Local Power, Shared Futures Convening - FAQ
We’re looking forward to coming together with advocates, organizers, and thinkers for the Local Power, Shared Futures Preemption + Home Rule Strategy Summit, held May 4-7, 2026 in Nashville, TN. This convening is hosted by the Local Solutions Support Center and Local Progress.
We know travel and gatherings right now can come with a lot of questions.
We’ve put this page together to make things as clear and smooth as possible, and we’re here if anything feels unclear or you need support.
Event Basics
When is the convening?
May 4–7, 2026.
Where is it taking place?
Nashville, TN. Hotel and venue details will be shared in your confirmation materials.
When should I arrive?
We recommend arriving on Monday, May 4. There will be a light arrival flow and an optional gathering that evening at 6PM CT.
When does programming start?
Formal programming begins at 9am the morning of Tuesday, May 5 with breakfast beginning at 8am.
When should I depart?
The convening will wrap at 12pm on Thursday, May 7.
Hotel + Lodging
Do I need to book my own hotel?
Participants are responsible for booking their own hotel accommodations unless you are a confirmed scholarship recipient. Please reference your confirmation materials for the hotel booking link or email ops@supportdemocracy.org.
The deadline for booking in our hotel room block is APRIL 13, 2026.
If your scholarship includes lodging, your room has been coordinated for you. No additional action is needed unless otherwise noted. Stay tuned for a confirmation email directly from the hotel.
Travel + Stipend
Will my travel be covered?
If you received a scholarship or travel support, you will receive a travel stipend to support your flights and/or travel costs.
How does reimbursement work?
We are structuring travel scholarships as stipends to provide you with funds upfront and to allow you the greatest flexibility in how you allocate them. Details on the stipend process - including how to submit your information and timing for disbursement - will be shared with scholarship recipients once approved and registered.
Food + Schedule
Will meals be provided?
Yes - breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments will be provided during programming days. Appetizers will be provided at the Monday and Tuesday social events; heavy appetizers will be provided at the Wednesday social event.
Will dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes - please share any dietary needs during registration so we can plan accordingly.
Are there evening events?
Yes - there will be optional evening gatherings and opportunities to connect.
What to Expect
What should I bring?
Just yourself, your curiosity, and anything you need to be comfortable. Because this is a strategy session and not a traditional conference with hybrid in-person and virtual working sessions, you will likely want to bring mobile technology (phone, tablet, laptop, and charger(s)) to participate in online collaboration spaces. We will have ample charging options in the meeting room.
What online collaboration tools will we use during the convening?
At various points throughout the summit, we will use Zoom facilitation tools, screen sharing, and online collaboration tools: Mural, Mentimeter, and EasyRetro. You can review online tutorials for Mural, Mentimeter, and EasyRetro to explore their functionality before the convening. We will also ask folks to think and write at key points during the convening. Please bring a pen and paper or other supplies to participate fully.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code - come as you are. Comfortable and practical is great. Hotels can often vary in temperature during the day or between rooms; we encourage folks to bring layers. Optional recommendation to bring your boots! 🤠
Getting Around Nashville
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport. Rideshare options (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are readily available.
Are there things to do nearby?
Yes! We’ll share a list of local recommendations, including restaurants and events happening during your stay.
For additional ideas, you can explore local events happening during the week of the convening here:
Safety + Travel Considerations
What should I know about traveling right now?
We recognize that travel - especially right now - can come with additional considerations. We are actively thinking about participant safety and working to create a supportive and low-risk environment throughout the convening.
What if I have concerns about travel or safety?
Please reach out to us directly. We’re happy to talk through any concerns and support you in making the decision that feels right for you.
Will there be support on-site?
Yes - we will have on-site support and clear points of contact throughout the convening. We have secured additional EMS and de-escalation security services to aid us in supporting the health and well-being of our participants. These individuals are also trained and experienced in navigating encounters with federal law enforcement.
Accessibility + Accommodations
How do I request an accommodation?
Please share any accessibility needs during registration or reach out directly. We will work with you to ensure you can fully participate.
What accommodations already exist at the property?
The hotel specifies that the main entrance, meeting spaces, restaurants, rooms, business center, and fitness center are all accessible. It also specifies the accessibility of guest rooms. For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas, or special services relating to a specific disability, please reach out via email at ops@supportdemocracy.org.
Community + Expectations
This convening is a space grounded in care, openness, and shared learning. We ask participants to show up with respect for one another and a willingness to engage thoughtfully.
Code of Conduct
ADOPTED BY LOCAL PROGRESS IN JANUARY 2020
ADAPTED FOR LOCAL POWER, SHARED FUTURES CODE OF CONDUCT MAY 2026 SUMMIT
The organizers of Local Power, Shared Futures: Preemption & Home Rule Strategy Summit are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of participants’ different identities and characteristics, including gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion.
We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature; verbal, visual, or physical threats or the use of physical force; conduct which creates a disturbance that is dangerous to others; or verbal, visual, or physical conduct that constitutes racial, religious, ethnic, gender or other identity-based slurs or insults.
PROHIBITED CONDUCT: As a participant in this event, you agree that you will not engage in harassment, as described above, at any venues or activities (including informal or social or on social media) related to the event.
PROCESS FOR REPORTING HARASSMENT: If you experience harassment or witness harassment during this event, please report it to any member of the Safety Team. The Safety Team will be made up of members of the event planning team, reflecting the diversity of our network. The Safety Team member will take details of the harassment and work with you to respond to the issue in a way that helps you feel safe, maintains the safety of the wider environment, and complies with our anti-harassment policy. We cannot promise confidentiality, but we can promise to take your interests into account as we determine next steps.
CONSEQUENCES OF HARASSMENT: After receiving a report of harassment, the Safety Team will conduct a quick assessment and develop next steps in response to any reports of harassment. The nature of large-scale events is that it is not usually feasible to conduct a full investigation. Consequences of identifying that a participant in the event harassed another may include:
Warning the participant who violated the policy
Restricting further participation of the person who is identified as having violated the policy in the event or in future events
Asking for the person who violated the policy to participate in a community accountability or restorative justice process after the event.
If you have questions about this policy, please contact LSSC Ops at ops@supportdemocracy.org.
Photography and Media Recording
Event organizers have retained a photographer to document the event and to take a group photo. Given the sensitive nature of this convening, we will not publicize these photos during the event; they may be used in communications afterward. By participating, you consent to be photographed. If you have any questions or would like to opt out of photography consent, or require accommodations, please contact LSSC Ops at ops@supportdemocracy.org.
Social Media Policy
Attendees are asked not to post information about this gathering on their social media accounts until after the event concludes for security and privacy purposes.
Translation Services
We are committed to making this convening accessible to all participants. Interpretation and translation services can be accommodated. Please indicate your language needs during registration so we can do our best to arrange appropriate accommodations. Services cannot be guaranteed without advance notice. If any questions regarding translation services, please reach out via email at ops@supportdemocracy.org.
Childcare Services
Please note that we are not offering childcare services during this event.
Questions + Support
If anything feels unclear or you need support at any point, please reach out - we’re here to help. Email ops@supportdemocracy.org.