Launch a Chamber of Connection in Your City
America faces a crisis of connection. Trust, belonging, and civic life are in decline.
The Chamber of Connection is a new kind of civic institution designed to reverse that trend. By treating connection as essential infrastructure, we help cities strengthen everything they care about: safety, health, learning, civic engagement, and economic resilience.
Every city can build its own Chamber (locally owned, nationally supported) to make connection measurable, visible, and actionable.
We are selecting five Founding Chapters to shape the national model.
Founding Chapter Overview (.pdf)
Founding Chapter Application (.doc)
Webinar: Opening a Chamber of Connection
A Chamber of Connection is a new kind of civic institution that helps cities rebuild the social and civic infrastructure that residents rely on every day. It unites leaders across government, business, philanthropy, healthcare, arts, higher education, small business, and community organizations to strengthen belonging, trust, and civic life.
Every Chamber is locally owned and nationally supported nonprofit. The local Chapter leads the work on the ground, while the U.S. Chamber of Connection provides the backbone — shared frameworks (Six Points of Connection), behavior-change tools (ADKAR), data and measurement, program models, and cross-city learning.
The first Chamber launched in Seattle in 2025, quickly demonstrating the model’s value: a coordinated newcomer strategy, new civic rituals, partnerships with arts and sports organizations, and a growing network of community builders.
Now, we are selecting five Founding Chapters to help shape the national model and pioneer this movement in their cities. These Founding cities will receive over $50k in set-up services.
What is a Chamber of Connection?
Be the catalyst.
The four-stage application process to become a Founding Chamber of Connection city:
Stage 1 — Application Review
You complete a short application covering your city’s need, ecosystem, early funding plan, leadership readiness, and potential host. Applications are reviewed monthly by the City Chapters Board Committee.
Stage 2 — Leadership Table Formation
If you advance, you convene at least eight cross-sector leaders and work with us to adapt a draft City Charter and develop your three-year plan.
Stage 3 — Seed Funding & Designation
If approved, you secure initial Year-1 seed funding, confirm your hosting structure, and sign an MOU. Your city is then designated as a Founding Chapter.
Stage 4 — Set Up & Launch Planning
We partner with you to finalize your launch plan and prepare for activation.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting December 1, 2025. Please read the overview and then complete the application and upload it here when you are ready.
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