Next community conversation will explore what it takes to lead transformational change — and what Janesville can learn from other cities.
Janesville has come a long way. But where do we go from here?
That question will be at the center of Forward Janesville's next CivicCon event, "Reaching for the Future: Leading Change," on Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Janesville Performing Arts Center.
Our featured speaker, Tom Murphy, knows a thing or two about helping a community reinvent itself.
As Mayor of Pittsburgh from 1994-2006, Murphy helped lead the transformation of a city that had suffered enormous population and job losses following the decline of its steel industry. Today, Pittsburgh's evolution offers lessons for communities seeking to build new economic opportunities while embracing their unique identities.
Murphy, now a senior fellow at the Urban Land Institute, will share insights from his experience in Pittsburgh and examples of transformative initiatives in three other U.S. cities.
And he'll explore a question that's especially relevant to Janesville: What does it take to create a vision for a community's future — and who is responsible for leading the change?
A Conversation That Matters for Janesville
Janesville knows what it means to face significant economic challenges.
The Great Recession and General Motors' closure forced our community to confront difficult questions about its future. In the years since, Janesville has worked to stabilize neighborhoods, rebuild its economy and invest in the quality of life that makes our community a place where people want to live, work and grow.
That progress has created new opportunities. It has also raised new questions about what comes next.
How do we build on the momentum we've created? What should our community aspire to become? And how do we bring people together to turn a shared vision into meaningful action?
Those are the kinds of questions CivicCon was created to explore.
Lessons in Leadership and Transformation
During his presentation, Murphy will draw from Pittsburgh's transformation and examine major community development initiatives in three additional U.S. cities.
While the projects were different, they shared a common theme: transformational change requires vision and leadership.
In some communities, that leadership came from local government. In others, businesses or higher education institutions helped lead the way.
Murphy's presentation will explore how different groups can work together to achieve ambitious goals, overcome obstacles and move their communities forward.
Join the Conversation Nov. 19
CivicCon Janesville is free and open to the public. Whether you're a business owner, community leader, student or resident who cares about Janesville's future, we encourage you to be part of this conversation.
REGISTER HERE
Event: CivicCon Janesville — Reaching for the Future: Leading Change
Featured Speaker: Tom Murphy, former Mayor of Pittsburgh
Date: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026
Location: Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., Janesville
About CivicCon Janesville
Launched in January 2026, CivicCon brings national experts to Janesville to share insights, encourage informed discussion and help residents, businesses and civic leaders explore the issues shaping our community's future.
Our first event, "Making Cities: Design Matters," explored the role of thoughtful design and planning in building vibrant communities. Our second event, "The Affordable City," focused on housing affordability and solutions to one of our region's most pressing challenges.
Now, with "Reaching for the Future: Leading Change," we're turning our attention to the vision, leadership and collaboration needed to keep moving Janesville forward.
Because building a stronger community is work we all have a stake in.