David Cowan

David Cowan is Chief Program and Public Spaces Officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP). He sets the vision for how downtown Detroit’s public realm drives economic vitality, cultural relevance, and global visibility across a portfolio of 18 signature spaces, including Campus Martius Park, Beacon Park, Capitol Park, Cadillac Square, Grand Circus Park, and The Woodward Esplanade.

A nationally recognized placemaking leader, David has helped transform downtown Detroit into a benchmark for public space strategy and activation. USA Today ranked Campus Martius Park the nation’s top public square for four consecutive years, and in 2024–2025 the Rink at Campus Martius Park earned the No. 1 ranking among U.S. ice rinks.

His work attracts more than 5 million visitors annually while creating an open platform for civic life, enabling hundreds of community organizations and artists to deliver free events and programming. David also provides executive oversight of partnerships, sponsorship strategy, earned revenue, public markets, dining, art initiatives, and large-scale festivals and concerts.

He was an architect of Detroit’s successful effort to host the 2024 NFL Draft and went on to chair the Operations Committee for the most attended Draft in league history.

Beyond Detroit, David advises cities, developers, and nonprofits throughout North America and Europe.

David holds a BFA from Wayne State University and an MA in Arts Management from American University. Raised in Detroit’s Green Acres and Midtown neighborhoods and on Grosse Ile, he maintains deep ties to the city and region.