International Missions & Regional Conferences
International Missions 2026
The American Conference of Mayors is proud to present a series of international missions designed to foster collaboration and innovation between Mayors and Business Leaders from Mexico, Latin America, and the United States.
Our 2026 missions will bring together a select group of 15 influential mayors, providing unique opportunities for professional development, networking, and cultural exchange. Each mission is a strategic deep dive into a key U.S. city, focusing on its specific strengths in business, technology, and governance.
Agenda: Mission to Santa Fe, New Mexico (March 2026) (TBC)
Registration deadline: May 14-16, 2026
Objective: Explore the intersection of cultural heritage, sustainable urban development, and local governance in a unique U.S. city.
Day 1: Arrival & Cultural Diplomacy
Morning: Arrivals at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). Transfer to Santa Fe.
Afternoon: Group check-in and orientation.
Evening: Welcome dinner with the Mayor of Santa Fe and city officials.
Focus for Mayors: Public-Private Partnerships in Tourism & Culture. A discussion on how Santa Fe leverages its rich cultural identity to drive economic growth and public revenue, and how local government partners with the private sector to manage and promote cultural assets.
Day 2: Urban Planning & Formalizing the Partnership
Focus for Mayors: This is a key opportunity for city-to-city diplomacy. The Proclamation will serve as an official record of intent, opening doors for future collaboration on specific projects.
Afternoon: Visit to New Mexico Highlands University & University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management.
Evening: Group dinner and reflection.
Morning: Official Meeting with the Mayor of Santa Fe at City Hall.
Agenda:
–Signing Ceremony: The visiting mayors will formally meet with the Mayor of Santa Fe. A “Proclamation of Friendship and Collaboration” will be signed by all participating mayors, recognizing the importance of urban diplomacy between the Americas.
–Joint Press Conference: A brief, joint press conference will be held to announce the Proclamation and highlight the goals of the mission.
–Guided Tour of City Hall: The Mayor’s office will provide a brief tour and explanation of the city’s administrative structure.
Day 3: Government Innovation & Citizen Engagement
Morning: Session with the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
Afternoon: Meeting with a Santa Fe-based community organization or non-profit focused on social services.
Evening: Farewell reception with key contacts.
Agenda: Mission to Washington, D.C. (June 2026) (TBC)
Registration deadline: September 24-26, 2026
Objective: Understand the nexus of business, government, and international policy in the U.S. capital.
Day 1: Arrival & Federal Relations
Morning: Arrivals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Afternoon: Group check-in and orientation.
Evening: Welcome dinner with representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Day 2: Diplomacy, Academia & Formalizing the Partnership
Focus for Mayors: This meeting establishes a direct line of communication with the nation’s capital, enabling mayors to advocate for their cities’ interests and learn about D.C.’s unique governance model.
Evening: Attend a reception at the Organization of American States (OAS).
Morning: Visit to Trinity Washington University.
Afternoon: Official Meeting with the Mayor of Washington, D.C. at City Hall.
Agenda:
–Ceremony & Document Exchange: The visiting mayors will present a “Letter of Understanding” to the Mayor of Washington, D.C. This document will outline mutual interests in urban policy, economic cooperation, and public administration.
–Discussion on Urban Resilience: A private roundtable discussion will be held to discuss challenges like urban migration, housing, and the role of cities in global affairs.
Day 3: Innovation in Public Services & Economic Development
Morning: Session with the Wilson Center’s Latin America Program.
Afternoon: Meeting with the Washington, D.C. Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO).
Evening: Farewell dinner and reflection.
Regional Conferences 2026
Following the successful American Conference of Majors international missions, we are proud to announce our inaugural regional conference.
Designed to bring the spirit of innovation and collaboration closer to home, the Regional Conferences take place in a different region from the Annual Summit, Conference and Expo, creating dedicated platforms for municipal leaders from across the region to share best practices, confront shared challenges, and forge a new vision for urban governance in the diverse panorama of the Americas.
Regional Conference: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (July 18-20, 2026)
This conference will serve as a dynamic forum for mayors from the Caribbean, Central America, and surrounding regions. Santo Domingo, with its rich history and modern urban challenges, provides the perfect backdrop to discuss the most pressing issues of the day.
Overview of the Conference
The Santo Domingo conference will focus on two key, interconnected topics vital to the future of Latin American cities:
Topic 1: Building Resilient and Sustainable Cities in the Face of Climate Change.
Why it’s a critical topic for mayors: Cities in the Caribbean and Central America are on the front lines of climate change. Mayors are tasked with protecting coastal communities from rising sea levels, managing water resources during extreme weather events, and building infrastructure that can withstand hurricanes and other natural disasters. This topic will explore public policy solutions for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and the transition to a greener, more sustainable urban model.
Key Areas of Discussion:
- Implementing green infrastructure and urban planning for flood control.
- Developing early warning systems and disaster management protocols.
- Financing climate-resilient projects through international and public-private partnerships.
Topic 2: Digital Transformation and Citizen-Centric Governance.
Why it’s a critical topic for mayors: Technology offers a powerful tool for improving public services, increasing government transparency, and engaging citizens. However, many municipalities in the region lack the resources or expertise for a full digital transformation. This topic will focus on practical, scalable solutions for a new era of municipal government.
Key Areas of Discussion:
- Using data and AI to optimize public services (e.g., waste management, traffic flow).
- Creating digital platforms for citizen feedback and community engagement.
- Implementing transparent and secure e-governance systems to combat corruption.
- Closing the digital divide by expanding access to broadband and digital literacy programs.
Call for Presentations and Panels
We invite mayors, municipal staff, academics, and urban policy experts to submit proposals for presentations and panels. We are seeking submissions that offer practical, scalable solutions and real-world case studies related to our two main topics.
- Submission Deadline: November 1, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: December 15, 2025
- Conference Dates: February 19-21, 2026
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