Next City Meet the 2026 Chicago Class of Next City Vanguards
July 30, 2026More than 40 changemakers from across the country will gather in September.
Next City today announces the class of 41 Vanguards who will convene in Chicago from September 22 through 25. This is Next City’s 18th Vanguard conference, an annual experiential gathering of rising urban leaders who work to improve cities across sectors.
The 2026 Vanguard fellows work in sectors including community organizing, urban planning, policy, economic development, and the arts. They hold positions at influential organizations, including the New York City Department of Transportation, Stanford University, and National Community Investment Fund. Vanguards from Chicago are working with Community Desk Chicago, UnidosUS, Cooperation Racine, the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, and other organizations.
View the entire Vanguard cohort in Next City’s directory of new members and alumni, now numbering more than 700 city-builders.