Join us in Charm City!

The DMO Summit offers an exciting chance for local Democrats nationwide to meet and connect. It is also the perfect opportunity for business, labor, and policy groups working with cities daily to meet and connect with some of the most engaged and influential municipal leaders from across the country!

We’ll see you in Baltimore September 9-11!

2026 DMO SUMMIT SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

Wednesday, September 9th

Campaign/Candidate Training and Vendor Fair
– 12:00 PM Registration Opens
– 12:00 PM Vendor Fair Opens
– 1:00 PM Get Out the Vote: Organizing in 2026
– 2:15 PM Winning the Internet on the Local Level
– 3:30 PM High-Impact Raising on a Small Budget
– 4:30 PM Trainings & Vendor Fair End
– 5:30 PM Welcome Reception

Thursday, September 10th

Full day of multi-track educational programming for local leaders, candidates, partners, etc.
– 8:00 AM Breakfast
– 8:00 AM Vendor Fair Opens
– 9:00 AM Welcome to Baltimore
– 10:00 AM Updates from the DMO Labor Council (Closed to Members)
– 10:00 AM Representation, Relationships, and Results: Engaging Diverse Communities
– 11:00 AM How Local Leaders can use Storytelling Techniques in the Era of Trump
– 12:00 PM Luncheon
– 1:00 PM Beyond the Buzzwords: AI and Data Centers in Your Community
– 2:00 PM Housing, Homelessness, and Hope: How Cities Are Solving the Housing Crisis
– 3:00 PM Addressing Affordability: Local Solutions for Lowering Costs
– 4:00 PM Sessions End
– 5:00 PM Vendor Fair Closes
– 5:00 PM VIP Reception
– 6:00 PM Reception

Friday, September 11th

Half day offsite excursion and hands-on training experience for local leaders and candidates
-9:30 AM Offsite Excursion – Workforce in Action: A Tour & Training Experience with Baltimore-Washington Laborers’ Joint Training Fund (Optional)
– 12:00 PM Programming Ends
*All Times Eastern

Summit Sessions | Wednesday, September 9th

Get Out the Vote: Organizing in 2026

Learn how to run a GOTV program that actually moves voters in 2026's political climate, blending digital tools with old-fashioned live organizing. The heart of this session is conversation quality: what to say, how to listen, and how to build real persuasion into every doorstep and phonebank interaction.

Winning the Internet on the Local Level

Local races are increasingly won or lost online. This session covers practical messaging and social media strategies for the critical final stretch before Election Day, plus how to keep your digital presence strong and effective in the days after polls close.

High-Impact Fundraising on a Small Budget

You don't need a massive war chest to run a winning campaign. This session breaks down how to prioritize and fund the vital tasks of a local race, from voter contact to campaign infrastructure, when working with limited resources.

Summit Sessions | Thursday, September 10th

Representation, Relationships, and Results: Engaging Diverse Communities

Strong communities are built on trust, representation, and meaningful engagement. This session will explore how local leaders are building authentic relationships across diverse communities and turning inclusive leadership into real results.

On the Frontlines: Leading Locally in the Era of Trump

As the Trump Administration continues to dismantle federal programs and institutions, local leaders remain on the frontlines of protecting their communities and delivering results. This session will explore how Democratic local officials can lead through uncertainty while advancing their priorities and defending local values.

Beyond the Buzzwords: AI and Data Centers in Your Community

Technological advancement in the form of artificial intelligence and data centers is reshaping communities and presenting new challenges for local government. This session will help local leaders evaluate these opportunities, weigh their impacts, and make informed decisions on behalf of their constituents.

Housing, Homelessness, and Hope: How Cities Are Solving the Housing Crisis

Cities are leading the way in tackling housing affordability and homelessness through innovative local solutions. This session will highlight proven strategies, lessons learned, and policies that are making a difference in communities across the country.

Addressing Affordability: Local Solutions for Lowering Costs

While Trump administration policies have made life more expensive for working families, Democratic local leaders are working to find solutions. This session will showcase practical strategies to reduce costs, expand opportunity, and deliver results for working families.

How Local Leaders can use Storytelling Techniques in the Era of Trump

With former DNC Chair Jaime Harrison & screenwriter Roger Wolfson. Candidates that break through the noise are the ones who know how to tell their story. Join us for a workshop on the narrative techniques that turn local issues into stories that resonate with voters.

Summit Sessions | Friday, September 11th

Workforce in Action: A Tour & Training Experience with Baltimore-Washington Laborers’ Joint Training Fund (BWLTF)

Join us for a special Day 3 excursion to the Baltimore-Washington Laborers’ Joint Training Fund (BWLTF), a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA). This is an opportunity to step outside the conference room and experience firsthand how LiUNA and Baltimore are investing in workforce development and preparing people with the skills needed to build and strengthen our communities.