The Downtown Austin Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy and value of downtown Austin, has announced the appointment of Davon Barbour as its new President and CEO, effective February 20.
Barbour brings a wealth of experience in urban revitalization, having previously served as the President and CEO of the Downtown Development District in New Orleans since December 2021. His extensive background spans various cities across the United States, including Baltimore, Miami, Orlando, and Los Angeles, where he has worked in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Barbour expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Austin community, stating, “I am thrilled to plant roots and call the City of Austin my home, a community well regarded for its culture of inclusiveness, innovation, and creativity.” He emphasized the importance of leveraging the upcoming investments from both public and private sectors to benefit all Austinites while managing growth responsibly.
In his new role, Barbour will tackle significant opportunities and challenges facing downtown Austin. Key issues include transformative mobility and infrastructure projects, affordability, rising office vacancy rates, and safety concerns. Collaborating closely with government officials, developers, community leaders, and residents, Barbour aims to enhance the overall vibe and vitality of the downtown area. He will also serve as the primary advocate for the Downtown Alliance’s members and stakeholders.
S.W. “Whitney” Knight, Chair of the Downtown Austin Alliance Board, expressed confidence in Barbour’s capabilities, stating, “Davon’s track record of revitalizing urban communities and his deep understanding of economic development make him uniquely qualified to lead the Downtown Alliance. With his leadership, we are confident in the continued growth, vibrancy, and success of Downtown Austin for all who live, work, and visit our city.”
Barbour succeeds Dewitt “De” Peart, who will retire in early 2025 after a decade of impactful leadership at the Downtown Austin Alliance. The search for Peart’s successor began in May and involved extensive interviews with over 75 community and organizational stakeholders, facilitated by HRS, Inc., a firm specializing in C-suite talent acquisition in community and economic development.
During his tenure in New Orleans, Barbour played a pivotal role in the creation of the BioDistrict Strategic Plan, which received City Council approval and bolstered the city’s biosciences sector. He also championed initiatives aimed at fostering economic equity, such as Black Tech Week and Black Real Estate Week, reflecting his commitment to diversity in the commercial real estate industry.
Barbour’s previous accomplishments include leading the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore to win an Award of Excellence in Economic Development for its Tech Connect program and managing a $2 billion redevelopment project in Baltimore. His experience even extends to managing the Hollywood Entertainment District in Los Angeles and overseeing significant redevelopment initiatives, including COVID-19 recovery programs.
In addition to his professional achievements, Barbour is actively involved in various organizations, including the International Downtown Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. He is also passionate about the arts, having been a professional West African dancer and instructor.
Reflecting on his decade-long tenure, Dewitt “De” Peart remarked, “Serving as CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance has truly been one of the most fulfilling and transformative experiences of my career. I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together and equally confident that Davon’s leadership will build on our collective success.”
As Davon Barbour steps into his new role, the Downtown Austin Alliance looks forward to a promising future under his guidance, with aspirations to further enhance the downtown experience for all.
