Congress for the New Urbanism
(CNU)
CNU's mission is to champion walkable urbanism. We provide resources, education, and technical assistance to create socially just, economically robust, environmentally resilient, and people centered places. We leverage New Urbanism's unique integration of design and social principles to advance three key goals: to diversify neighborhoods, to design for climate change, and to legalize walkable places.
Founded in 1993, New Urbanism is a movement united around the belief that our physical environment has a direct impact on our chances for happy, prosperous lives. New Urbanists believe that well-designed cities, towns, neighborhoods, and public places help create community: healthy places for people and businesses to thrive and prosper.
If New Urbanism truly is a congress, then the Charter is our Constitution.
The Charter is a set of principles worthy of occasional rediscovery. It is clearly declarative, well organized, and powerful. At only 1150 words, it is also brief.
It was written by a handful of architects, planners, and community-minded malcontents who were frustrated that creating neighborhoods worthy of pride was illegal throughout nearly all of America. Although it was written over 25 years ago, it is poignantly current.
CNU 31 in Charlotte
First things first.
Before Cincinnati hosts the Congress in 2024, the other “Queen City” will host it in 2023.
Charlotte, North Carolina – a hotbed of southern style New Urbanism – will host the Congress from May 31 to June 3, 2023.