JANESVILKE — Forward Janesville will host its first CivicCon program Thursday, a new community conversation series designed to engage residents, businesses and civic leaders around the ideas and decisions that shape Janesville’s future.
The inaugural CivicCon event, Making Cities — Design Matters, will take place from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Janesville Performing Arts Center.
The program features nationally recognized urban designers Victor Dover and Joe Kohl.
REGISTER FOR THIS FREE EVENT HERE!
CivicCon—short for civic conversation—is modeled after a successful event series in Pensacola, Florida, that brings communities together to learn from leading voices and engage in meaningful dialogue around timely local issues.
Forward Janesville’s CivicCon series aims to foster informed discussion, civic engagement and thoughtful collaboration across the Janesville community.
“Business development is community development, and strong communities are built intentionally,” Forward Janesville President and CEO Shar Hermanson was quoted as saying in a news release. “CivicCon creates space for our community to learn together, ask questions and imagine what Janesville can become when design, planning and collaboration align.”
About the Event
Dover is the co-author of Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns, and Kohl is recognized nationally as an innovator in urban design and graphic communication.
The two experts will explore how thoughtful design influences the places people live, work and gather. Drawing on real-world examples from cities across the country, they will show how vision, planning and collaboration between residents, leaders and businesses can transform communities.
The event will feature a one-hour presentation followed by a 30-minute moderated Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly in the conversation by submitting questions in advance.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, Jan 8, 2026
Location: Janesville Performing Arts Center
Format: 5-5:30 p.m – Networking; 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Featured presentation; 6:30-7 p.m. –30-minute Q&A.
Cost: Free and open to the public