2026 Urban Forum: Public Service in a Changing America

Criticism of “government” is a necessary part of democracy. However, what we have seen over the past year in the U.S. is more denigration than critique of the public sector and the public servants who strive to protect and advance civic life and the common good. As we begin to feel the impacts of this attack, and as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary, it is vital to recognize the enduring value of public service. The 2026 Urban Forum will engage this topic by examining the state of the public sector and an ethical vision for a robust future of public service.  

A robust commitment to public service  enables the government to fully achieve its goals while upholding its values. Staff cuts, program eliminations and a weakening of the government’s ability to address public problems all have a real  impact on local economies, communities and households. Also, when such changes are made in an uncoordinated way that paints civil servants as responsible for waste and high taxes, not only is the impact worse, but it removes a key aspect of the incentive for public service – a sense of duty to others. In many ways, a healthy democracy hinges on its ability to support basic needs like good health, public safety, and income security. 

The UIC Urban Forum has a history of deliberating important questions facing today’s cities. Join us for the 2026 event, where leaders from the community, academics, businesses, policymakers and public managers in civil society will take stock of this trend and offer ideas to counter it.

As a major research university in the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities, the University of Illinois Chicago is truly a global institution. As such, UIC has taken a lead role in convening scholars, public intellectuals, policymakers and elected officials to discuss, analyze and propose pragmatic and innovative solutions that will enhance the lives of city-dwellers around the globe.

The UIC Forum has evolved over the years. Its roots date back to 1995, when the first Forum was convened under the direction of UIC’s Great Cities Institute. In 2005, and for the following five years, UIC partnered with the City of Chicago and the Daley Family to host what was then called the UIC Richard J. Daley Urban Forum. Now, under the direction of the UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA), the UIC Urban Forum will continue the tradition of hosting a national event designed to advance the dialogue about the future of urban communities.