2026 Urban Forum – Public Service in a Changing America

On April 22nd, 2026 the Urban Forum was held on UIC's campus. The 2026 Urban Forum explored the current state of the public sector, its nuances, and an ethical vision for a thriving future in public service. In the past year, we have witnessed a sweeping attack on the U.S. public sector and those who work in it. The dedicated individuals who serve the public play a key role in safeguarding civic life and advancing the common good. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this year's Urban Forum highlighted how it is more important than ever to reaffirm a commitment to public service, which helps society align its public policies and values.

The UIC Urban Forum has a history of deliberating important questions facing today’s cities. Look below to view highlights and pictures from the forum.

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Joe Hoereth - Director, Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement, University of Illinois Chicago

Marie Lynn Miranda - Chancellor,  University of Illinois Chicago

Stacey Swearingen White, Dean, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, University of Illinois Chicago

Panel 1 Discussion: Public Service in a Healthy Democracy
Clarisol Duque, State Director, Office of U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin

Rene Leyva, President-Elect, Illinois Library Association

Rebekah Scheinfeld, CEO and President, Civic Consulting Alliance

Deanna Shoss, Director of Communications and Outreach, Office of Inspector General (moderator)

Keynote Address
Brian Whittaker, Founder and Executive Director, Humans of Public Service (HOPS)

Panel 2 Discussion: The Next Generation of Public Service
Kate Albrecht, Assistant Professor, Public Policy, Management and Analytics, UIC (moderator)

Kari Branham, Administrator of Research, Evaluation, & Innovation, IDHS

Emily Egan, AICP, Director of Community Development, Village of Wilmette

Kevin Jackson, Village Manager, Oak Park

Drew Williams-Clark, Director, Build Up Cook, Bureau of Asset Management, Cook County

Lightning Talk Presentations

Katie Bell, Associate Director of Project Development, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways
Karlia Brown, Senior Research Specialist, Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy, UIC
Liz DeChant, Assistant Director of Economic Development, Village of Schaumburg
Lindsay Hollander, Assistant Deputy Bureau Chief, Financial Research and Analysis, Cook County Bureau of Finance
Joe van Dyk, Executive Director, South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority
Ana Maria Vasquez-Gomez, Mental Health Practitioner, Healing Journeys Program, Marjorie Kovler Center-Heartland Alliance International
Reuben Waddy, Vice President and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Director, SomerCor

Follow this link to learn more and view photos from the event!

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About the UIC Urban Forum

As a major research university in the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) 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.