IMF-World Bank Week at the Atlantic Council

WASHINGTON, DC
April 13-17

The Atlantic Council will host finance ministers, central bank governors, and policy leaders during the 2026 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, focusing on the global growth outlook, multilateralism, financial technology, and financing development in a higher-debt world.

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This spring’s agenda will focus on four themes: the global growth outlook, multilateralism and international cooperation, the future of financial technology, and financing development in a higher-debt world.

These in-depth conversations will bring together central bank governors and finance and development ministers from around the world as part of the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center’s Bretton Woods 2.0 Project, which produces new ideas on reform of the Bretton Woods institutions.

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Online Event Mon, April 13, 2026 • 8:00 am ET

2026 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings at the Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council hosts a series of special events with finance ministers and central bank governors from around the globe during the 2026 spring meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
Economy & Business International Financial Institutions

Events

Upcoming

As Latin America and the Caribbean seek to consolidate economic gains, investment in health ecosystems has emerged as a key pillar for macroeconomic stability. Finance and health leaders, including Carlos Guberman, undersecretary of the Treasury of Argentina; Santiago Cornejo, deputy director of the Pan-American Health Organization; and Yanet Giha, director of FIFARMA, join the Atlantic Council for a strategic conversation on "smart finance." This panel will unpack how innovative investment models, public-private partnerships, and fiscal reforms can transform health spending into an engine for sustainable development. #IMFWBSM2026
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What do the IMF’s latest forecasts reveal about the trajectory of the global economy? Following the release of the spring 2026 World Economic Outlook, Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center senior fellows break down the key signals behind the headline numbers—from global growth and inflation to trade dynamics, debt risks, and geopolitical pressures shaping the outlook. #IMFWBSM2026
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Europe is advancing joint financing efforts to support growth, defense, and strategic investment, carving out a larger role for the European Investment Bank. Nadia Calviño, president of the European Investment Bank, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation on Europe’s financing priorities and the evolving role of public investment in the European Union. #IMFWBSM2026
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In this discussion, Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg discusses how the United States can leverage its leadership on multimodal trade routes such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor to catalyze economic integration, trade, and interconnectivity. #IMFWBSM2026
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Pakistan faces a pivotal moment as it advances economic reforms while managing fiscal pressures and global uncertainty. Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan's minister of finance and revenue, joins the Atlantic Council to discuss the country's reform agenda, priorities for sustainable growth, and how Pakistan is navigating an increasingly volatile global trade environment. He will also address how Pakistan is financing health and development challenges in the current fiscal climate. #IMFWBSM2026
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Tokenized finance is increasingly moving from experimentation to adoption within critical market infrastructure. Sebastien Danloy of Euroclear joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation on how tokenization is being integrated into financial systems, its implications for efficiency and resilience, and what it means for the future of global capital markets. #IMFWBSM2026
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Macroeconomic imbalances are a feature of the international economic system and not necessarily a cause for alarm. However, persistent and growing current account imbalances are seen by many as unsustainable and the possible cause of the next financial crisis. France has made studying the root causes and proposing solutions the core focus of its G7 presidency and the US presidency of the G20 is paying close attention. Mark Sobel and Sander Tordoir join the Atlantic Council for a conversation moderated by Charles Lichfield on the drivers of global imbalances and their implications for economic stability, trade tensions, and policy coordination. #IMFWBSM2026
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EU enlargement in the Western Balkans is gaining renewed strategic importance amid geopolitical competition and shifting regional dynamics. Marta Kos, European commissioner for enlargement, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation on the path forward for accession, the role of enlargement in strengthening Europe’s economic and political resilience, and the implications for the region’s integration into the European Union. #IMFWBSM2026
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Piero Cipollone, member of the European Central Bank's Executive Board, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation on the the future of payments and the digital euro. #IMFWBSM2026
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Although Germany’s traditional economic model looks increasingly outdated, there is no serious reform debate in the political arena. Discussions about Germany’s relative strengths, its limitations, and possible tradeoffs of economic reform are drowned out by short-term issues and the assertion of vested interests. Based on his experience inside the German Council of Economic Experts, Jochen Andritzky provides an analysis of the underlying weaknesses and lays out a path forward. #IMFWBSM2026
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China’s expanding trade surplus is reshaping global imbalances and intensifying competitive pressures on producers across Europe and Asia. As export strength continues, trade tensions may rise even in a context of steady global growth. Martin Mühleisen, Joe Gagnon, and Tam Bayoumi join the Atlantic Council for a discussion on the risks of a renewed “China shock” and the implications for the global economy. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 15, 2026 2:45 pm

