Exciting plans for a Congress focused on implementation

On Providence’s Eastside, homes with holiday lights slowly pass by my train window. After passing a half-dozen downtown development projects on my walk from the train station to the office, I can’t help but think that “Developing the New Urbanism” is a well-timed focus for the 14th annual Congress for the New Urbanism. Next spring, from June 1 through 4, we will focus the conversation on issues of implementation and the role of the developer. The Congress will enrich the thinking and practice of developers – and of all new urbanist practitioners – as we collaborate to make better cities, towns, and regions. Planning for “Developing the New Urbanism” began nearly a year ago, and in recent weeks has been in full swing. The Providence Local Host Committee has begun to craft a program for the Congress that incorporates the many great ideas submitted in recent months to CNU. This process began in late November with the review of upwards of 140 proposals from CNU members. These proposals included a range of topics covering everything from “Implementing Green Urbanism” to “Selling Urbanism to Regulators.” Overall it was clear that the discussion of implementation is an important topic. Congress planners have also been looking for interesting and meaningful new ways for attendees to interact with speakers and colleagues. A number of extended sessions will be held for in-depth discussion of significant issues. And reports with insights from these sessions, along with primer materials on topics such as basic project finance, will be incorporated in a “Tool Kit” that attendees will take with them to use in addressing implementation-related issues in their practices. There are also plans for an expanded program on June 1 that will include not only basic (CNU 101) and advanced (CNU 202) sessions, but also other opportunities for members to present new ideas and discuss task force initiatives. Unique urbanism and architecture Providence’s unique urbanism and rich historic architecture will be an excellent setting for the many special events and walking tours that are in the works. Waterfire, a unique sculpture installation featuring raised bonfires installed along the three rivers of Providence, will be one of the events that Congress attendees are sure to enjoy. Situated an hour from Boston as well as Cape Cod, Providence is a great departure point for planned tours to Newport, Mashpee Commons, Boston’s neighborhoods, and the Big Dig, as well as many others. Visit www.cnuxiv.org for updates on CNU XIV and keep an eye out in the next issue of New Urban News for more news about the 2006 Congress in Providence, Rhode Island. u