Civic Leader Summit

Civic Leader Summit October 6 - 8 | Pensacola, FL
A great community is a safe place to land, a source for local solutions and a base for economic stability.

The Summit offers up two days packed with fresh ideas and proven best practices for making yours even better.

Back for a second year in collaboration with Towns, the Civic Leader Summit is returning to Pensacola October 6 through...
08/26/2026

Back for a second year in collaboration with Towns, the Civic Leader Summit is returning to Pensacola October 6 through October 8.

This conference brings together community leaders, elected officials, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and engaged citizens for two days of inspiring keynotes, breakout sessions, and meaningful connections, all focused on building brighter futures for our communities.

Whether you're passionate about housing, economic development, civic engagement, or placemaking, you'll gain practical tools and ideas to help make your community more vibrant.

Learn more and register at the link: www.civicleadersummit.com

At the Civic Leader Summit, trauma surgeon Matt Schaeffer will take attendees inside the aftermath of traffic violence, ...
08/25/2026

At the Civic Leader Summit, trauma surgeon Matt Schaeffer will take attendees inside the aftermath of traffic violence, from emergency response and critical care to the longer-term impacts on victims, families, and communities.

Drawing on his experience treating critically injured patients at one of the country’s busiest trauma centers, Matt will connect what he sees in the operating room to the choices we make about how our streets are designed.

This interactive breakout session will explore how communities can better understand the true consequences of dangerous design and take practical steps to make streets safer for everyone.

Register now to secure your spot at the Civic Leader Summit, Oct. 6-8 in downtown Pensacola: www.civicleadersummit.com

What happens when a community treats trails as essential infrastructure, not just an amenity?Over the past two decades, ...
08/19/2026

What happens when a community treats trails as essential infrastructure, not just an amenity?

Over the past two decades, Northwest Arkansas has built more than 200 miles of paved trails and 500 miles of soft-surface trails, transforming the region into a nationally recognized destination for cycling and outdoor recreation.

At the Civic Leader Summit, Erin Rushing and David Criswell will describe how long-term vision, strategic investment, and strong partnerships helped create a trail network that supports economic development, active living, social connection, and a stronger sense of place.

You’ll also hear about the challenges that come with rapid growth and what other communities can learn from Northwest Arkansas’ experience.

Learn more and register for the Civic Leader Summit at the link: www.civicleadersummit.com

How much history can you find within a mile of downtown Pensacola? More than you might think.At the Civic Leader Summit,...
08/12/2026

How much history can you find within a mile of downtown Pensacola? More than you might think.

At the Civic Leader Summit, Pensacola Historian Joe Vinson will lead participants through Plaza Ferdinand, Historic Pensacola Village, and Palafox Street, sharing the stories behind familiar places and pointing out pieces of the past that are easy to walk right by.

Whether you’re a Pensacola local or visiting for the Summit, you’ll come away seeing downtown through a new lens and with a better understanding of the history hiding in plain sight.

Space is limited for this walking tour, so reserve your spot using the link: https://forms.gle/knowsQn1nfHZdGdk8

There's less than one week left to secure your early-bird ticket to the Civic Leader Summit!Register by August 15 to sav...
08/10/2026

There's less than one week left to secure your early-bird ticket to the Civic Leader Summit!

Register by August 15 to save on two days of new ideas, connections, and practical strategies for making your community a better place to live.

Click the link to secure your spot today: www.civicleadersummit.com

The urban renaissance has reached Pensacola’s historic downtown, offering opportunities and lessons for a approach to ...
08/07/2026

The urban renaissance has reached Pensacola’s historic downtown, offering opportunities and lessons for a approach to city-building. Join local resident Christian Wagley for a walking tour through the heart of downtown and its mix of old and new.

Along the way, attendees will learn about steps taken to revitalize the area, including reduced parking requirements and public space improvements, including a recent streetscape project. We’ll also discuss the opportunity for further improvement as Pensacola embarks on comprehensive code reform.

Christian Wagley is executive director of and introduced Quint Studer to Chuck Marohn in 2017 while serving as the lead organizer during the early months of CivicCon.

Space for this walking tour is limited, so RSVP today at the link: https://forms.gle/suWTiHjtkikCfgAe8

Starting a small business shouldn't require navigating a maze of confusing regulations before you can even open your doo...
08/03/2026

Starting a small business shouldn't require navigating a maze of confusing regulations before you can even open your doors.

At the Civic Leader Summit, Zoe Tishaev and Dylan Dellisanti from the Institute for Justice's Cities Work initiative will share practical strategies for removing unnecessary barriers to entrepreneurship and creating communities where local businesses can thrive.

This interactive session will equip you with tools to identify outdated regulations, work with decision-makers, and build a more small business-friendly city.

Click the link to get your tickets today: www.civicleadersummit.com

As AI transforms the creative world, what does that mean for the artists who shape our communities' identities?Multimedi...
07/28/2026

As AI transforms the creative world, what does that mean for the artists who shape our communities' identities?

Multimedia artist Daniela de Castro and Pensacola State College Professor of Photography Kristen Regan will lead a breakout about the future of art in the age of artificial intelligence. They'll explore whether AI-generated art strengthens or weakens a community's sense of place, the ethical questions surrounding creativity and authorship, and why distinctive local artists matter more than ever as branding and visual culture become increasingly uniform.

Whether you're an artist, designer, marketer, civic leader, or simply curious about how technology is changing our communities, this session will challenge you to think differently about the intersection of creativity and sense of place.

Click the link to claim your early-bird Civic Leader Summit ticket through August 15: www.civicleadersummit.com

Historic places tell the story of a community, but preserving them takes more than good intentions.We're excited to feat...
07/22/2026

Historic places tell the story of a community, but preserving them takes more than good intentions.

We're excited to feature architects Carter Quina, Scott Sallis, and preservation advocate Nannette Chandler for a conversation on how communities can protect their historic character while embracing growth. From restoration best practices to citizen-led initiatives like the Pensacola Preservation Guild, you'll discover practical strategies for preserving the places that make your community unique.

Whether you're a planner, developer, preservation advocate, or simply someone who cares about your city's future, this session will leave you with ideas you can bring home.

Click the link to secure your early-bird ticket by August 15: www.civicleadersummit.com

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