As his term comes to a close, François Villeroy de Galhau, governor of the Banque de France, reflects on his tenure at a time of major shifting in Europe’s monetary landscape. He joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation on the role of the euro, lessons from recent crises, and the evolving challenges facing central banks. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 15, 2026 3:30 pm

As global trade dynamics shift, policymakers are rethinking how globalization can better support inclusive growth in the Global South. Edlayan Passos and Beth Baltzan join the Atlantic Council for a conversation on a new trade agenda that prioritizes development, inclusion, and economic resilience, and how it could shape discussions at the G20 and beyond. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 15, 2026 3:45 pm

New IMF analysis examines how war and rising defense spending affect economic outcomes and how economies recover after conflict ends. Hippolyte Balima of the IMF joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation with Bart Piasecki on the implications of war and defense spending for growth, inflation, public finances, and external sector dynamics, as well as on policies that can support stronger recovery after conflict. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 15, 2026 4:30 pm

The United States is shaping its approach to digital assets amid rapid innovation and evolving global standards. Tyler Williams, counselor at the US Department of the Treasury, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation on US digital asset policy, regulatory priorities, and the role of public institutions in supporting innovation while safeguarding financial stability. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 16, 2026 9:45 am

Across the world, economies are working to create more and better jobs amid shifting global conditions and rapid technological change. Drawing on new World Bank Group research and country experience, development and finance leaders join the Atlantic Council to discuss how policy, investment, and private sector engagement can support job creation, improve productivity, and strengthen inclusive growth across the region. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 16, 2026 9:45 am

The IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa provides new insights on growth, inflation, and external risks facing the region. Amadou Sy, assistant director in the IMF’s Africa Department, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation moderated by James Mazzarella to unpack the key signals shaping the region’s economic trajectory. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 16, 2026 11:00 am

How can Europe strengthen the international role of the euro in an era of geopolitical fragmentation and competing currency blocs? Experts discuss how euro adoption, enlargement of the euro area—including Bulgaria’s entry in 2026—and new research on countries outside the eurozone could shape the euro’s global standing and Europe’s economic resilience. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 16, 2026 12:00 pm

Europe’s push toward digital payments and a potential digital euro is reshaping debates over financial sovereignty and economic resilience. Carlos Cuerpo, Spain’s minister of economy, trade, and business, joins the Atlantic Council to discuss the future of payments, the role of euro-denominated assets, and the outlook for the Spanish and European economies. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 16, 2026 12:30 pm

The race for AI leadership is reshaping trade, investment, and the global economic architecture. As export controls, tariff policies, and supply chain shifts intensify, policymakers face growing trade-offs between advancing competitiveness and preserving global innovation. Kevin Allison, Ngor Luong, and Gretchen Krantz Evans join the Atlantic Council for a discussion moderated by Trisha Ray on how AI-driven industrial policy is redefining global economic integration and fragmentation. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 16, 2026 2:00 pm

After a pivotal general election in February, Bangladesh, the world’s eighth most populous nation, must now navigate IMF negotiations, banking sector reforms, and broader fiscal challenges. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s finance minister, joins the Atlantic Council to discuss the country’s economic priorities, from development finance to economic reform, and its path toward sustainable growth. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 16, 2026 2:00 pm

Germany is navigating a shifting economic landscape as it balances fiscal policy, growth challenges, and broader European priorities. Armin Steinbach, chief economist at the German Ministry of Finance, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation moderated by Charles Lichfield on Germany’s economic outlook, policy priorities, and the implications for Europe’s economic trajectory. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 16, 2026 3:15 pm

Mientras América Latina navega una economía global cambiante, una nueva ola de reformas macroeconómicas comienza a traducirse en crecimiento tangible y creación de empleo. Los ministros de Economía de Argentina y El Salvador, y los presidentes de los bancos centrales de Argentina y Paraguay, se suman al Atlantic Council, en alianza con el Banco Mundial, para una conversación sobre los resultados que están observando y las lecciones aprendidas para el desarrollo y la resiliencia de la región a largo plazo. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 16, 2026 3:45 pm

As he steps down as director of the IMF’s African Department, Abebe Aemro Selassie reflects on the Fund’s engagement across the continent. During his tenure, Selassie helped steer countries through major shocks—including the COVID-19 pandemic—expanded access to IMF financing, and advanced efforts on debt sustainability, climate resilience, and capacity development. He joins the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center for a conversation on the evolution of Africa’s economic landscape, key lessons learned, and the priorities that lie ahead. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 17, 2026 9:00 am

Artificial intelligence is reshaping investment patterns, productivity, and the pace of technological diffusion across economies. Marcello Estevao, managing director and chief economist at the Institute of International Finance, and Hung Tran, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center, have a discussion on how AI could influence potential growth and global economic dynamics. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 17, 2026 11:00 am

