Thursday, February 4, 2027
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Garden Club of Jacksonville
Join Scenic Jacksonville for an inspiring evening with the civic leaders, designers, planners, developers, and community advocates shaping Jacksonville’s future. Our annual signature fundraising event, The Great Cities Symposium, brings together the people who care deeply about creating a city that is scenic, resilient, and built to thrive for generations.
Featuring Keynote Speaker Mitchell Silver, FAICP
Scenic Jacksonville’s 7th Annual Great Cities Symposium features keynote speaker Mitchell Silver, FAICP, one of America’s most celebrated urban thinkers and a nationally recognized voice in city building.
With over 40 years of experience, Mitchell has shaped some of the most influential planning work in the country, serving as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Chief Planning Officer in Raleigh, NC, and president of both the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners. He’s been named one of the 100 Most Influential Urbanists in the world by Planetizen, one of the top 100 City Innovators by UBM Future Cities, and one of the top international thought leaders of the built environment by the Urban Times.
Big ideas meet great company
Each year, the Great Cities Symposium welcomes over 350 of Jacksonville’s civic leaders, business leaders, and members of the public to explore what makes cities thrive, and how we can apply those lessons here at home.
Enjoy an evening of substance, inspiration, and connection, rounded out with delicious food and tasty drinks.
A legacy of unforgettable speakers
Previous speakers at the Great Cities Symposium include some of the most influential voices in city leadership and innovation:
- Victor Dover, Dover, Kohl and Partners (2026)
- Carol Coletta, Memphis River Parks Partnership (2025)
- AG Lafley, Former CEO, Procter & Gamble (2023)
- Bob Buckhorn, Former Mayor of Tampa (2022)
- Ron Littlefield, Former Mayor of Chattanooga (2021)
- Joe Riley, Former Mayor of Charleston (2019)
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping Jacksonville’s future.
Help bring nationally recognized civic leaders to Jacksonville by becoming a sponsor of the
Great Cities Symposium.
Tickets on sale October 1, 2026
