Welcome Register
     
Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We invite you to join us for the National Urban League’s Empowerment Summit, featuring the 23rd Annual Legislative Policy Conference (LPC), taking place March 16–18, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Throughout the Summit, conversations will be grounded in the policy realities shaping our communities and the decisions currently before Congress. At a moment when legislative action or inaction will have lasting consequences for civil rights, economic mobility, and democratic participation, the Summit will create space for thoughtful exchange between affiliates, policymakers, and national leaders.

The program will elevate a range of timely policy issues that reflect both national priorities and the lived experiences of Urban League affiliates across the country. Through a series of focused discussions, participants will examine the evolving voting rights landscape, the future of equitable healthcare, the role of technology in expanding opportunity, and the economic policies shaping wealth, access to capital, and financial security in Black communities.

Across these sessions, attendees will gain insight into the forces influencing federal policy, hear directly from those shaping the legislative agenda, and engage in dialogue that informs advocacy efforts beyond Washington. Together, we will strengthen alignment across the Movement and sharpen our collective approach to advancing equity, opportunity, and justice.
 

Monday, March 16, 2026 – Arrival & CEO Briefing

On Monday, we will welcome CEOs to Washington, DC and open the week with a CEO Briefing designed to ground affiliate leaders in the federal policy environment and strategic considerations shaping the year ahead. This session will provide a candid assessment of the current moment, highlight key legislative dynamics, and create space for dialogue among CEOs as we align on shared priorities, opportunities, and challenges facing the Movement.
 

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – State & Local Briefing and Congressional Engagement

On Tuesday,  we will be on Capitol Hill, beginning the morning on the Senate side for meetings with U.S. Senators and their staff.  We will focus on bridging national policy conversations with state and local realities. The morning will open with a State and Local Briefing, offering CEOs insight into how federal decisions translate into on-the-ground implementation—and how the discussions and insights gained in Washington can be directly applied to strengthen state and local advocacy strategies and drive meaningful impact in our communities.

In the afternoon, CEOs will participate in coordinated group meetings on the House side with key caucus and committee leaders, engaging directly with U.S. Representatives and their staff to elevate both national priorities and local concerns. These meetings will serve as a critical opportunity to deepen relationships, advance shared policy priorities, and ensure affiliate perspectives are reflected in ongoing legislative and funding discussions.
 

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – Legislative Policy Conference

On Wednesday, CEOs will participate in individual meetings on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress from their respective states, while the broader Legislative Policy Conference—bringing together affiliate staff, Board members, auxiliaries, and partners— convenes in Washington, D.C. Grounded in the National Urban League’s D3 call to action—Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, Defeat Poverty—the day will begin with a powerful Opening Plenary that sets the tone for the Summit and frames the voting and policy landscape as we move into 2026.

Throughout the day, participants will engage in issue-focused sessions that advance the D3 agenda, including discussions on health equity; digital access and innovation; building wealth and expanding access to capital within our financial systems; and energy jobs, highlight pathways to workforce development, opportunity, and inclusive growth.

We will close the day with a reception honoring leaders from across the Urban League Movement and Members of Congress whose partnership and leadership continue to advance equity, justice, and opportunity.

We look forward to gathering with you in March as we move forward together with clarity, courage, and purpose.


In Solidarity,


Marc. H. Morial
President and Chief Executive Officer National Urban League


Tara Murray
Executive Director, Washington Bureau
Senior Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
National Urban League



Herman Lessard
Senior Vice President, Affiliate Services
National Urban League