2026 Revitalize & Innovate Symposium | June 24-25

On June 24-25, USC Builds, in partnership with WinnDevelopment, will co-host the second-annual Revitalize & Innovate Symposium—a two-day, national gathering where developers, civic leaders, policymakers, financiers and social-impact innovators come together to confront a defining question: How do we build communities that are equitable, resilient and built for the future?

Taking place at Downtown Rochester’s iconic Sibley Building, the Symposium is a working forum designed to move beyond high-level discussion. Through keynote speakers, case studies, expert panels, collaborative workshops and networking opportunities, attendees gain insight into real-world strategies that drive community revitalization—affordable housing, workforce pipelines, neighborhood investment, small-business growth and more.

This year, we’re going even bigger: more voices, actionable solutions and a sharper focus on outcomes that create lasting economic mobility for residents and measurable impact for cities.

Please note: By registering for and/or attending the Revitalize & Innovate Symposium, attendees acknowledge and agree that photographs, video recordings and other media may be captured throughout the event for promotional, marketing, educational and archival purposes. These materials may be used by USC Builds and affiliated event partners across digital, print, social media, website and other communication platforms without compensation or further notice.

Attendance at the event constitutes consent to the use of your image, likeness and voice in such materials. If you have questions or concerns regarding media usage, please contact the event organizers in advance of the Symposium.

Info: Kick off the 2026 Revitalize & Innovate Symposium with an unforgettable evening at our Day 1 Opening Reception on June 24—set against the vibrant backdrop of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Taking place in Sibley Square's first floor Atrium and ClockTower Gallery areas, this happy hour brings together industry leaders, community builders and changemakers for a relaxed yet energizing start to the Symposium experience.

Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, refreshing drinks and the unmistakable energy of live music as conversations spark and connections take shape. Whether you're reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting future collaborators, this is where the tone is set—before the ideas take center stage on Day 2, June 25.

Info: Day 2 is the core of the Revitalize & Innovate Symposium—a full day of thought-provoking conversations, keynote insights and dynamic panel discussions focused on advancing inclusive, community-centered development. Attendees will hear from industry leaders, policymakers and practitioners driving real change, with content designed to move ideas into action.

As part of the day’s program, all guests are required to select one of three breakout sessions taking place during the afternoon. Each session runs concurrently, so attendance is limited to one. Please review the session descriptions and choose your preferred breakout by selecting the "Add-ons" tab during registration to reserve your spot. Availability is limited and selections will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.

Info: In this Rochester project spotlight, panelists will share what didn’t go as planned, what assumptions failed and what others consistently underestimate.

Info: In this session on institution and anchor investment, panelists will share actionable tools or models for how institutions deploy capital, navigate the tension between mission and execution, and structure investments that can be replicated and scaled.

Info: Rochester Mayor Malik Evans will join Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens in a fireside chat, and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens will share recorded remarks highlighting innovative approaches to affordable housing and urban revitalization.

Info: In this session, "Ownership, Influence & Long-Term Stewardship," panelists will examine how communities move from being consulted to actively shaping, owning and sustaining development outcomes.

Info: In this interactive workshop, "From Challenge to Roadmap," participants will define a real-world challenge, build a 12-month roadmap and assign ownership to move ideas into action. Designed for outcomes, this lab delivers clear next steps and a practical path teams can carry beyond the Symposium.

Info: This case study, "Workforce That Works: Lessons From the Field," takes a candid look at why workforce pipelines break down and what it takes to build ones that deliver. Grounded in Ascend Workforce Solutions’ proven model, it explores employer realities, common pitfalls and strategies that drive real hiring, retention and long-term opportunity.

Info: This working session, "Brownfields Without Fear: From Mega-Sites to Main Streets," features SouthWorks [Ithaca] and Beechwood [Rochester]—reframing brownfield redevelopment from barrier to opportunity. Through real projects at multiple scales, participants will see how environmental constraints can be understood, managed and leveraged as part of a viable development strategy.

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