• Council to study building a 'better burb'

    CNU is reviving a tradition of intimate discussions with top experts next month in Miami with the Build a Better Burb Sprawl Retrofit Council.
    For a decade, top new urbanist thinkers met in intimate Councils to work on problems, conduct high-level discussions, and immerse themselves in the art and craft of building communities. Five years after the last Council, CNU is reviving the tradition next month in Miami with the Build a Better...Read more

  • Historic arcade houses young professionals

    One of the nation's most beautiful historic shopping arcades was restored into affordable micro-lofts and small shops in Providence.
    Two assets of cities are historic buildings and the attraction to a talented workforce. A downside is the shortage of affordable housing, especially downtown. That issue is addressed by the restoration of one of the most beautiful historic shopping arcades as 48 affordable micro-lofts, rents...Read more

  • How do we build a stronger movement?

    With CNU’s twenty-fifth birthday just around the corner, I’m reminded of Margaret Mead, who said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Isn’t this what CNU has accomplished over the past 23 years? I’ve...Read more

  • Ten songs for urbanists

    I offer a personal selection of music on topics that urbanists care about—I hope you enjoy it.
    My City Was Gone This angry and powerful Pretenders favorite has it all: A dying downtown, transit, sprawl, malls, development of the countryside, highways, and loss of innocence—all structured around an amazing guitar riff and back beat. What more could an urbanist ask? Chrissie Hynde sings about...Read more