Steuteville, “Better Cities,” CNU: A new partnership for a new era

Robert Steuteville and his “Better Cities & Towns” publication are becoming cornerstone elements of the new communications strategy for the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU).

Steuteville joins the CNU fulltime staff effective immediately. And beginning in March, “Better Cities & Towns” becomes an all-digital publication under the CNU brand, offering New Urbanist news and stories of the movement’s best practices. 

“I’m thrilled that Rob is joining the CNU team. I’m a huge fan of his writing, his analysis, and his ability to tell the often nuanced and complicated placemaking story in a way that’s both inspiring and educational,” said CNU CEO Lynn Richards. “Getting Rob on board fulltime gives us the chance to expand our communications outreach both to CNU members and to those outside the organization who share our commitment to making places people love. And it gives Rob the opportunity to take the next logical step for “Better Cities & Towns.” 

Through an arrangement with CNU, subscriptions to the printed version of “Better Cities & Towns” have been included among CNU membership benefits. Now, with Steuteville joining CNU as a staffer and “Better Cities” going all-digital, he’s freed to focus on gathering and expanding news about New Urbanists’ projects and trends instead of managing a print publication in an era where news lives primarily online.

“I’m looking forward to this chance,” said Steuteville, “to expand the content and the reach of ‘Better Cities & Towns’ and to help CNU to tell the tremendous stories about its members improving communities.”

Adding Steuteville to the staff is part of a revamp of CNU communications strategy under Richards, who took the helm of CEO some seven months ago. “We have big plans for outreach going forward that will focus on the amazing work CNU members and partners are doing.,” said Richards. “So stay tuned.”

Steuteville launched “New Urban News,” a forerunner of “Better Cities & Towns,” in 1996, as a trade publication for New Urbanism and smart growth. He also published New Urbanism: Best Practices Guide and other books in the field.

The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) is a member-based, advocacy organization promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions. 

For more information, contact: Sam Warlick, CNU Messaging and Development Manager, swarlick@cnu.org.

Read this on CNU website. Download full press release here.