The Downtown Austin Alliance has officially welcomed Davon Barbour as its incoming president and CEO, succeeding Dewitt “De” Peart who is set to retire in the first quarter of 2025 after a tenure of ten years. A seasoned figure in urban development, Barbour steps into the role with a wealth of experience from leadership positions across various major cities. A statement from CBS Austin highlighted his accomplishments, notably in Baltimore where his efforts in economic development were recognized with an International Downtown Association Award of Excellence.
Beginning his duties on February 20, Barbour carries not only his past achievements but also a vision for Austin, embracing its "culture of inclusiveness, innovation and creativity," as he expressed in an announcement by the Downtown Austin Alliance. His multifaceted experience includes revamping the Downtown Development District of New Orleans and fostering economic equity through initiatives like Black Tech Week and the Urban Land Institute’s REDI program. As president and CEO, his realm will expand to tackling Austin's challenges around mobility, infrastructure, affordability, and safety, while currying favor with government officials, developers, and community leaders.
Under his leadership, the Downtown Development District of New Orleans spearheaded the BioDistrict Strategic Plan, which garnered approval from the City Council, proving pivotal in scaling up the city’s biosciences sector. Aside from his business acumen, Barbour's dedication to economic inclusion and his cultural roots are of no less merit—having once been a professional West African dancer and instructor. Living in cities from Los Angeles where he was immersed in community and economic development, he has now taken the baton in Austin, as "thrilled" to take root in a community respected for its inclusivity and creative energy according to a CBS Austin interview.
The appointment caps off a search that commenced in May 2024—shepherded by HRS, Inc., a firm specializing in C-suite talent for the community and economic development sector, which considered insights from over 75 community and organizational stakeholders. Setting his sights on Austin's future, Barbour's appointment has ushered an air of anticipation and assurance into the local community. “We are thrilled to welcome Davon Barbour as the next CEO of the Downtown Austin Alliance,” S.W. “Whitney” Knight, Board Chair of the Downtown Austin Alliance, told a Downtown Austin Alliance interview. Dewitt "De" Peart, reflecting on his decade-long leadership, sees Barbour's entrance as the beginning of an "exciting new chapter" for Austin's ongoing urban renaissance.
