2025 has brought abrupt changes in federal priorities and policies that have implications for local governments. The Trump administration has worked to freeze or rescind federal funds across a wide array of programs and prevent funds from going to local governments with policies that don’t align with its priorities. The funding uncertainty, as well as stresses from inflation and tariffs, may be starting to show: Abandonments of public projects in education, water and sewer, municipal construction and transportation jumped 223% year over year in August, Construction Dive reported.
Events for local government leaders in 2026 are designed to help you keep up with the changes and chart a path forward. They address pressing issues including smart city technology, public safety, housing and homelessness, climate action and transportation trends. These conferences give you a chance to connect with not only each other but also technologists, federal officials, finance professionals and other industry leaders. We will update this list with new events in the coming months.
To submit or update information on an event for the 2026 list, email us at [email protected]. And check out our 2025 events list for what’s happening in the last quarter of this year.
Top smart city conferences in 2026
U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting
Jan. 28-30
Washington, D.C.
Each year this meeting brings mayors to Washington to engage with the White House, the current administration and Congress on city leaders’ top priorities.
Smart Cities Connect Spring Conference & Expo
March 10-12
Raleigh, North Carolina
This event brings together policymakers, urban planners, technologists, researchers and others to discuss how smart cities can accomplish sustained, meaningful change. The conference offers six tracks: digital transformation, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity; urban operations, including waste management, sustainability and emergency response; mobility; infrastructure, including energy management and resilience; community engagement; and innovation challenges. City leaders who work directly for a municipality can attend at no cost.
Housing Opportunity Conference
March 16-17
Atlanta
Put on by the Urban Land Institute, this event allows public officials and urban planners to network with other housing industry professionals and investors to expand housing opportunities in their communities.
National League of Cities Congressional City Conference
March 16-18
Washington, D.C.
This conference provides opportunities for local leaders to connect with federal officials, policy experts and advocates for cities, towns and villages; learn about funding opportunities and hone your advocacy skills to strengthen your local-federal partnership.
AI in Local Government
April 8-10
Orlando, Florida
The expanding field of artificial intelligence presents new possibilities for transforming local government. This conference, hosted by the International City/County Management Association, examines both the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing AI in local government operations with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness.
Smart City Expo USA
April 14-15
West Palm Beach, Florida
This two-day conference and expo focuses on building smart, equitable and sustainable cities. It includes expert-led sessions and networking opportunities for government officials and industry leaders to discuss AI and data centers, research and innovation, climate resilience and how to create a strong startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is the U.S. edition of Smart City Expo World Congress.
NACTO Designing Cities Conference
May 12-15
Minneapolis
The National Association of City Transportation Officials’ annual Designing Cities Conference brings together over 1,000 people, including engineers, planners, government agency leaders, elected officials, transportation advocates and other professionals, to discuss a variety of transportation modes and topics.
Democracy and the Public Trust
May 13-15
Philadelphia
As the U.S. observes its 250th anniversary, public servants continue to navigate increasing political division within their communities. Put on by the International City/County Management Association, this conference examines the role and practices of ethical, professional local government management in politically challenging environments.
CoMotion Miami
Date TBD
Miami
Every year, this event brings together mayors, policymakers, public transit agencies, technology founders and venture capital investors to learn from those who are shaping the future of mobility.
U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting
Date TBD
Location TBD
The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ second major meeting of the year is held to adopt policy resolutions that guide the group’s advocacy work.
ITS America Conference & Expo 2026
June 9-12
Detroit
This intelligent transportation conference allows public and private sector transportation officials to learn about the implementation of new technologies and solutions that are essential for smarter and more connected transportation systems.
Cities Climate Action Summit
June 23-24
London and online
Held during London’s Climate Action Week, this event gathers city leaders, policymakers, green finance experts and technology leaders to discuss ways to build smart, resilient cities that address climate change.
Government Finance Officers Association Annual Conference
June 28-July 1
Chicago
This annual conference features expert-led sessions, interactive workshops and networking opportunities to help attendees learn, collaborate and help shape the future of government finance.
Governors Highway Safety Association 2026 Annual Meeting
Aug. 29-Sept. 2
Minneapolis
The GHSA’s annual meeting brings together roadway safety, business, government, technology, law enforcement and nonprofit leaders to collaborate and share best practices to enhance traffic safety.
National Association of State Procurement Officials Annual Conference
Date TBD
Location TBD
NASPO’s annual meeting enables procurement professionals to learn from, interact and network with state procurement staff.
MOVE America
Sept. 23-24
Detroit
MOVE America focuses on technology, business models and sustainable mobility, bringing together city and government leaders, transport system operators, investors, utilities and automakers for an opportunity to learn, innovate, partner and do business.
American Public Transportation Association TRANSform Conference
Oct. 4-7
Chicago
APTA’s annual conference brings public transportation professionals together for workshops, technical tours and networking. Education sessions address technology, community-building, funding, safety, workforce development, project management and more.
