Kate Joncas, MIG’s Director of Urban Strategy and Development, received the International Downtown Association’s (IDA) Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award is the highest honor bestowed by the IDA and was presented by IDA past Board Chair Kate Borders to Kate at the 71st Annual IDA Conference in Washington, DC.
“I am honored to receive this award from the many friends and colleagues I have worked with in the IDA network over the years–sharing successes and failures, crafting innovative solutions, and just generally supporting each other when the work was hard,” said Kate.
Kate has made a career out of being a champion for better downtowns. Prior to joining MIG, Kate served as Seattle’s Deputy Mayor from 2014 to 2017, where she directed 32 departments, developed a nationally recognized government performance initiative, and led efforts in the waterfront park development, police reform, and the convention center expansion. Before that, she served as the CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, where she led one of the most successful downtown revitalization projects in the country.
“This award is testimony to Kate’s incredible character and leadership in a wide range of city-building endeavors over her career,” said MIG Chief Development Officer Christopher Beynon. “Kate is bold, intelligent, resilient, and strategic, and she has instilled these qualities in her many mentees over the decades—a true reflection of her ongoing impact. We are immensely proud to have Kate call MIG home!”
At MIG, Kate continues her work by leading innovative strategies for complex urban projects in downtowns, neighborhoods, and urbanizing areas.
“A mayor once told me that if he didn’t have a downtown in his city, he would have to invent one–his town wouldn’t be a real city without it,” said Kate. “I believe that mayor was right, and it’s why I stay committed to keeping our downtowns vital and healthy.”
Congratulations to Kate on a stellar career that has led her to this prestigious recognition!