Civic Leader Summit: Building Vibrant Cities Across America

How can communities attract talent, inspire investment, and build vibrant, resilient places where people want to be? The Civic Leader Summit is designed to answer exactly that.

Join us this fall in Pensacola for a one-of-a-kind event bringing together community leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the country. Hosted by the Center for Civic Engagement and Strong Towns, this summit will offer actionable strategies, proven tools, and powerful inspiration to help you shape the future of your city or town.

What to Expect:

• Expert-led keynotes and breakout sessions
• Practical strategies for economic vitality, placemaking, and resilience
• Candid conversations with local leaders doing the work
• Networking with peers who share your commitment to making great places

Featured speakers:

• Quint Studer, author of Building a Vibrant Community, and founder of the Center for Civic Engagement
• Chuck Marohn, founder of Strong Towns, and author of Strong Towns and Confessions of a Recovering Engineer
• Mayor D.C. Reeves of Pensacola, Florida
• Jill Miller and Dr. Meredith Smith, authors of Infant Mortality and Other Wicked Problems: A Community-Driven Approach to Creating Change
• With more to be announced!

Studer and Marohn bring decades of insight, passion, and real-world experience to the Summit. Their work has helped dozens of communities build momentum from the ground up, and now they’re joining forces to help yours do the same.

Whether you're an elected official, nonprofit leader, business owner, or simply someone who cares about your community, the Civic Leader Summit will equip you with the tools, connections, and clarity to take the next step.

*Please note: The Civic Leader Summit takes place over several venues in downtown Pensacola. Visit for the full agenda!

• Evening Welcome Reception – Tuesday, September 23: 5eleven Palafox (511 S Palafox)
• Wednesday, September 24: Saenger Theatre Pensacola (118 S Palafox)
• Thursday, September 25: Wahoos Stadium (351 W Cedar)

All event attendees will receive a copy of Building a Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change is Changing America.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Saenger Theatre Pensacola, 118 South Palafox Street, Pensacola, United States