EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – Urban planner and author Jeff Siegler will talk about “Civic Apathy and Civic Pride” at the 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Siegler, whose work focuses on restoring civic pride and reversing community disengagement, will deliver the closing keynote address at the conference, which is hosted by University of Missouri Extension in collaboration with Downtown Excelsior Springs.

This year’s conference theme is “Refresh. Revive. Replenish Your Entrepreneurial Toolkit!” The event will feature 25 breakout sessions, local success stories and networking opportunities tailored for community-driven change-makers, said CEC Conference chair Ashley Allen-Brown, an MU Extension regional economic development specialist.

“Many small towns face growing apathy, often the result of economic shifts, population decline or years of feeling overlooked,” said Daniel Hartman, chair of the MU Extension Council in Clay County. “Jeff Siegler’s keynote will offer a bold and refreshing perspective on how communities can reignite local pride, foster engagement and create a renewed sense of purpose. His message is both timely and transformative for towns ready to turn the tide.”

A native of a struggling Rust Belt city, Siegler holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning. He has worked as a downtown manager and economic development leader and served as director of revitalization at Heritage Ohio. Today, he advises towns across the U.S. and abroad through his firm Revitalize, or Die. His book “Your City Is Sick” explores the deep roots of civic decline and what it takes to restore vibrancy.

Full conference registration is required to attend all sessions, including the closing keynote. Early bird registration, which is available through June 16, offers attendees a $25 discount.

Register at bit.ly/RegisterforCEC25.