CNU is offering a select number of 4-day Congress registration scholarships to CNU 31.Charlotte with the goal of expanding participation and bringing new voices to the event. CNU Scholarship funds are as follows:
- Richard McLaughlin Scholarship fund for appointed or elected officials (information below)
- CNU Fellows Scholarship fund for emerging leaders in the placemaking movement
- CNU General Scholarship fund geared toward: Local government employees and officials; Representatives/Employees/Volunteers of Community and Nonprofit Organizations; Members of historically underrepresented populations; and undergraduate and graduate Students
Individuals that have received a scholarship to attend the Congress in the past are not eligible for a scholarship to CNU 31. Scholarship applications are now being accepted through March 15, 2023.
The McLaughlin Scholarship Fund is named for Rich McLaughlin, a Charter member of CNU who was a pioneer in introducing and practicing New Urbanism in Minneapolis/Saint Paul. Beginning with his work at Town Planning Collaborative, Rich had a profound impact on neighborhood-, city- and regional-scale planning and urban design for 10 years. Through his work on neighborhood master plans, code reform, street design, building types for walkable communities and hands-on community engagement, Rich’s legacy is evident today throughout the Twin Cities of Minnesota and beyond. While Rich found great support for his work among residents, business owners, developers and City staff, he was often frustrated that decision-makers did not understand or support New Urbanist principles, plans and projects. Rich passed away in 2006, and the McLaughlin Fund was created in 2008 to address this issue. Every year, a scholarship is awarded to an elected or appointed official to attend the annual Congress, with the expectation that they return to their home city an informed and energized advocate for New Urbanism.