FALL 2026 MEMBER MEETING THEME
The U.S. has been experiencing rapid demographic, technological, political, economic, and social shifts over the last few years. Amid all this upheaval, we cannot assume that what we thought we knew about Americans still holds. Fortunately, Americans are signaling what kind of country and communities they want to live in through their votes, their responses to polls and surveys, and the ways they choose to participate—or not—in civic life. Our work as funders is to read these signals and understand what they are telling us, as well as to imagine and build what comes next.
PACE’s Fall 2026 Member Meeting will gather funders together to better understand how Americans are thinking about our country right now, drawing on fresh analysis of the Midterm Elections, the lived experiences of Detroit and Michigan residents, and new research on the Exhausted Majority. Underlying all of it—and inspired by the economic and cultural revitalization of our host city—will be a question we know many members are actively wrestling with: What is the role of the economy in shaping Americans’ attitudes toward democracy and civic life, and what does that mean for civic funders moving forward?
Our time will include great talks by strategists and researchers, huddles on topics of your choice, and casual opportunities to connect with other sophisticated civic funders over coffee and cocktails.
The backdrop to our time together will be Detroit, Michigan—a city that offers a shining example of resilience and revitalization. Shaped by the people and industries that transformed it into a global city, Detroit reminds us that thriving communities are built by people, over time, with lots of reinvention along the way. This is an essential reminder to anchor our time together.
We are thrilled to be hosting the Fall 2026 Member Meeting with support and guidance from PACE’s Michigan-based members and partners: Kresge Foundation, New Economy Initiative, Song Foundation, Mott Foundation, and the Ford Foundation.
MEETING LOGISTICS
PACE’s Fall 2026 Member Meeting will take place at The Department at Hudson’s, 1000 Nick Gilbert Way, Detroit, MI 48226.
The agenda includes all the details of our time together, and here are the components at a glance for scheduling:
- Tuesday, November 17, 5-7pm: Welcome reception
- Wednesday, November 18, 9am-4pm: Member Meeting – day 1 program
- Wednesday, November 18, 6-8pm: Dinner
- Thursday, November 19, 9am-4pm: Member Meeting – day 2 program
PACE will provide the program and meals during the event. Participants are asked to cover travel and accommodations. Suggested hotels in walking distance to Hudson’s:
- Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown (0.3 miles)
- Atheneum Suite Hotel (0.3 miles)
- Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown, by IHG (0.3 miles)
- Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center (0.6 miles)
We are looking forward to hosting you for this timely event. Reach out if you have any questions by emailing us at info@PACEfunders.org.
Please register to join us by completing this form for each attendee.
