Clever Communities Workshop 2026

A two-day workshop dedicated to rediscovering the Forgotten Fundamentals of Economic Development. This first-of-its-kind workshop, held at Tyler Station in Dallas, Texas, focuses on how communities physically grow, create robust pipelines of promising entrepreneurs, and foster the development of businesses that keep profits local. Attendees will learn to leverage these tools for community benefit and navigate common hurdles to developing a diversified economy that is both anti-fragile and less dependent upon the fortunes of other communities. The workshop offers a comprehensive understanding of factors driving land value, actionable tools to change policy for entrepreneurship, a network of doers focused on economic development, methodology to map tax yield, and an action plan to convert existing economic potential into economic growth. Confirmed sessions include presentations from professionals at the forefront of local business development, including Strong Towns, the Institute for Local Self Reliance, Urban 3, and Cities Work, among others. Sessions will take the form of lectures, round tables, and project tours, along with evening dinners and cocktail receptions. Lunch is provided both days.