As cities grapple with the polycrisis of climate change, inequality, housing and cost of living issues, public health crises and technological disruption alongside impacts to federal and local funding, we find ourselves at a precipice of a tipping point: continue to repair the same structures or proactively reimagine urban life. The 2026 Wharton-Weitzman Future of Cities Conference invites students, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to dream big and dig deep under the theme:

 "Reimagining Urban Futures."

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This year's theme is based on two foundational questions: what do we envision for our cities and how do we get there amidst political, socioeconomic, and environmental challenges? We aim to create space for ambitious, even "pie-in-the-sky," thinking – visions of urban futures with sustainability, equity, joy, and resilience as core principles. At the same time, we’ll explore the tactical, grounded steps required to translate these visions into reality, such as how cities and municipalities can create the futures they boldly envision for their residents.​