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Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Commitment to Making Downtown Sustainable: DDP CEO Eric Larson

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Overview

Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) CEO Eric Larson argues that environmental sustainability is inseparable from economic sustainability in downtown Detroit. He frames DDP’s sustainability approach as both an ecological effort—such as reducing waste, improving recycling, and using compostable materials—and a strategy for long-term quality of life and a resilient local economy.

Core Themes and Key Points

  • Sustainability tied to community expectations: DDP’s initiatives are designed to meet what residents, workers, and visitors “need, want, and expect,” linking a healthier environment to sustained public and economic outcomes.

  • Small businesses as a sustainability lever: Larson says small businesses make up about 70% of the economy in the downtown core. DDP partners with these businesses to expand sustainability beyond recycling and waste reduction—helping create sustainable, marketable products and improve consumer-facing offerings.

  • Food truck program as a model: DDP’s 100+ food trucks across Detroit neighborhoods are curated with environmental and social goals. The program encourages compostable/“composable” products and aims for food waste and utensils to be recyclable or compostable, including efforts to install compost bins downtown.

  • Urgency and generational impact: Larson warns that if individuals and organizations don’t shift toward a sustainable footprint effectively, today’s environmental impacts will cause future generations to “pay for this,” making action time-sensitive.

  • Economic effects and workforce transition: Sustainability efforts may create job impacts, but Larson notes these are generally short-term. The response should focus on retooling toward a more vibrant and durable jobs economy.

  • Public-space design and infrastructure: Larson highlights Beacon Park as an example of transforming an underused parking lot into a greener public space—built with sustainable design from the start through DTE Energy’s work.

  • On-the-ground sustainability education: With over 100 ambassadors working daily, DDP addresses practical sustainability questions in parks—such as where recycling receptacles are, accessibility, and reducing single-use plastics. Larson also emphasizes sustainability as knowledge people can take home and share with their communities.

  • “Living laboratory” approach and best practices: DDP tests, adjusts, and benchmarks programs to determine what works best—drawing lessons from other cities and partners to maximize social and resilience benefits.

  • Event sustainability example (Detroit Grand Prix): DDP supports the Detroit Grand Prix in reducing its sustainability footprint, including IndyCar’s shift to alternative fuels and components such as tires made from yucca plants, which can be recycled.

Mission Framing

Larson presents DDP’s mission as ensuring downtown Detroit remains livable and equitable over the next “100 to 200 years,” using sustainability to strengthen both environmental health and economic resilience.

Presenters / Contributors

  • Eric Larson — CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership

Original video