Building Vibrant Cities Across America

October 6-8, 2026 | Pensacola, FL

A national gathering for local leaders, changemakers, and engaged citizens who want practical ideas for creating stronger, more vibrant communities.

5 Keynotes • 20+ Breakout sessions • 2 days of programming • Leaders from across the country

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The Summit will help you “get local” with actionable strategies, practical tools and tactics, and impactful connections. The agenda is filled with people who are “in the trenches” doing the work right now and who are committed to bringing tried and true strategies to help solve communities’ toughest problems.

What You’ll Learn:

Revitalizing downtowns and neighborhoods
Support Small businesses and entrepreneurs
Create safer, more walkable streets
Strengthening civic engagement
Placemaking, housing, preservation, and community identity

Quint Studer

Quint Studer is an educator, philanthropist, and leadership expert dedicated to helping organizations and communities thrive.

Chuck Marohn

Chuck Marohn is the founder and president of Strong Towns. With decades of experience as a land use planner and civil engineer, Marohn is on a mission to help cities and towns become stronger and more prosperous.

Valerie Lemmie

Valerie Lemmie is senior advisor for state and local government at the Kettering Foundation. An adept strategic thinker and local government thought leader, Lemmie is a distinguished pracademic with over 40 years of experience solving public problems and controversial issues in governmental organizations.

Knox White

Knox White has served as Mayor of Greenville, South Carolina since December 1995. As Mayor he has the goal of making the City of Greenville, South Carolina “the most beautiful, livable, and welcoming city in America.

Final Keynote Coming Soon

Stay tuned for announcements about our fifth and final keynote!

See the Agenda

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“The Civic Leader Summit was an energizing experience. Being surrounded by leaders tackling similar challenges in their communities reminded me that bold ideas and collaboration really can drive change. I left inspired, connected, and ready to bring fresh momentum back to my community.”

—2025 Attendee
“I was blown away by the programming and so grateful I was able to attend. The knowledge I gained from the speakers and community leaders was invaluable... Events like this give leaders like me a refreshed sense of purpose and vision.”

—2025 Attendee
“The energy in the room was transformative. The speakers gave me new insights and generated new ideas for me and my nonprofit...It lifted my spirits in such a powerful way"

—2025 Attendee