Urban Impact Collective
Global Impact Starts With Us
Mission
A global network of cities sharing what works — to build accessible, sustainable, and equitable futures through universal design, open communication, and collective problem-solving.
Vision
We envision a connected world where cities collaborate through transparent communication to scale universally designed solutions, eliminate inefficiencies, and build equitable, accessible, and resilient communities for all.
Our Core Values & Beliefs
Universal Design as a Standard
Cities function best when built for everyone.
We believe in designing environments, systems, and policies that are usable by all people — regardless of age, disability, language, or background. Universal design is not a feature. It’s the foundation.
Communication as Infrastructure
Access begins with being heard — and being understood.
From multilingual alerts to digital access, we treat communication as a core component of city infrastructure. We value transparency, inclusive language, and feedback-driven design across all platforms.
Sustainability with Purpose
Long-term solutions must serve people and the planet.
We support initiatives that conserve resources, reduce waste, and ensure resilience — especially in frontline communities facing climate injustice. Efficiency is good; sustainability is better.
Data That Serves People
Technology is only as powerful as its purpose.
We promote ethical, inclusive data use that reflects lived experience, protects privacy, and drives human-centered innovation — not surveillance or exclusion.
Equity in Every Action
Innovation means nothing if it leaves people behind.
We center the voices and needs of historically marginalized populations. Every shared solution must ask: Who does this serve? Who does it ignore? We uplift those most impacted first.
Collaboration Over Competition
Cities don’t need to compete to get better — they need to collaborate.
We exist to help cities share what works and what doesn’t, cutting costs, saving time, and increasing impact through collective knowledge and action.
Preservation with Progress
A city’s future should never erase its past.
We honor Indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and community history. Growth must protect people, places, and the stories they carry — not displace or diminish them.
Failure as a Form of Progress
Learning what doesn’t work can save the world.
We welcome honest storytelling, lessons learned, and transparent reporting of failure. Vulnerability creates trust — and trust fuels better cities.
Join the Collective
If these values resonate with you, you're exactly who the Urban Impact Collective was built for.
We’re inviting public servants, policy leaders, urban planners, nonprofit leaders, architects, engineers, advocates, researchers, and everyday changemakers to be part of something bigger: a global effort to share what works — and what doesn’t — so no city has to start from scratch again.
By joining the Collective, you’re helping create a world where cities:
Save money by avoiding preventable mistakes
Design systems that work for everyone from the start
Prioritize people, not just policies
Preserve culture while building the future
Communicate clearly, inclusively, and openly
Lead with universal design, equity, and sustainability
Ways to Get Involved
Submit a Solution
Have a policy, program, or idea that’s made your city more inclusive, efficient, or resilient?
Share it with the Collective. Whether it’s a transit fix, a zoning shift, a multilingual alert system, or a public space redesign — we welcome real-world solutions that reflect universal design and equity in action.
Join the Global Network
Want to collaborate, learn, or just stay informed?
Join the Urban Impact Collective’s global network to access case studies, webinars, open-source resources, and connection opportunities with others tackling similar urban challenges. This is a space to share, listen, and grow together.
Become a Regional Partner
Are you connected to city leaders, advocates, or organizations in your region?
Help us grow the movement by becoming a Regional Partner. You’ll help onboard new cities, translate content, host local convenings, and ensure the values of access and justice are upheld in every region.
Who Can Join?
The Urban Impact Collective is open to:
City governments and departments
Advocacy organizations and NGOs
Academic institutions
Disability and equity coalitions
Indigenous and cultural preservation groups
Urban designers, planners, and architects
Civic technologists and open data leaders
Youth movements, community organizers, and more
If your work touches cities — you belong here.