USC Builds and WinnDevelopment to co-host 2026 Revitalize & Innovate Symposium June 24-25 at Sibley Square
Two-day national gathering will focus on inclusive development, workforce innovation and community revitalization
Rochester, N.Y., June 8, 2026—As cities across the country grapple with housing pressures, workforce shortages, economic inequality and the long-term impacts of disinvestment, leaders from government, development, construction, workforce and community sectors will gather in Rochester June 24-25 for the 2026
Revitalize & Innovate Symposium—a two-day national convening focused on the future of equitable growth and community-centered revitalization.
Hosted by USC Builds and WinnDevelopment at the historic Sibley Square, the Symposium will bring together developers, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, workforce organizations, institutional partners and civic changemakers for candid conversations around what it takes to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Organizers say the Symposium is intentionally designed as a working gathering—one that prioritizes practical implementation strategies, cross-sector collaboration and actionable dialogue.
“Last year’s Symposium proved there is a real appetite for honest, solutions-focused conversations about the future of our communities,” says Melissa Suchodolski, president of USC Builds and founder of the Revitalize & Innovate Symposium. “Too often, conversations about revitalization happen in silos—separated by sector, geography or perspective. This Symposium was created to bring people into the same room to examine what’s working, what isn’t and what it truly takes to build communities where growth, community and investment are shared more equitably. Rochester has an important story to tell and we believe this city can help catalyze broader conversations happening across the country.”
The two-day experience will begin June 24 with an opening reception set against the backdrop of Rochester’s International Jazz Festival—creating space for attendees from across industries and regions to build relationships and exchange ideas in a more informal setting.
On June 25, attendees will participate in a full-day main program featuring panel discussions, project spotlights, breakout sessions and candid conversations examining workforce innovation, economic mobility, brownfield redevelopment, public-private collaboration and equitable community investment strategies.This year’s Symposium will feature a fireside conversation with Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans and Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens focused on leadership, collaboration and the future of New York communities. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens will also provide recorded remarks as part of the program.
Attendees will also examine redevelopment models and community-centered initiatives from cities across the country while participating in interactive breakout sessions designed to encourage collaboration, real-world problem-solving and measurable next steps.
“At WinnDevelopment, we believe strong communities are built through intentional investment, meaningful collaboration and a long-term commitment to people and place,” says Ken Greene, vice president of commercial development. “We’re proud to co-host this year’s Symposium at Sibley Square, a project that reflects the power of adaptive reuse and community reinvestment, and to welcome leaders from across the country to Rochester for conversations that we believe are both timely and necessary.”
In addition to serving as the Symposium venue, Sibley Square will also be featured as a redevelopment project spotlight, with attendees invited to participate in an optional guided site tour during the event.
The Symposium continues to position Rochester as a hub for collaborative dialogue around revitalization, economic opportunity and equitable growth while creating space for national and regional leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and explore scalable models for long-term community impact.
Day 1 Highlights – June 24: Sibley Square | 4 to 8 p.m.
- Opening Reception & JazzFest Happy Hour
- Networking with national and regional leaders, developers, civic partners and changemakers
Day 2 Highlights – June 25: Sibley Square | 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Full-Day Symposium & main program featuring panels, case studies and breakout sessions
- Featured fireside conversation with Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans and Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens
- Recorded remarks from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
- Sibley Square redevelopment project spotlight
- Interactive sessions focused on workforce innovation, redevelopment and implementation strategies
- Optional lunchtime Sibley Square site tour
Registration is now open and space is limited. For sponsorship opportunities, email jo@uscbuilds.com.
About USC Builds
Rooted in the principles of Unity, Social impact and Craftsmanship, USC Builds [formerly US Ceiling Corp] is a pioneering force in the construction industry—breaking systemic barriers, transforming communities and delivering excellence for 25 years. Headquartered in the vibrant city of Rochester, N.Y., with expanding operations in Ithaca, USC Builds specializes in subcontracting, general contracting and real estate development—offering a wealth of expertise, experience and innovation across commercial, multifamily and residential construction projects. As an award-winning New York State Certified MWBE, USC Builds is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging [DEIB] within the industry, leading the charge toward a more representative construction landscape. People focused and purpose driven, USC Builds partners with like-minded organizations to deliver workforce development, skilled trades training and employment opportunities, fostering economic empowerment and inclusive, equitable communities that thrive.