Breakout Builders: Future of Cities
90 National Leaders. 30 Local Catalysts. Building the future of cities, together.
November 11th - 13th 2026
Breakout Builders: Future of Cities is a multi-day experience focused on the economic and real estate development ecosystem.
By bringing the full economic development ecosystem together in shared space and amplifying emerging voices shaping our cities, we can break down the walls that keep industries apart.
Through city-wide site visits, hands-on working sessions, and intimate dinners, attendees get access to Atlanta’s most innovative spaces and people.
Why Atlanta?
Atlanta is undergoing one of the most ambitious waves of infrastructure and mixed-use development in the country. It's a city changing in real time, where capital, policy, technology, and community converge.
Atlanta creates culture. From civil rights to hip-hop to entrepreneurship, this city has always exported the ideas, movements, and models the rest of the world adopts. That same energy drives how Atlanta builds.
In Atlanta, legacy industry, cutting-edge research, and local innovation come together to test new models that other cities can learn from.
OUR PARTNERS
FOCUS AREAS
01
Capital deployment and design iteration to enable affordable and equitable housing strategies for pathways toward 20,000 affordable units by 2030
02
Transit-oriented development enabling connectivity, affordability, and economic resilience
03
Cultural investment as core infrastructure for art, community vitality, and placemaking
04
AI/ Technology integration to connect community needs by delivering tools, services and civic trust
What to Expect
❋ Curated & Mission-driven
Breakout Builders: Future of Cities is a multi-day, cross-sector experience that explores the intersection of community development and innovation for the public good. By bringing the full economic development ecosystem together in shared space and amplifying emerging voices shaping our cities, we can break down the walls that keep industries apart.
❋ Immersive & Action-oriented
We blend ideation sessions, city-based exploration, storytelling, and skills-based workshops, accelerating real projects and fostering lasting connections with other builders.
❋ Expert Facilitation
Led by industry experts, community leaders, and experienced guides who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.
❋ Open & Intersdisciplinary
Breakout is a platform for collaboration across organizations, sectors, and communities. We surface and support projects that can grow, connecting grassroots builders with national funders, and local leaders with new partners.
What a Day Could Feel LikeSneak Peek
Pullman Yards welcome in a former railroad repair facility turned cultural venue along the BeltLine.
KickoffBehind-the-scenes access to the development of South Downtown / “Startup City” across over 50 buildings and 10 blocks.
Group ActivityWorking session focused on the Old Fourth Ward parcel alongside Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy and neighborhood leaders.
Creative WorkshopHalf-day immersion at…
Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, and its example for Black wealth-building and business creation tied to the city’s economic future.
Centennial Yards about what cities gain and risk from such large developments.
Choose Your Own Adventure Hosted dinners across the city with the people building Atlanta from the inside out.
DinnerFrequently Asked Questions
“Where entrepreneurs and leaders create change. This conference was less conference and more a meeting of the minds that empowered you to be the change you want to see in the world.”
— Forbes