Moldova is looking to advance its economic integration and digital transformation while strengthening resilience in a challenging regional environment. Anca Dragu, governor of the National Bank of Moldova, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation moderated by Charles Lichfield on the country’s reform priorities, financial stability, and the role of digitization in supporting sustainable growth. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 17, 2026 12:00 pm

Stablecoins and tokenization are entering a new phase as regulatory frameworks evolve and institutional adoption accelerates. Coinbase's Faryar Shirzad and WilmerHale's Tiffany J. Smith join the Atlantic Council for a conversation moderated by Josh Lipsky on what’s next for digital asset policy, recent regulatory developments, and the role of US leadership in shaping global standards. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 17, 2026 1:00 pm

Digital assets are entering a new phase of adoption as institutions and enterprises explore their integration into global financial systems. Nilmini Rubin, chief policy officer at Hedera, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation moderated by Alisha Chhangani on how blockchain innovation is reshaping cross-border payments, the interplay between digital assets and traditional infrastructure, and the challenges of ensuring interoperability across emerging systems. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 17, 2026 2:00 pm

What lies ahead for the Middle East and Central Asia as the region navigates shifting economic conditions, geopolitical pressures, and structural reforms? Jihad Azour, director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation moderated by Adel Hamaizia on the regional outlook, key risks, and policy priorities shaping growth and stability. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 17, 2026 2:45 pm

What will the United Kingdom's new approach to foreign assistance look like? Baroness Jennifer Chapman, minister of state for international development and Africa, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation on the UK’s refined priorities for financing development and working cooperatively with partners. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 17, 2026 3:00 pm

Fragmentation in global payments is accelerating, driven by geopolitical tensions, competing regulatory frameworks, and rapid innovation in digital finance. Rich Verma, chief administrative officer at Mastercard; Rashad Cassim, deputy governor of the South African Reserve Bank; and researcher Greg Brownstein join the Atlantic Council's Alisha Chhangani to discuss where fragmentation is emerging, what it means for cross-border payments, and how policymakers and the private sector can balance resilience and interoperability in the global financial system. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 17, 2026 3:45 pm

In this rapid-fire recap, Alisha Chhangani, Jessie Yin, and Bart Piasecki of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center share their top takeaways on the themes, tensions, and trends that emerged from the spring meetings, moderated by Josh Lipsky. #IMFWBSM2026
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Streaming live April 17, 2026 5:30 pm

Past

Debate is intensifying over whether the United States meets the legal threshold for a “large and serious” balance-of-payments deficit under Section 122 of US trade law. While many economists point to strong financing conditions and dollar dominance, others highlight persistent current account deficits and a deeply negative net international investment position as evidence of structural imbalance. Brad Setser and Peter Harrell join the Atlantic Council for a discussion moderated by Josh Lipsky on how economic and legal interpretations of US external imbalances could shape trade policy and global economic debates. #IMFWBSM2026
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How does the United Kingdom view the global economic outlook at a time of persistent inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting trade dynamics? Megan Greene, member of the Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England, joins the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center for a conversation on global growth, financial stability, and the policy choices shaping the path ahead. #IMFWBSM2026
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Trinidad and Tobago is navigating its economic priorities amid shifting global conditions and evolving regional partnerships. The Minister of Finance of Trinidad and Tobago joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation moderated by Jason Marczak on opportunities to strengthen economic ties with the United States, advance investment, and support sustainable growth. #IMFWBSM2026
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Middle powers are playing an increasingly central role in shaping international development cooperation, moving beyond traditional donor-recipient dynamics. World Bank executive directors Marcos Chiliatto and Vel Gnanendran join the Atlantic Council for a conversation moderated by Nicole Goldin on how these middle powers are redefining partnerships, financing models, and development priorities in a changing global landscape. #IMFWBSM2026
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Kyrgyzstan's economy has grown rapidly amid geopolitical uncertainty—but can it maintain its growth while pursuing greater stability? Bakyt Sydykov, minister of economy and commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, joins the Atlantic Council for a conversation on the country’s economic priorities, policy shifts, and role in regional integration and growth. #IMFWBSM2026
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The Marshall Islands is exploring how digital assets can reshape public finance, offering new models for how governments design financial instruments and deliver funds to citizens. David Paul, minister of finance of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, joins Candace Kelly of the Stellar Development Foundation and Lorena Rivero del Paso of the International Monetary Fund for a conversation moderated by Alisha Chhangani. #IMFWBSM2026
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What will dominate the conversation at the 2026 IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings? Our Senior Fellows Hung Tran, Nicole Goldin, Martin Mühleisen will discuss what to expect from the meetings. #IMFWBSM2026
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Agenda

Live analysis

EconoGraphics

Apr 13, 2026

Inside the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings as leaders grapple with war and supply shocks

By Atlantic Council experts

Amid war in the Middle East and an unprecedented energy shock, we sent our experts to the IMF and World Bank headquarters for their insights on the future of the global economy.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

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Explore 2025 highlights

Axel van Trotsenburg, senior managing director for the World Bank, joins Martin Mühleisen, Atlantic Council nonresident senior fellow, at the Atlantic Council's World Bank studio for a forward-looking discussion on the future of job creation, global public debt and what to expect at the 2026 Annual Meetings in Thailand. For all the details of the Atlantic Council's IMF-World Bank Week programming, visit our website: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/imf-world-bank-week/ #imfwbam2025 #imf #imfwbsm2025 #worldbank #jobs
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How can we interpret China’s economy in real time without transparent data and amid shifting policy signals? Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Brad Setser joins the Atlantic Council’s Josh Lipsky to examine the risks of growing surveillance imbalances and their implications for global markets. #IMFWBAM2025
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Having just received renewed support from the United States and with inflation falling, Argentina faces a unique opportunity to restore stability, attract investment, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Minister of Economy Luis Caputo and Central Bank President Santiago Bausili discuss the government’s economic strategy, priorities for continued financial stabilization, and the role of international engagement in unlocking Argentina’s long-term competitiveness and integration into global markets. #IMFWBAM2025
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Take a tour of the Atlantic Council's new pop-up studio at the World Bank with GeoEconomics Center Young Global Professional Juliet Lancey. Stay tuned for more on-the-ground coverage at the 2025 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank. For all the details of our programming, visit our website: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/imf-world-bank-week/
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World Bank Department of Outcomes Director Lisandro Martín joins the Atlantic Council on-site to discuss the Bank's forthcoming Jobs Indicator. This conversation is part of the Atlantic Council's Bank Briefing series during the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Washington, DC. #imfwbam2025 #imfwbsm2025 #imf #imf
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2025 Annual meetings highlights
spring 2025 meetings highlights

Research

IMF-World Bank Week at the Atlantic Council

Econographics Mar 20, 2026

In the Iran crisis, the IMF’s voice is urgently needed

By Martin Mühleisen

As the Iran crisis chokes the Strait of Hormuz and rattles global energy markets, the IMF has offered little more than cautious statements. The institution must develop real-time, scenario-driven analysis.
Economy & Business Iran
IMF-World Bank Week at the Atlantic Council

Econographics Oct 13, 2025

Expect IMF-World Bank meeting debates over China, the US, Ukraine, and more—behind closed doors

By Martin Mühleisen

Behind closed doors, delegates are likely to tackle questions around Washington's relationship with the IMF, China's economic performance, and the role of the Bretton Woods institutions.
China Financial Regulation
IMF-World Bank Week at the Atlantic Council

Econographics Oct 8, 2025

From US tariffs to Argentina’s crisis: The five important issues at next week’s IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings

By Hung Tran

The IMF and the World Bank will face five important issues, which span both near-term economic prospects and more fundamental, longer-term challenges confronting the global economy.
Argentina Financial Regulation
IMF-World Bank Week at the Atlantic Council

New Atlanticist Oct 7, 2025

How a weaker US dollar can help debt-burdened African countries

By Bart Piasecki

Trump’s drive to weaken the US dollar is having global side effects. For some African countries, it is helping to ease immediate fiscal pressures.
Africa Fiscal and Structural Reform
IMF-World Bank Week at the Atlantic Council

New Atlanticist Sep 30, 2025

Is the US currency rescue for Argentina positive statecraft or reckless favoritism?

By Martin Mühleisen

A twenty-billion-dollar US support package for Argentina announced last week provides crucial breathing room for President Javier Milei.
Argentina Economy & Business
IMF-World Bank Week at the Atlantic Council

New Atlanticist Apr 7, 2025

The IMF is a good deal for the US. Here’s how Trump can help make it even more effective.

By Elizabeth Shortino

The institution provides the United States a significant source of economic leverage, helps prevent financial crises, and serves as a counterweight to China’s influence.
Economy & Business International Financial Institutions
IMF-World Bank Week at the Atlantic Council

Issue Brief Mar 3, 2025

Financing the future: Unlocking private capital for global infrastructure and climate goals

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou, Nisha Narayanan, Hung Tran

MDBs and international financial institutions alone cannot bridge the climate and development financing gaps.
Economy & Business Financial Regulation
IMF-World Bank Week at the Atlantic Council

Oct 28, 2025

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