The 2nd Annual Inclusive Growth Summit
THE POWER OF
THE NEXT STEP
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale
3 p.m.–8 p.m.
The 2nd Annual Inclusive Growth Summit convenes leaders across business, education, healthcare, housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, climate and green energy, transportation, technology, and public policy to define what inclusive growth means for New Haven and identify actionable strategies that strengthen economic participation and opportunity for all residents.
REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!
Inclusive growth requires intentional next steps
This year’s theme, The Power of the Next Step, reflects the importance of practical action, cross-sector collaboration, and sustained momentum in building a stronger regional economy.
The Inclusive Growth Summit is designed to move beyond conversation alone. This convening will bring together leaders from various sectors to define what inclusive growth means for Greater New Haven, identify key priorities and opportunities, and develop actionable strategies to achieve a shared vision for the region’s future.
At a time of rapid economic, technological, and demographic change, the Summit creates space to remove silos, strengthen partnerships, and collectively shape a future where economic growth benefits all residents, leaving no one behind.
WHY THIS SUMMIT MATTERS
Inclusive growth is not a single initiative. It is a regional strategy.
The future competitiveness of the City of New Haven depends on whether institutions, employers, entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, and community leaders can work together to create pathways that are sustainable, scalable, and shared.
The Inclusive Growth Summit exists to accelerate that work.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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Action-oriented conversations and breakout sessions
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Cross-sector networking with regional leaders and changemakers
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Practical strategies and implementation-focused ideas
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Emerging trends shaping the future economy
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Opportunities for partnership and collaboration
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Insight into regional economic priorities and innovation ecosystems
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
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Business leaders and employers
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Economic development professionals
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Entrepreneurs and founders
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Educators and workforce leaders
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Healthcare and housing stakeholders
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Public sector and civic leaders
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Transportation and infrastructure professionals
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Climate and clean energy innovators
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Nonprofit and community leaders
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Investors and philanthropic partners
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Residents interested in shaping Greater New Haven’s future economy
WHY NEW HAVEN, WHY NOW
New Haven stands at an important moment of opportunity.
As industries evolve and new economic drivers emerge, the region has an opportunity to build a future rooted in innovation, resilience, and broader participation in economic growth for all.
The Inclusive Growth Summit brings together the leaders, institutions, and ideas necessary to help shape what comes next.
LAST YEAR’S IMPACT
140+
Participants joined from across business, education, healthcare, housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, climate and green energy, transportation, technology, and public policy
+27%
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15M
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890
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What Participant's Said
I'm actually really excited about this opportunity to be able to share with other stakeholders about what inclusive growth means to me.
Rev. Scott Marks,
Director
New Haven Rising
People were very open and honest and willing to contribute and had a willingness to engage with both big-picture vision for what could be better and different, and also with some of the minutia on the ground that you have to deal with in order to effectuate change.
Anika Singh Lemar,
Clinical Professor Law,
Yale Law School
And that was really beneficial because we need people working at all levels to actually make the change that we want to have and have it be informed by the people who are most negatively impacted by the inequities in our society and also with support from people who are in positions of power to make that change.
Tagan Engel,
Economic, Food and Environmental Justice Strategist
On-Ramps to Economic Mobility
Intentional participation in the economy depends on nonnegotiable conditions such as housing stability, early talent pipelines, workforce readiness, and dignity.
These sessions examine place-based approaches that move beyond short-term services toward durable economic mobility and long-term participation in the economy.
2026 SUMMIT TRACKS
CALL FOR SPEAKERS
Help Shape the Conversation on Inclusive Growth
The 2026 Inclusive Growth Summit is now accepting speaker proposals from leaders, practitioners, innovators, and cross-sector collaborators whose work is helping shape a more inclusive and economically competitive future.
We are seeking engaging sessions, case studies, conversations, and actionable insights aligned with this year’s theme: The Power of the Next Step.
Selected speakers will join regional leaders across business, education, healthcare, housing, workforce development, climate and clean energy, transportation, entrepreneurship, and public policy.
Proposal Deadline:
June 17, 2026
AGENDA
Stay Tuned For Our Full Agenda.
Cobalt
Lemon
Peach
OUR PARTNERS
Thank you to our Partners
FAQ
Omni Hotel New Haven at Yale
155 Temple Street,
New Haven, Connecticut, 06510The Summit will take place from 3 p.m.–8 p.m.
There will be parking available. Check back for details.
Business or business casual attire is recommended.
Please email your questions to summit@ignewhaven.org.