CNU 17 offers unparalleled networking

CNU’s seventeenth annual Congress, June 10-14 in Denver, focuses on New Urbanism as an economic beacon in these times. As the US and world economies face vexing related challenges — the mortgage crisis, economic recession, energy insecurity — CNU 17 is the place to learn and exchange strategies for navigating them. It is also the place to understand the forces that will drive the recovery and structure the long-term agenda in Washington and in communities around the country.
Fast-changing conditions demand efficiency in everything from energy use to local government services — and the New Urbanism delivers it. Communities that rely on solid economic fundamentals such as connected street networks, diverse housing opportunities for a variety of incomes, and engaging and lively places will help lead the way forward. The remedies they offer will be the centerpiece of the CNU 17 program.  
With registration set to open March 4th — the best time to lock in early savings — here is a sampling of what you can expect from CNU 17:
• The new urbanist advantage, even when conditions are hardest: CNU members will benefit from a track full of recession-minded implementation strategies ranging from enterprising financing mechanisms to key phasing and timing tactics and strategies for nurturing small-scale retail. Sharing lessons will be longtime development agenda setters Jonathan Rose, Bob Gibbs, Bill Gietema, and Matt Whalen of Catellus.
• Infrastructure that supports community (and recovery): After decades when automobile-oriented infrastructure dominated transportation budgets, heightened oil dependence, and devalued cities and towns, CNU and its partners are establishing a viable alternative: sustainable transportation networks that support great placemaking while delivering major energy benefits and convenient mobility, whether you’re walking, biking, riding transit, or driving. At the top of a list of great transportation sessions is a reform plenary featuring New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Pennsylvania Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler, who is bringing needed change to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials as its incoming president.  Hailed as “a guerilla bureaucrat” by streets bloggers, Sadik-Khan has energized New York City’s public realm by reclaiming streets for pedestrians and cyclists. Hear how ideas such as shared street space, Sunday street closings, congestion pricing, and other Jan Gehl-style reforms make the city more profitable and more livable.
• Hot, flat, and urban: Global economic connectivity punishes poor performance and careless risk taking, but it also vastly expands the potential pool of customers for good ideas, like New Urbanism. New urbanists are now leading planning and development reforms from Asia to the Middle East and Australia. Meet the CNU members and fellow international urbanists behind this phenomenon at a special Thursday night international forum. Larry Beasley will discuss the role of Charter principles in major new plans for Abu Dhabi, the capital city-state of the United Arab Emirates. Jim Mackinnon, chief planner for Scotland will reveal the impact new urbanist firms are having in the United Kingdom. Saeed Ahmed Saeed, Chief Executive Officer of Limitless, will describe the re-emergence of walkable urbanism in Dubai. And other notable new urbanists will share their international experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with leading developers and designers who are transforming the built environment around the globe and planning for resilient developments that are post-peak-oil-ready.
• Pioneering brothers united:  Together for the first time at a CNU Congress, Léon and Rob Krier will discuss lessons from two major careers in urbanism — careers that continue to advance the practice and state of the art.
• Stimulating a Pro-Urbanist Agenda in Washington: The new Administration recognizes that pro-sprawl transportation and housing policies aren’t in the long-term interest of America or its allies, so CNU is working to help it and Congress accelerate the switch to policies that support sustainable urbanism with all its economic, environmental, and social benefits. Whether it’s helping HUD steer development to green urban neighborhoods (just as CNU shaped design guidelines for Hope VI), providing planning criteria for the areas around high-speed rail stations or making sure Congress’ next Transportation Reauthorization creates true urban transportation networks, not just more stretches of highways, CNU has an active policy agenda and you’re invited to influence it at a significant CNU working session. Learn also how you can have the biggest impact with your Congressional delegation and with influential clients. Elinor Bacon, a former HUD undersecretary and head of a consulting firm that focuses on urban infill development, will kick off the session. CNU Board members will answer members’ questions and refine strategies for  promoting New Urbanism in federal and local programs.
As we’ve learned from the post-Katrina experience, the New Urbanism movement is quick on its feet and ready to plan for the recovery. Join the conversation in Denver to learn the fundamental and in-depth lessons on getting urbanism right so that projects and communities can hold their value and be better prepared for the economic rebound ahead. Register at cnu17.org.