CNU’s Executive Director Shelley Poticha has been to

CNU’s Executive Director Shelley Poticha has been to Washington, D.C., twice recently to advocate at the federal level for policies that will rejuvenate cities, curb sprawl, and promote development that will create livable communities with transportation and housing choices. In preparation for this year’s Family Reunion retreat, an annual affair hosted by Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, the VP invited six leaders from across the country, including CNU’s Shelley Poticha, to participate in a roundtable discussion in March on “Community and Family.” While most of the speakers dealt with general social issues, Shelley and Dr. Jose Szapocznik, from the University of Miami, addressed the connection between physical form of communities and quality of life. Gore was very interested in, and supportive, of the principles of the New Urbanism, and assured that his Livability Agenda will remain one of his key platforms. In early April, Shelley gave a presentation to the U.S. Senate Smart Growth Task Force, chaired by Senators James Jeffords (R-VT) and Carl Levin (D-MI). The Task Force, comprised of 25 Senators from across the nation, was formed in January by the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition and has conducted regular briefings on a variety of Smart Growth topics. Shelley’s presentation explained why the New Urbanism is a key component of Smart Growth. Sign up early for CNU VII: The Wealth of Cities, June 3 through 6 in Milwaukee! Space is limited and this year’s Congress is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. For registration call (800) 788-7077 or (302) 436-4375 or go to www.cnu.org.