Leading with Civility in Changing Times
Every day, local leaders are called to make decisions that shape the health, safety, and future of their communities. Those decisions are becoming more complex as we navigate challenges including natural disasters, infrastructure needs, workforce changes and polarization.
At The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, we believe the key to addressing these challenges lies in civility and adaptability. That’s why I’m honored to invite leaders from across the country to join us for the 2026 National Civility Summit for Local Government, to be held virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, from 1 – 4 p.m. CT.
This annual event, co-hosted by The Ray Center, the Iowa League of Cities and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, brings together mayors, city council members, administrators, clerks, chamber officials and community leaders who are committed to strengthening the communities they serve.
Adaptability in a Changing Environment
The theme of this year’s Summit, “Adaptability in a Changing Environment,” is certainly timely. Leaders today face uncertainty at every turn — economic shifts, demographic changes, technological advances including the impact of AI, natural disasters and societal pressures that can test even the most experienced teams.
The Summit is designed to help local leaders navigate those challenges with confidence and character. Through practical frameworks, shared stories, and peer discussions, participants will explore how to:
- Lead with integrity and purpose amid disruption
- Build and maintain public trust
- Engage teams and residents with empathy and clarity
- Strengthen collaboration across sectors and communities
Civility is foundationally about respect, listening, and productive engagement. Civility is also learning how to disagree without being disagreeable and seeking understanding, if not resolution, to our most pressing challenges. When leaders demonstrate civility, they create space for creative solutions and community trust to grow.
A National Conversation from the Heart of Iowa
We are proud to host this national conversation from Des Moines, a community that exemplifies the power of partnership. In association with The Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy at Drake and in collaboration with the Iowa League of Cities and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the National Civility Summit has become a space where local leaders from across the country can learn, connect and build resilience together.
What makes this event special is that it’s not theoretical. Every session is designed with the real-world demands of local governance in mind. Participants leave with practical tools and strategies they can put to work immediately — whether that’s improving communication with their constituents, strengthening team culture, or rebuilding trust after a challenging moment.
An Invitation to Lead with Character
At The Ray Center, our mission is to improve civility through character development and ethical leadership. The National Civility Summit is one of the ways we live out that mission — by equipping those on the front lines of civic leadership with the tools and inspiration to lead well.
If you serve your community and believe in the power of respectful dialogue and resilient leadership, I hope you’ll join us on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026.
Sign up today to receive updates and be the first to know when registration opens. Together, we can continue building communities where civility and collaboration make a lasting difference.
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