We are thrilled that CNU 35 is returning to the Twin Cities, a region that has long been at the center of critical national conversations about public space, equity, safety, and belonging. Few metropolitan areas have grappled more publicly or more honestly with the tensions and opportunities that define urbanism today, from the legacy of highway construction through historic neighborhoods to bold investments in transit, affordable housing, and park infrastructure. The Twin Cities bring both the challenges and the aspirations that CNU members work to address every day, making this an especially meaningful and timely gathering.
CNU 35 will be anchored in the Mill District of Minneapolis, a walkable, connected neighborhood that reflects the city's industrial history and its ongoing commitment to adaptive reuse, riverfront access, infill housing, and multimodal transportation. Through walking tours, local project showcases, and conversations with practitioners and residents shaping the region's future, attendees will experience firsthand how the civic realm can serve as a foundation for community connection and bring that energy back to their own communities.
Hotel:
Our host hotel, the Renaissance Depot Minneapolis, is the former Milwaukee Road train depot, which operated from 1899 to 1971. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features exposed iron trusses, barrel-vault ceilings, arched windows, brick walls, and a clock tower modeled after the Giralda in Seville, Spain. CNU 35 attendees will be thrilled to host the entirety of the educational program within this adaptive reuse project.
Venues:
The core of the CNU 35 program will take place at the Renaissance Depot. Office events such as the Chater Awards, Opening and Closing parties, as well as pub crawls and social events will take place offsite.
Travel:
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are serviced by the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, first opened in 1920, now serving as a major travel hub. MSP services over 15 different airlines with nonstop travel to over 160 destinations worldwide. Travel to the Congress hotel from MSP via the METRO Blue Line lightrail is quick, easy, and direct. The Blue Line arrives at both MSP terminals every 15-20 minutes, and attendees can get to the Government Plaza Station, a 7 minute walk to the Congress hotel, in about 25 minutes total.
The Twin Cities are serviced by Amtrak on both the Borealis and Empire Builder lines. The historic Union Depot in Saint Paul connects to downtown Minneapolis via the METRO Green Line.
Meals:
Breakfast for CNU 35 attendees is included Wednesday - Friday as part of the core program at the Renaissance Depot. Lunch and dinner are not included. There will be happy hours and after session events with snacks on Wednesday through Friday.