2024 BDA Study Tour
Manhattan, NYC
October 1-4, 2024

Registration Now Open
Manhattan, NYC

You heard it right. The BDA 2024 Study Tour is taking on New York City, where we'll explore and experience the people and projects behind a few remarkable places, including:

The High Line
Hudson Yards / Manhattan West
Meatpacking District
Chelsea Market
Bryant Park

Livable neighborhoods, excellent parks, first-rate cultural attractions, and what seems to be an unlimited amount of new places to explore are some of the few reasons why New York City stands out. Register for the BDA Study Tour today get an exclusive look at how some of those neighborhoods are working towards common themes like transformative placemaking projects, tenant attraction and retention, economic development tools for small businesses, public realm stewardship, and more.

Spots are limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Register as soon as possible to reserve your place. Study Tour fees do not cover airfare and hotel expenses. Participants will book their flights and stay separately. Recommended travel accommodations, including a special Alaska Airlines flight discount and group hotel rates at Dream Downtown, by Hyatt are provided upon registration via your confirmation email.

Early Registration Fee: $975

Take a closer look

The High Line

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. Through their work with communities on and off the High Line, they're devoted to reimagining the role public spaces have in creating connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities.

Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through gardens, view art, experience a performance, savor delicious food, or connect with friends and neighbors-all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

Hudson Yards / Manhattan West

The West Side’s heartbeat, Manhattan West is a destination for connection, bringing together creativity, luxury, and wellness in a welcoming urban center. Developed by Brookfield Properties, Manhattan West transforms an underutilized neighborhood into a 8-acre, six-building complex with modern offices, stunning residential, unparalleled dining, captivating retail, and cultural events — a place to connect yourself to what you love.

Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District is a neighborhood like no other: a fusion of grit and glam, where old New York meets the frenetic pace of the 21st Century. It has a magnetic appeal. Nestled into the western corner of Lower Manhattan, before the chic boutiques and upscale bars, it was home to industrial slaughterhouses, public markets, and a bustling working waterfront. Its evolution has been layered, giving the district a rich, interesting, often contradictory charm. And while we have the best guides for whichever journey you choose in the Meatpacking District, a curious wander might be the best way to experience it. Day and night, the cobblestone streets are alive with culture. You're bound to stumble onto something delicious, stylish, thought-provoking, and very likely, all of the above.

Financial District (Downtown NYC)

The Financial District of Lower Manhattan, also known as FiDi,[3] is a neighborhood located on the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City. This is the city's buzzing financial heart, home to Wall Street and glittering skyscrapers. Sidewalks bustle during the week and, after work, young professionals fill the restaurants and bars of the South Street Seaport and pedestrian-only Stone Street. The sombre National September 11 Memorial and Museum, in the footprint of the Twin Towers, is also here. Above it all is the observatory atop One World Trade Center.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park has a multitude of free year-round activities, a well-loved lawn, free admission ice skating in a winter wonderland, and striking seasonal gardens. While Bryant Park is a mecca for arts and culture, engaging and captivating events, seasonal splendor and festive foods, as well as varied classes to expand your mind or enhance your fitness routine, it’s our everyday offerings that truly foster a sense of warm welcome. More than twelve million people visit Bryant Park each year. They are one of the busiest public spaces in the world!

Chelsea Market

Iconic culinary destination Chelsea Market has become an internationally-renowned brand and is considered one of the greatest indoor food and retail marketplaces in the world today. Located in the heart of New York City’s Meatpacking District, the market’s collection of distinctive and diverse merchants adds up to more than just your average food hall, rather a lively marketplace where one can shop the region’s finest fishmonger, take home prime cuts of meat from one of the area’s best whole-animal butchers, load up on artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, and imported Italian dry goods. It’s the savory meals enjoyed at Chelsea Market, just as much as the fresh ingredients purchased there that make it a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike.

ABOUT THE BDA STUDY TOUR

The Bellevue Downtown Association organizes an annual group of community stakeholders to visit another downtown. Typically a three-day urban excursion, the study tour itinerary is designed to expose the group to a range of experiences that helps broaden their understanding of other downtown communities.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Walking tours guided by local experts. Get an exclusive look into how other city makers continue building a vibrant Downtown for all.

Hear from visionary leaders who are implementing plans, building projects and managing growth while tackling similar, yet different challenges.

Network and build relationships with fellow delegates committed to strengthening the economic and cultural vitality of Downtown Bellevue

Learn lessons and innovative ideas related to city building that helps guide future decision-making and priorities in Downtown Bellevue.

LESSONS ATTENDEES COME BACK WITH:

In-depth look at attractions shaping the downtown experience.
Insight on core economic development, transportation and land use issues.
Review emerging opportunities and trends.
New strategies for shaping downtown livability.
Unique marketing practices that define and enhance a downtown's profile.
Inspiration from unique urban areas

2024 BDA Study Tour Manhattan, NYC October 1-4, 2024

Registration Now Open Manhattan, NYC

Take a closer look

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

LESSONS ATTENDEES COME BACK WITH:

2024 BDA Study Tour
Manhattan, NYC
October 1-4, 2024

Registration Now Open
Manhattan, NYC