Location: Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota
2027 Legacy Projects
Closing: September 4, 2026
Overview
In June 2027, the Twin Cities will host the 35th annual gathering of Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)—an interdisciplinary group of planners, designers, civic leaders, developers, and community advocates focused on building stronger, more resilient places. As part of CNU’s commitment to be a catalyst for lasting change in the region that hosts its event, the organization provides on-the-ground pro bono urban design assistance in select communities each year. Through this Legacy Project Program, CNU recruits national design firms to work directly with local partners to leverage over $150,000 in professional design assistance per project.
Legacy Projects bring the power of urban design solutions to communities that would otherwise not have access to this kind of professional expertise. Selected projects will prioritize neighborhoods that have experienced historic disinvestment, urban challenges that have been overlooked by existing planning practice, or needed change that has remained unfulfilled by conventional community investment strategies. These Projects bring real solutions to neighborhoods in a way that values and incorporates the lived experience of residents. They facilitate engagement, discussion, problem-solving, and ultimately community buy-in for the final plans.
Legacy Projects center around an intense, hands-on way of problem solving called the charrette. After weeks of research and planning, design teams gather for a 3 to 4-day active workshop where they interview community members, walk the streets, and draw solutions in real time. Each project is designed with a “start now” mentality, including implementation strategies that allow for change to be seen on-the-ground within 6 to 18 months of the workshop.
How to Apply
View the full RFP for instructions on how to apply.