The Civic Reset: A Conversation to Shape the Year Ahead

Event Description

As the ballots are counted and attention shifts to 2026, Seattle CityClub and Civic Genius invite you to take a collective breath—and a step forward. The Civic Reset is an evening designed to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine civic life in the Pacific Northwest.

Part One will feature a candid conversation with a regional civic leader, exploring the lessons, challenges, and opportunities that emerge after an election cycle.

Part Two turns the spotlight on you. In a lively “Civic Pitch” session inspired by Shark Tank, community leaders and changemakers will each have 5 minutes to pitch one actionable way to become more civically engaged—whether through volunteerism, advocacy, or neighborhood collaboration. Attendees will help choose the “winning” idea to kick off a new year of civic action.

This interactive event brings together thinkers, doers, and everyday residents to move beyond the campaign season and toward the shared work of shaping our community’s future. Come ready to listen, learn, and leave with tangible next steps for engaging in civic life in the Pacific Northwest.

Part One: A Civic Conversation | 6:30 - 7:05 p.m.

• To be announced

Part Two: The Civic Pitch | 7:15 - 8:00 p.m.

• Chirag Vedullapalli, Campaign Director, Congressman Adam Smith
• Katie Lorah, Urbanist Shoreline
• Nivi Achanta, Founder & CEO, Soapbox Project
• Marty Smith, Boardmember, Taskforce for American Democracy
• Terrance Stevenson, Director, WTIA

Networking

Ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early, grab a bite, and engage with fellow civic enthusiasts! From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., enjoy lite appetizers (included with your ticket) at The Collective Seattle, and connect with guests before the evening’s conversation begins.

Thanks to our Civic Cocktail partner:

About Seattle CityClub

Seattle CityClub is a 40-year-old nonpartisan, civics-focused nonprofit, providing a platform for insightful and educational conversations that include a diverse range of perspectives.

About Civic Genius

Founded in 2017, Civic Genius, has always been dedicated to highlighting where Americans agree on the issues and connecting people with policymakers to make the case that we can move forward together. In 2021, the organization expanded our mission to include an educational dimension that emphasizes civic confidence and citizen empowerment.

Watch Seattle CityClub's Latest Civic Cocktail: