Annual Meeting 2026

Building a Resilient Future for the Mississippi River Corridor

Join 107 mayors, state legislators, federal agencies, and industry leaders from Bemidji, MN to New Orleans, LA as we unite to address the most pressing challenges facing our Mississippi River communities.

Why attend

Why Attend the MRCTI Annual Meeting?

The Mississippi River Corridor represents a $1 trillion economic powerhouse that produces 92% of U.S. agricultural exports and supports over $400 billion in freshwater-dependent manufacturing. Yet since 2005, our communities have sustained more than $246 billion in disaster-related losses. This meeting is where solutions are born.

This is your opportunity to connect with decision-makers who are actively shaping federal policy, collaborate with mayors facing similar infrastructure challenges, and contribute to a $393 million action plan that will transform how we protect and invest in the Mississippi River. From broadband to surface transportation, climate resilience to water security β€” we are tackling the issues that matter most to our corridor communities.

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Network with key stakeholders

Connect directly with representatives from EPA, USDA, FEMA, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Transportation, and congressional offices.

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Shape regional policy

Influence federal legislation including the Farm Bill, Water Subcabinet reinstatement, and the Safeguarding the Mississippi River Together Act.

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Access resources & solutions

Learn about funding opportunities, conservation partnerships, and innovative approaches to infrastructure challenges you can bring back to your community.

By the numbers

A corridor worth protecting

107

Mayors convening

$1T

Corridor economy

92%

Of U.S. agricultural exports

$393M

Action plan

March 4-6, 2026

March 4-6, 2026 | Mark Your Calendar

Three days of intensive collaboration, strategic planning, and relationship-building await you.

Our program features keynote presentations from national leaders, breakout sessions on critical infrastructure topics, site visits showcasing innovative Mississippi River projects, and ample networking opportunities. Whether you are addressing flood mitigation, economic development, or environmental restoration, you will leave with actionable strategies and valuable partnerships.

Host cities

Proudly Hosted by Our Mississippi River Communities

The MRCTI Annual Meeting rotates among our member cities, showcasing the unique strengths and challenges of communities along the entire corridor.

Our host cities open their doors to demonstrate innovative solutions, share local insights, and provide firsthand perspectives on the opportunities and obstacles facing river-adjacent municipalities from Minnesota to Louisiana.

Hastings, MN
St Paul Park, MN
Red Wing, MN
Coon Rapids, MN
Brooklyn Park, MN
Champlin, MN

Pillars

What the initiative delivers

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Our Mission

A unified corridor agenda on water, resilience, and economic opportunity.

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Campaign Events

D.C. and National Annual Meetings, fly-ins, and regional convenings.

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Make Donation

Support corridor programs, restoration work, and community initiatives.

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Join Volunteer

Local volunteer efforts on cleanups, restoration, and community projects.

Leadership

Meet Your MRCTI Leadership

Hon. Paul Young

Hon. Paul Young

Mayor, MRCTI Co-Chair

Hon. Melisa Logan

Hon. Melisa Logan

Mayor, MRCTI Co-Chair

Tim Hightower

Tim Hightower

CAB Chair

Hon. Hollies Winston

Hon. Hollies Winston

Brooklyn Park, MN

Sponsors

Sponsored in Part By

The MRCTI Annual Meeting is made possible through the generous support of our partners who share our commitment to strengthening Mississippi River communities.

These organizations recognize that investing in our corridor means investing in America's economic future, environmental resilience, and the well-being of 20 million people who depend on the Mississippi River.

Veolia
Stantec
SmithGroup
Xylem

Meeting partners

Meeting Partners

The Annual Meeting brings together a coalition of federal agencies, regional organizations, and industry leaders committed to the Mississippi River Corridor.

Our partners provide critical expertise, resources, and support that enable meaningful collaboration between local, state, and federal stakeholders working to address the most pressing challenges facing our communities.

Waterways Journal
City of Kimmswick
Ducks Unlimited
City of St. Louis
LaChance Vineyards
St. Louis CITY SC

Join us

Join Us in Shaping the Future

This conference offers a unique platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking with mayors, industry experts, and policymakers. Your participation and insights will be invaluable as we work together to develop and implement solutions that will benefit all our communities along the Mississippi River.

Register your interest

Cities, partners, and funders can register for the Annual Meeting and corridor programs.

Register Interest