A level-setting introduction to Downtown Boston - its evolution, current economic conditions, and the strategies guiding its next chapter. Hear from the Downtown Boston Alliance will share how the BID supports a vibrant urban center and the City of Boston on its policies, initiatives, and plans supporting the long-term vision for its urban core.

Explore key streets, public spaces, development sites, and revitalization initiatives, connecting the morning presentation to conditions on the ground.

Dr. Karilyn Crockett will present her work People Before Highways, which chronicles the grassroots movement that stopped Boston’s planned interstate highway expansion in the 1960s. She’ll explore how activists and urban planners reshaped the city’s physical and political landscape and helped inspire a new approach to city making centered on people and neighborhoods.

Enjoy lunch on the patio at Boston Public Market, a lively gathering place showcasing Boston’s local food community. In the event of rain, lunch will move indoors.

Explore how a major infrastructure transformation created a landmark linear park and new connections across central Boston. Leaders from the Greenway BID and Greenway Conservancy will discuss the Greenway's development, stewardship model, programming, and impact on adjacent districts.

The Delegation will break into three groups to experience the Greenway's public spaces, programming, connections, and adjacent development, with attention to how design and ongoing stewardship shape everyday use.

After a full day exploring Boston’s urban environment, the delegation will reconvene for a reception to reflect on lessons learned, exchange perspectives, and strengthen relationships before the group dinner at 7:30 pm.

Delegates will enjoy an evening at Trade, a lively modern Greek and Mediterranean restaurant overlooking the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Jody Adams, Trade features shareable Mediterranean-inspired dishes and was named Boston Magazine’s 2026 Best Neighborhood Restaurant in Downtown.