City Builders Day 2026 in Minneapolis & Los Angeles
On March 15th, members of the Center for Political Innovation across the country commemorated the Ides of March as City Builders Day, hosting educational events, outreach activities, and community gatherings that connected the legacy of Julius Caesar to the political challenges of today.
Los Angeles: Outreach and Public Education
In Los Angeles, CPI members marked the occasion with outreach near the University of Southern California campus, south of downtown. The group set up an outdoor table displaying CPI literature, including What Is Innovationism? and We Are City Builders, alongside signs reading “No War With Iran” and “Stop the Illegal Embargo of Cuba.”
A public reading was delivered from CPI’s educational manual We Are City Builders, including a section titled “The Death of Julius Caesar,” which featured quotes from Michael Parenti and his book The Assassination of Julius Caesar: A People’s History of Ancient Rome.
Passersby took note of the display, including signage marking the “2,070th anniversary of the death of Julius Caesar – Ides of March.” CPI members engaged in extended conversations with students and community members, discussing contemporary political issues such as the threat of nuclear war and drawing comparisons between the current US imperialism in our time and the crisis of the late Roman Republic.
Minneapolis: Dinner, Presentations, and Reflection
In Minneapolis, CPI hosted an Ides of March dinner gathering on March 18th, rescheduled from the 15th due to a major snowstorm. Friends and family members came together to enjoy a three-course Italian meal prepared by organizers, followed by homemade ice cream and an evening of discussion and music.
The gathering focused on comparing the late Roman Republic to present-day America. Participants emphasized the importance of strong leadership with mass support and examined Caesar’s vision of rebuilding Rome alongside Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration. His economic reforms were also compared to CPI’s Four Point Plan.
Presentations highlighted global development efforts. Gary’s report examined Belt and Road projects, noting reconstruction efforts in Iraq and referencing the popular contrast: “America bombs. China builds.” Tommy and Penny spoke on Burkina Faso, highlighting economic reforms, industrial development, and agricultural initiatives taken on by Ibrahim Troare. Penny gave an in-depth presentation on the fall of the Roman Republic and what could be learned from it.
The evening concluded with folk songs and piano music. Attendees sang “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie and “The Land” song, anthem of the Henry George Movement.
The Meaning of City Builders Day
Across both events, CPI emphasized our historical understanding: that Caesar was a “City Builder” who sought to stabilize the Roman Empire through reforms aimed at benefiting working people. His policies included debt forgiveness, restrictions on usury, land reform, and infrastructure development, putting unemployed laborers and veterans to work. He hoped to transition the Roman Empire away from being centered around a single city.
As a proto-bonapartist Caesar expanded political participation by appealing to working-class assemblies and enlarging the Senate to reflect a broader population. However, these efforts brought him into conflict with entrenched elites. As he grew more popular in 44 BC, he was assassinated by senators who feared losing their power.
Participants reflected on the consequences of his assassination, which led to further entrenching the policies that led Rome deteriorating. They also discussed the broader historical aftermath, including economic decline, disruption of trade and agriculture, and long-term social consequences across Europe.
A Call for the Present
CPI members concluded that the United States today faces a crossroads similar to that of the late Roman Republic. Discussions emphasized the need for a mass movement that prioritizes economic development, infrastructure, and the interests of working families. China’s Belt and Road, and the achievements of the Union of Sahel States were held up as examples of what a “City Builder” government can do. Participants pointed to emerging global developments, including cooperation among nations in Eurasia, and stressed the importance of investing in human creativity and ending wars in order to rebuild society.
The Center for Political Innovation intends to hold small March 15th gatherings each year to train members in the art of political education and also solidify relations with local contacts. The events in Los Angeles and Minneapolis were both a big step forward for local organizers.