A B O U T U S
Urban Consulate brings people together to share ideas for more just and equitable communities. Since 2016, the Consulate has hosted hundreds of conversations in Detroit, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Austin, Cincinnati & Chicagoland guided by the belief that sharing space for honest dialogue and the exchange of knowledge is necessary to transform ourselves, our communities, and our world.
Who We Are
We are people who are passionate about building more just and equitable communities. Not just the physical city—our social & civic life, too. We don't believe you can talk about the future of American life without talking about equity. It's in everything we do.
Inspired by embassies and salons of the Harlem Renaissance and the Left Bank, we gather in all kinds of spaces — from historic houses to libraries, theaters, parks & more — to amplify underrepresented voices & ideas, promote a culture of learning & exchange, and foster a greater sense of belonging & connection between people working to shape a beautiful future for all.
What We Do
We gather for learning & exchange. Our signature events are parlor talks and courageous conversations — but we've also hosted dinner & dialogues, fieldtrips, fellowships, retreats, workshops, focus groups, site visits, neighborhood walks, film screenings, podcast recordings, book discussions, civic group meetups, co-working hours & more.
We've welcomed famous national thought leaders—and almost-famous local ones. We've popped up in storefronts and libraries and lobbies — and met outside in public parks, piers & alleys.
During the pandemic, we continued gathering virtually, opening the door for more cross-city conversations. Sometimes we livestream, sometimes we record for later broadcast.
How It Works
Every new Urban Consulate series or chapter begins with three things—hosts, space & partners. In 2016, we launched as a pilot in Detroit & Philadelphia thanks to a Knight Cities grant the Knight Foundation. Since then, we’ve hosted series in Cincinnati & Chicagoland and exchanges in Austin & New Orleans.
Over the years, we’ve learned who we are—and who we are not. We are not an exclusive membership club. We are a platform for intimate, inclusive and intelligent conversations about the history & future of communities. Sometimes we gather in smaller circles, sometimes we fill auditoriums. Wherever we gather, our door is open to curious minds of all ages & lived experiences.
Why It Matters
“It used to be that people were born as part of a community and had to find their place as individuals. Now people are born as individuals, and have to find their community.” —Bill Bishop
We believe people who love their communities and want to make them more equitable is a "big tent" constituency—but too often separated by sector or geography. From urban designers & planners to artists & activists, we all share a passion for the places we live — and have much to learn from one another.
We all know the national landscape — America has grown more separated & unequal. Membership in civic groups has been declining while tears in our social fabric have pulled us apart.
We need to come together to listen & learn from one another, to share knowledge & wisdom, to exchange ideas & lessons & solutions & stories. That’s what we do.
What People Say
“Urban Consulate is a beautiful thing.” -Napoleon Maddox
We've hosted thousands of guests from all over the world to explore a diverse array of questions on how to build more just and equitable communities. Their input has helped us shape this idea from a concept to a cross-city family.
We listen to our guests. They're smart and know best what conversations need to be had, and whose voices need to be heard. From local topics to national issues, our programs are shaped by hosts and the communities we serve.