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The Downtown Austin Alliance has announced the appointment of Davon Barbour as their new president and CEO, succeeding Dewitt “De” Peart. Barbour brings extensive experience from urban development roles in cities like New Orleans, Baltimore, and Los Angeles. His focus will be on enhancing community safety and capitalizing on Austin’s inclusive and innovative culture. As the DAA prepares for this leadership transition, residents can anticipate exciting new initiatives and continued enhancements to safety in downtown Austin.
Good news for the people of Austin! The Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA) has appointed a new president and CEO that’s sure to bring fresh energy to the city. Say hello to Davon Barbour, who will be stepping into the role following the retirement of the long-standing leader, Dewitt “De” Peart. After a decade of dedicated service, Peart will hang up his boots in early 2025. So, who is Barbour and what does he bring to the table?
Barbour comes to Austin with a wealth of experience, recently serving as the president of the Downtown Development District in New Orleans. His leadership journey has taken him through several major cities, including Baltimore, Orlando, and Los Angeles. In his role as the senior vice president of Economic Development for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Barbour earned an Award of Excellence for the Tech Connect commercial attraction program. This speaks volumes about his ability to make waves in urban development.
What draws Barbour to Austin? He’s particularly excited about the city’s culture of inclusiveness, innovation, and creativity. These qualities resonate with his vision of managing growth in a way that benefits all residents of Austin. With significant investments rolling in from both public and private sectors, Barbour is gearing up to make a big impact on the city.
One of the current focuses of the DAA has been enhancing safety in downtown areas. Over the past two months, the safety team has been actively patrolling the Public Improvement District (PID). What started as a team of four has now expanded to eleven members, with plans to grow to 23 by January 2025. This increase is in response to valuable feedback from stakeholders and business owners who feel the positive effects of this program.
The safety team is not law enforcement, but they play an essential role by being knowledgeable about the community, especially individuals experiencing homelessness. This approach fosters a more connected community atmosphere and helps address the needs of all Austinites. Remarkably, the program has already achieved a compliance rate of 86% since its launch.
The safety team operates every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., ensuring that downtown is a safe place for everyone. In addition, they have introduced a nighttime mobile patrol that runs from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. during weekends to keep an eye on the lively entertainment and dining district. It’s an essential move for those who enjoy Austin’s vibrant nightlife.
If you’re ever feeling uneasy while navigating downtown, there’s a dedicated phone number to call for escorts within the PID, providing peace of mind for those venturing out.
And speaking of excitement, don’t miss the upcoming 30th Annual Tree Lighting, Sing-Along, and Stroll! This festive event boasts over 50 artisan vendors, food trucks, a children’s market, and even a snow play area! There’s a Canine Costume Contest, carnival games, a delightful s’mores station, and photo opportunities with Santa—all completely free! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and soak up the communal spirit.
With Barbour at the helm and already vibrant safety measures in place, the future looks promising for Downtown Austin. As the DAA prepares to embrace this new chapter, residents and visitors alike can anticipate fresh initiatives and excitement throughout the city. Here’s to growth, safety, and a united community!
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