cities meet contemporary challenges. Detroit, which has faced economic decline, depopulation, vacancy, and bankruptcy, has emerged with remarkable resilience and momentum, making it an ideal setting for the event. "We're thrilled to bring together placemakers from all around the world to learn from Detroit's groundbreaking placemaking efforts, which are real-life demonstrations of the power of public space to change the story of an entire city," said Nate Storring, co-executive director for Project for Public Spaces. "Detroit is a city where Project for Public Spaces has deep roots and active collaborations, from Campus Martius Park to the Joe Louis Greenway."
David Cowan, chief public spaces officer at the Downtown Detroit Partnership, expressed honor in hosting the event: "This is a unique chance to highlight how collaboration between the public and private sectors is transforming public spaces and strengthening community connections. We're excited to welcome the global placemaking community to experience Detroit's energy, creativity and progress firsthand." Detroit exemplifies the power of placemaking through landmark projects such as Campus Martius Park, named by USA Today the "No. 1 Public Square in America," and the Joe Louis Greenway, a 27.5-mile multi-use trail connecting over 23 neighborhoods. Historic sites like Michigan Central Station have been reimagined as vibrant civic spaces, while Belle Isle offers a 982-acre natural retreat within the city.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan both highlighted the state's and city's commitment to placemaking. Governor Whitmer noted, "Detroit and Michigan know the power of placemaking to grow connections, create vibrant neighborhoods, and bring people together." Mayor Duggan added, "From our beautiful international riverfront to our vibrant downtown to our new neighborhood Arts Alleys, Detroit has embraced the importance of placemaking to every community." Project for Public Spaces and Downtown Detroit Partnership invite placemakers to stay tuned for details on the call for proposals opening in October 2025 and registration in the new year. More information is available at the conference website, www.placemakingweek.org, and through the Project for Public Spaces newsletter, the Placemaking Roundup.
