CNU VI Program is Shaping Up

“Cities in Context: Rebuilding Communities within the Natural Region,” will take place April 30 through May 3, 1998, in Denver, Colorado. More than half of new development in America occurs at the periphery of existing settlements. The percentage of raw land developed annually exceeds both population and job growth in virtually every metropolitan area. Sprawling land patterns have increased the use of cars, the separation of land uses, road congestion, and the loss of agricultural land and wildlife habitat. Despite these trends, there is tangible evidence that mixed-use centers, coupled with transit service and a connected system of public pedestrian places, can reverse the downward spiral toward sprawl and move towards more coherent metropolitan patterns. The question remains: Will New Urbanism define specific strategies that enrich inner cities, reconfigure suburban towns, and guide development in a manner that also sustains a region’s environmental system? The Denver Congress will explore the complex topics of reshaping the existing city through aggressive infill strategies and integrating environmental preservation strategies with New Urbanist developments. A day of the program will be devoted to each of these programs. These themes will be woven into plenary and task force-sponsored presentations, followed by informal afternoon “salons” where individuals exchange views on emerging projects and present recent work. There will also be opportunities for attendees to learn about and comment on planning issues and projects underway in Front Range communities. The Urban Land Institute will be holding their annual Spring Forum during overlapping dates in Denver. To encourage greater interaction between our organizations, we have arranged several joint sessions with ULI and will offer ULI members the opportunity to attend the Congress. Preliminary program On Thursday, Orientation/Welcome activities will acquaint out-of-towners with the Denver/Front Range area and bring local attendees up to speed with CNU principles and projects. Most attendees can catch flights on Thursday morning and check in their Denver hotel by noon. Daytime events are optional or in conjunction with the ULI Conference. The evening opening session will feature a nationally recognized speaker. On Friday, the theme will be “Infill and Refill: Reshaping the City.” Built and planned projects that restore and establish viable city commercial districts and residential neighborhoods will be featured. Topics to be explored include New Urbanism’s potential impact on cities and whether there are sufficient infill development opportunities to reverse sprawl. “Creating Urbanism in the Natural Region” will be Saturday’s topic. Projects that reflect the intersection of natural systems and New Urbanism in a regional context of old towns, aging suburbs, edge cities and stand-alone communities will be discussed and presented. Questions to be addressed include: What strategies work to protect farms and open space? How are inter-city greenway systems created? How can environmental requirements and market demands be balanced? Are affordable housing and open space mutually achievable objectives? Where should growth be channeled? The program for Sunday, the final day of CNU VI, will be called “Living the Charter.” Members will reflect on the future of CNU as an organization and New Urbanism as a movement. The Charter Book will be presented and the Top 10 Criticisms of New Urbanism will be debated. Additional details on CNU VI are included in a flyer that will be sent to all members. Or, call the CNU office.