Building a Resilient Future for the Mississippi River Corridor

Annual Meeting 2026

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. Together, we’re shaping policies that protect our water resources, strengthen our economies, and build resilience for generations to come.

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—we’re tackling the issues that matter most to our corridor communities.

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’re addressing flood mitigation, economic development, or environmental restoration, you’ll leave with actionable strategies and valuable partnerships.

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 Mississippi River 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.

Our Mission

Campaign Events

Make Donation

Join Volunteer

Meet Your MRCTI Leadership

HON. Paul Young

MAYOR, MRCTI CO-CHAIR

HON. Melisa Logan

MAYOR, MRCTI CO-CHAIR
CAB Chair

Hon. Hollies Winston

Brooklyn Park, MN

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.

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.

Meeting Partners

The MRCTI Annual Meeting brings together a powerful 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.

Feeding the World, Protecting Our Future

The Mississippi River Basin is the most important food-producing river basin in the world—supplementing the diet of 1 in every 12 people across the globe. As mounting climate risks compromise watersheds worldwide, 107 U.S. cities have united to lead an unprecedented response. We’re deploying natural infrastructure at watershed scale, mitigating climate impacts through restored wetlands, marshes, and forests that protect both our communities and the global food supply that depends on the Mississippi River.

Meeting Sponsors

We extend our deepest gratitude to our meeting sponsors whose financial support makes the MRCTI Annual Meeting possible. Their investment in our mission enables mayors and stakeholders to come together, share solutions, and advance policies that create lasting positive change for communities throughout the Mississippi River Corridor.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

Our team is ready to assist with registration, accommodation recommendations, sponsorship opportunities, or any questions about the annual meeting. Reach out today and we’ll ensure you have everything you need for a successful experience.

Our $393 Million Plan

MRCTI Mayors will carry forward key authorization and appropriation priorities
Reinstate the U.S. Water Subcabinet
Include National Drought Policy in the Farm Bill
Pass the Recycling Infrastructure Accessibility Act
Pass the Shelter Act
Pass the Safeguarding the Mississippi River Together Act
Make MRBI an Independent USDA Program

Experience the Full MRCTI Program

Our three-day agenda balances substantive policy discussions with hands-on learning experiences. From morning plenary sessions featuring federal agency leaders to afternoon workshops on specific infrastructure challenges, every moment is designed to maximize your impact. Network during coffee breaks, dive deep into conservation strategies during breakout sessions, and see innovation in action during our exclusive site tours.

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Day 1: Setting the Vision

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Day 2: Deep Dive Workshops

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Day 3: Action Planning & Next Steps

Join 107 Cities. One Mission. Unlimited Impact.

The Mississippi River doesn’t recognize city boundaries or state lines—and neither should our solutions. When we work together, we unlock federal resources, amplify our voices in Washington, and create lasting change for the 20 million people who call the Mississippi River Corridor home. This is where local leadership meets national impact.

Member Cities
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States Represented
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Annual River Commerce
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CityUp! Participating Municipalities Map

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 Mississippi River 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.