Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Center for Constitutional Studies convened the 2026 National Federalism Summit, as part of the Constitutional Federalism Initiative. The nonpartisan gathering brought together 100 leaders representing 21 states, focused on restoring constitutional balance, strengthening state capacity, and building the foundation for interstate cooperation.
UVU hosted the summit August 11-12 in Salt Lake City with the goal of laying the groundwork for sustained interstate dialogue and coordination. Attendees had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the fundamental principles of federalism, connect with peers facing similar challenges, and join an emerging multi-state working group dedicated to advancing structural federalism over time.
“Over the last 80 to 100 years, more and more power has been centralized in the federal government, reducing the ability of states to adapt policy to their own needs and creating a fiscal situation that is simply not sustainable,” said Troy Smith, director of the Center for Constitutional Studies. “This event brings state and local officials together to identify the problems, build relationships and institutions needed for states to work collaboratively, and lay the foundations for real, lasting solutions.”
Grounded in the principle of “Structure Over Politics,” the summit aimed to move beyond partisan disagreement and toward a clearer understanding of federalism as a governing framework. Participants engaged in candid discussions about how federal authority operates in practice, when states should cooperate or resist, and how constitutional boundaries can be respected while addressing modern policy challenges.
The 2026 National Federalism Summit was developed in partnership with the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Black Legislative Leaders Network, and the Center for the Study of Federalism, reflecting a broad, inclusive coalition committed to addressing the nation’s most pressing structural challenges.
The summit builds on Utah’s experience convening difficult but constructive conversations across differences. Participants had a practical opportunity to step back from immediate policy disputes and engage a more fundamental question: how can the structure of American federalism be renewed to support both unity and diversity in a complex and changing nation?
To learn more about the Constitutional Federalism Initiative at UVU, please visit https://www.uvu.edu/ccs/
