Program

Public Service in a Changing America

Criticism of “government” is a necessary part of democracy. However, what we have seen over the past year in the U.S. is more denigration than critique of the public sector and the public servants who strive to protect and advance civic life and the common good. As we begin to feel the impacts of this attack, and as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary, it is vital to recognize the enduring value of public service. The 2026 Urban Forum will engage this topic by examining the state of the public sector and an ethical vision for a robust future of public service.  

A robust commitment to public service  enables the government to fully achieve its goals while upholding its values. Staff cuts, program eliminations and a weakening of the government’s ability to address public problems all have a real  impact on local economies, communities and households. Also, when such changes are made in an uncoordinated way that paints civil servants as responsible for waste and high taxes, not only is the impact worse, but it removes a key aspect of the incentive for public service – a sense of duty to others. In many ways, a healthy democracy hinges on its ability to support basic needs like good health, public safety, and income security. 

The UIC Urban Forum has a history of deliberating important questions facing today’s cities. Join us for the 2026 event, where leaders from the community, academics, businesses, policymakers and public managers in civil society will take stock of this trend and offer ideas to counter it. 

Click here to learn more about today’s speakers.

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Registration & Networking

• Box Lunch will be available

12:15 – 12:25 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks

Stacey Swearingen White, Dean, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, University of Illinois Chicago

Marie Lynn Miranda, Chancellor, University of Illinois Chicago

Joe Hoereth, Director, Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement, University of Illinois Chicago

12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Panel 1 Discussion: Public Service in a Healthy Democracy

Clarisol Duque, State Director, Office of U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin

Rene Leyva, President-Elect, Illinois Library Association

Rebekah Scheinfeld, CEO and President, Civic Consulting Alliance

Deanna Shoss, Director of Communications and Outreach, Office of Inspector General (moderator)

1:20 – 1:50 p.m. Keynote Address

Brian Whittaker, Founder and Executive Director, Humans of Public Service

1:50 – 2:05 p.m. Break

2:05 – 2:50 p.m. Panel 2 Discussion: The Next Generation of Public Service

Kate Albrecht, Assistant Professor, Public Policy, Management and Analytics, UIC (moderator)

Kari Branham, Administrator of Research, Evaluation, & Innovation, IDHS

Emily Egan, AICP, Director of Community Development, Village of Wilmette

Kevin Jackson , Village Manager, Oak Park

Drew Williams-Clark, Director, Build Up Cook, Bureau of Asset Management, Cook County

2:55 – 3:00 p.m. Introductory Remarks – Lightning Talks

Joe Hoereth, Director, Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement, University of Illinois Chicago

3:00 to  3:45 p.m. Lightning Talk Presentations

Katie Bell, Associate Director of Project Development, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways

Karlia Brown, Senior Research Specialist, Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy, University of Illinois Chicago

Liz DeChant, Assistant Director of Economic Development, Village of Schaumburg

Lindsay Hollander, Assistant Deputy Bureau Chief, Financial Research and Analysis, Cook County Bureau of Finance

Joe Van Dyk, Executive Director, South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority

Ana Maria Vasquez-Gomez, Mental Health Practioner, Healing Journeys Program, Marjorie Kovler Center, Heartland Alliance International

Reuben Waddy, Vice President and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Director, SomerCor

3:45 p.m. Closing Remarks