Introduction to the Congress

The annual Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) is the leading venue for new urbanist education, collaboration, and networking. CNU members come from around the world to discuss development practices and public policies, learn from recent innovative work, and advance new initiatives to transform our communities.

  • The essential components of New Urbanism are now strategies you simply can't afford to ignore. Learn proven New Urbanist solutions to a number of relevant issues: -- How to survive the housing meltdown -- How to adapt to demographic changes -- How to deliver major energy savings and slow carbon emissions -- What are the growth opportunities under a new administration -- How to be ready to meet demand for a projected 50-million-unit increase in new residences by 2030
  • Connect and collaborate with innovators -- including green designers, architects, builders, developers, city planning officials, transportation design, and community leaders— committed to adapting and incorporating principles of New Urbanism in our cities and towns, as well as abroad.
  • Experience excellent traditional urbanism firsthand though local tours of successful neighborhoods in Atlanta and Georgia. See how projects are adapting to new challenges, and how getting the details right is more important than ever.
  • Learn about the latest applications of New Urbanism -- from LEED for Neighborhood Development to retrofitting suburbs to infill successes.
  • Contribute your own ideas and experience to take New Urbanism to the next level.
  • Learn about new products and the latest innovations at CNU exhibits.
New Urbanism is an urban design and development movement dedicated to implementing community-oriented principles of traditional town and city planning in contrast to the prevailing system of formless sprawl. New Urbanist developments are walkable, provide a diverse range of housing options, encourage a rich mix of uses, and provide welcoming public spaces as detailed in the Charter of the New Urbanism. New Urbanism is an interdisciplinary movement. We welcome developers, architects, landscape architects, town planners, urban designers, engineers, environmental consultants, transit/transportation planners, bicycle and pedestrian advocates, housing specialists, real estate brokers, regulators, real estate financiers and government officials. Students, community activists and interested members of the public are also encouraged to attend.

This year, the Congress has been structured to provide three distinct ways to really dive into the principles of New Urbanism. At the Congress you will have the opportunity to Expand your understanding through group conference sessions of varying sizes and format, Explore new urbanist communities in Georgia, and Engage your colleagues from a broad range of disciplines in conversations about the future of New Urbanism.

EXPAND - Program Highlights

CNU offers a number of formats for expanding the current thinking on New Urbanism, as well as expanding your understanding of its principles.

New Urbanism 101: Introduction to the Principles of New Urbanism
This in-depth primer on the history, principles, and concepts of New Urbanism will provide Congress attendees the opportunity to hear Andrés Duany and other founding members of the movement discuss why New Urbanism works. The day-long course provides an illustrated introduction and a foundation in key concepts such as conventional vs. traditional development, the Charter, why transportation planning matters, and theory vs. practice -- all presented by leading experts in the field. Attend this session and you will walk away with an excellent understanding of what makes a great place and why!

Breakout Sessions
CNU 18 will be organized around several tracks, with more than 50 concurrent sessions that make up the heart of the programming on Friday and Saturday. Breakout offerings include sessions for first-time attendees and seasoned new urbanists alike, allowing you to create an agenda that suits you.

Plenary Sessions
Plenary sessions bring the entire Congress together for a shared experience. Each plenary features an innovative thinker and expert practitioner to share the latest advances in New Urbanism.

Advanced Seminars
These in-depth specialized seminars, led by expert practitioners, are geared toward the advanced professional. These sessions require a separate ticket (though they are included with the Package registration).

EXPLORE - Tours and Urban Labs

Get to know Atlanta and Georgia, and see New Urbanism in practice throughout our host city/region. Urban Labs are offered again this year. The Guided Tours are a great way to discover Atlanta and its surrounding areas. Both the Urban Labs and the Tours are ticketed events and require additional registration.

Guided Tours
CNU 18 offers optional guided tours of Atlanta and nearby Georgia communities renowned for their architecture and urban design. Space is limited. Early registration is strongly advised.

ENGAGE - Networking and Social Events

CNU 18 is a wonderful opportunity to tap into others’ expertise and share your own. Engage with fellow attendees through our networking and social events. From the Exhibit Reception to the Salons and Saturday Night closing networking dinner, CNU 18 offers plenty of opportunities to connect, debate and share with fellow attendees.