Equity summits amplify the significant achievements and strategic breakthroughs of the equity movement, allowing us to learn from each other, strengthen our movement, and accelerate progress.

History and Relevance

Launched in partnership with the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities, the PolicyLink Summit was founded as the first national convening to position equity, the environment, and the economy on equal footing. In turn, the Summits have garnered a reputation as the touchstones of the equity movement. The six prior national summits defined the leading edge of practice, policy, and research over the last 20 years. 

• 2018: Chicago – "Our Power. Our Future. Our Nation." (+3000 attendees); Summit Photo Essay, Plenaries, and Agenda

• 2015: Los Angeles – "All in for Inclusion, Justice, and Prosperity" (3,000 attendees)

• 2011: Detroit – "Healthy Communities, Strong Regions, A Prosperous America" (2,500 attendees)

• 2008: New Orleans – "Regional Equity 08: The Third National Summit on Equitable Development, Social Justice, and Smart Growth" (1,800 attendees)

• 2005: Philadelphia  – "Advancing Regional Equity: The Second National Summit on Equitable Development, Social Justice, and Smart Growth" (1,200 attendees)

• 2002: Los Angeles – "Promoting Regional Equity: A National Summit on Equitable Development, Social Justice, and Smart Growth" (650 attendees)