Upcoming Forum: Research Meets Community Action
Join researchers, advocates, and community leaders for a public forum on turning social research into meaningful local action.
Our annual public forum brings together researchers, advocates, neighborhood leaders, and residents to discuss how evidence can guide local action. This year’s theme — Research Meets Community Action — focuses on turning field findings into practical strategies that communities can own and implement.
Why this forum matters
Social research too often stops at publication. The forum is designed to bridge that gap: presenting rigorous findings in accessible formats, creating space for residents to respond, and identifying concrete next steps that partners can carry forward after the event.
Last year’s forum led directly to three neighborhood pilot projects and a revised outreach strategy adopted by two local agencies. We expect this year’s program to build on that momentum.
Event details
- Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (doors open at 1:30 PM)
- Location: Downtown Community Center, Main Hall
- Accessibility: ASL interpretation, childcare, and multilingual materials provided
- Cost: Free and open to the public; registration encouraged
Agenda overview
Opening session
Welcome remarks followed by a presentation of key findings from our 2026 field survey on housing insecurity and civic participation.
Panel: From data to action
Researchers, tenant organizers, and city housing staff discuss how evidence can inform policy without excluding the people most affected by it.
Breakout sessions
- Neighborhood action planning for housing stability
- Designing more accessible public meetings
- Building research partnerships with community organizations
Featured speakers
Speakers include members of our research team, leaders from partner organizations, and residents who participated in the field survey. A full speaker list will be published two weeks before the event.
How to register
Registration is free. We encourage residents, students, journalists, public officials, and community leaders to attend. Walk-ins are welcome, but registered participants will receive materials in advance and priority seating for breakout sessions.
- Visit our Get Involved page to complete the registration form
- Select your preferred breakout session topic
- Indicate any accessibility or language needs
Questions?
For media inquiries, accessibility requests, or partnership opportunities, contact our events team at events@cci-research.org. We look forward to seeing you on July 18.