Chapters

CNU Chapters Bring New Urbanism to Your Region

"Urban places should be framed by architecture and landscape design that celebrate local history, climate, ecology, and building practice."
– Charter of the New Urbanism

The Charter of the New Urbanism places a special emphasis on the region, recognizing each region's uniqueness and the need for a tailored approach to implementing New Urbanism locally. CNU chapters provide a local framework for collaboration to restore individual metropolitan areas into coherent regions. They bring the principles of the Charter home, translating them for the local context and providing new ways to take part in the movement through public and professional education and networking.

What chapters can do for you:

• Help you meet colleagues who understand the challenges of building in your region
• Share information about policies, resources, and best practices in the region
• Teach the public in your area about New Urbanism, broadening the movement's support
• Provide tailored educational opportunities that respond to local concerns
• Amplify your region's voice to the national movement

Several chapters have already launched, and many others are currently organizing.

Your Local Chapter

CNU currently has four chapters and a number of local groups working toward chapter status. Check out your local group to find out what's going on in your region, or read on to learn how to start a chapter in your area.

Join a Chapter

Current CNU members may join one of the Chapters listed above -- visit the membership page to join CNU and a chapter or to add a chapter membership to your existing CNU membership. Chapter Organizing Committees and Interest Groups do not have membership programs.

Donate

Contribute to a CNU Chapter

Chapter Formation

Groups of members go through two phases to become full-fledged chapters. Informal Interest Groups first must raise support in their area and sign a petition with any 20 CNU members to start a Chapter Organizing Committee, which has no dues and mostly functions to achieve full chapter status. Once the group has the support of enough CNU members and has raised enough money to get started, it incorporates as an nonprofit organization and signs the CNU chapter agreement.

A CNU chapter is an independent nonprofit corporation with its own members, dues, divisions, and activities. It has an independent board of directors. It can hire staff, host events, contract for services, and work with volunteers. It is allowed to use CNU's brand identity —– such as logos, colors, and name —– in return for helping to spread New Urbanism and recruit members for CNU.

We are excited about the mutual support that regional chapters and the international CNU can give one another. CNU will have a consistent local voice to translate the Charter for local audiences, to bring in speakers and other events, and to gather together our supporters for mutual benefit.

A new Chapter Handbook is currently under development, but a PDF draft may be downloaded below.

Students for the New Urbanism (SNU)

Students for the New Urbanism (SNU) organizations are student organizations registered with their educational institution to promote awareness of New Urbanism and issues related to the built environment. SNU groups should contact their local CNU chapter to connect to the new urbanist community in their area and register with CNU using the form below to stay connected to the national new urbanist network.

Downloads

Chapter Organizing Checklist (PDF)
Draft Chapter Handbook (PDF)
Chapter Forms (PDF)
Sample bylaws -- Florida and New England (PDF)
Students for the New Urbanism Registration Form (PDF)

Contact

For more information about existing chapter groups or forming a chapter in your part of the world, please contact Lee Crandell, CNU membership and chapter coordinator, lcrandell@cnu.org, 312.551.7300 x16.