Thank you for your interest in Next City Vanguard, which will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, from September 23 through September 26, 2024. The Vanguard conference is an intense, immersive city experience that takes participants through tours, panels, and receptions starting early in the morning and lasting through the evening. The event is free for the cohort selected, but participants must cover travel and accommodation costs. Limited travel stipends are available based on need. 

During Vanguard in Lexington, we plan to highlight the transformative leaders who are ensuring the city’s future is equitable — and who value deepening their understanding of urban-rural interdependence. With that in mind, we expect to have hard conversations about the complexities of life in Lexington and the surrounding region and what it will take to ensure equitable development for all.

The application is simple, but it may take time to compile your thoughts and gather materials — a recent resume and a high-res (at least 400x400) headshot. (If selected to attend Vanguard, this photo will be used on the nextcity.org Vanguard directory and in the print conference program. By submitting a photo, you are consenting to Next City using your photo for communication purposes. You can see an example of what a Vanguard Profile looks like here: https://nextcity.org/vanguard/members) You can save your work and return to it.

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For more information about Vanguard, visit nextcity.org/vanguard. We look forward to getting to know you and thank you for supporting Next City!