Convenings and Gatherings

We build and strengthen the national movement for redefining public safety through dynamic convenings, on-the-ground tours, and curated gatherings that connect leaders across the field. From our Annual Convening to ecosystem-based learning spaces, we create opportunities for jurisdictions to share what’s working, deepen strategy, and align around bold action. These spaces are designed to accelerate collaboration, elevate local leadership, and move from conversation to coordinated impact.
Join Waitlist

In 2014, Cities United hosted our inaugural convening in New Orleans. These annual gatherings of mayors, elected and appointed officials, jurisdiction leads, young leaders, community partners, philanthropy, and a host of national and local leaders from around the country provide opportunities to build relationships and explore solutions to creating communities that are safe, healthy and hopeful for young Black men and boys and their families. Each year, host city mayors showcase the promising programs and best practices in their cities.

Cities United Annual Convenings

The goals of this 2 1/2 day event include:

  • To continue to provide coaching and capacity building tailored to meet the goals of partner jurisdictions.
  • To highlight replicable strategies and initiatives for Mayors, Elected & Appointed Officials, and Jurisdictions Leads to take back to their municipalities  to further reduce the disparities and improve outcomes for young Black men and boys.
  • To strengthen the local and national network of organizations and individuals working to create safe, healthy and hopeful communities.
  • To provide opportunities for mayors and other cohorts of key stakeholders to have honest dialogues and hold each other accountable.

If you have questions about the convening, please contact info@citiesunited.org.

building safe, healthy & hopeful communities for young Black men & boys & their families

2025
Louisville
Hosted by Mayor Craig Greenberg
THEME:
Public Safety Redefined: Shifting the Narrative
Dates:
October 28-31, 2025
Attendees:
1300
Anthony Smith’s 10-year anniversary & homecoming to the founding city
2024
Seattle
Hosted by Mayor Bruce Harrell
THEME:
Public Safety Redefined: Shifting the Narrative
Dates:
October 2–4, 2024
Attendees:
1100
Launch of the Leading the Way Tour & focus on CVI ecosystems
2023
Atlanta
Hosted by Mayor Andre Dickens
THEME:
Equipping Cities to Lead: Learning Inspires Action
Dates:
October 25–26, 2023
Attendees:
800
10th Anniversary Celebration & Inaugural Sneaker Ball
2022
Baltimore
Hosted by Mayor Brandon Scott
THEME:
Elevating Our Collective Power: Advancing an Interconnected System
Dates:
October 26–28, 2022
Attendees:
500
1st in-person gathering post-pandemic & site visits to Center for Hope
2021
Denver
Hosted by Mayor Michael Hancock
THEME:
Made for this Moment: Investing in the Vision
Dates:
October 20-22, 2021
Attendees:
Virtual Audience
10th Anniversary of Cities United!
2020
Louisville
Hosted by Mayor Greg Fischer
THEME:
Reimagining Public Safety
Dates:
September 23-25, 2020
Attendees:
300 registered
1st virtual convening & Celebration of Anthony Smith's 5-year anniversary
2019
Hampton
Hosted by Mayor Donnie Tuck
THEME:
The Journey Continues
Dates:
August 21-23, 2019
Attendees:
425
Commemoration of the 400th anniversary of African Arrival
2018
Knoxville
Hosted by Mayor Madeline Rogero
THEME:
Uniting Leaders for Change
Dates:
August 22-24, 201
Attendees:
400
Opening of the Change Center
2017
Minneapolis
Hosted by Mayor Betsy Hodges
THEME:
United for Change
Dates:
August 23-25, 2017
Attendees:
375
Aligning of Black and Native American communities
2016
Birmingham
Hosted by Mayor William A. Bell
THEME:
The Fierce Urgency of Now
Dates:
May 4-6, 2016
Attendees:
310
Civil Rights Tour & March for Hope
2015
Philadelphia
Hosted by Mayor Michael A. Nutter
THEME:
Mobilizing for Change
Dates:
April 29-May 1, 2015
Attendees:
325
Mayor's call with President Barack Obama
2014
New Orleans
Hosted by Mayor Mitch Landrieu
THEME:
Why We Can't Wait
Dates:
February 26-27, 2014
Attendees:
225
Keynote from Honorable Eric Holder, Secretary, U.S. Department of Justice

Scenes from
‍2025 Convening

Watch powerful moments from the convening—from plenary sessions to young leaders, to cultural activations to breakout discussions

Watch the convening