Thunder and Excitement at CNU 17

Reporting from CNU 17 in Denver, where the thundercracks shook the Sheraton at various points throughout the day. Somehow though I've managed to be outside only when the sun is out.

2 minute read

June 12, 2009, 8:40 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Reporting from CNU 17 in Denver, where the thundercracks shook the Sheraton at various points throughout the day. Somehow though I've managed to be outside only when the sun is out.

The atmosphere is dramatic here at CNU, and not just outside the conference center. Everyone is a twitter (and yes, some people are Twittering at #CNU17) about the effect of the economy on the role of New Urbanism. The consensus seems to be that there is a spark of purpose in attendees and presenters not seen in recent years, driven by the culture shift inherent in this new economy and the need for New Urbanists to shift in to high gear to help solve climate change. As Robin Rather, CEO of Collective Strength put it, "We have the answers to the world's problems, we just don't know how to talk about it."

Carol Coletta of CEOs for Cities echoed Robin's message. "New Urbanism is, no offense, still a technical term." Carol and Robin both said there is a great need to communicate the messages of New Urbanism- walkable neighborhoods, connectivity, less driving- in a way that connects to people's lives. "We need to speak to people at their aspirational level."

The motivation at all levels seemed to be about cutting through jargon and infighting to press forward with issues in a cohesive manner. Developer Donald Monti, who is doing very interesting work revitalizing 3rd and 4th tier cities around the country, called for APA, CNU, ULI, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, etc., to join forces and present a clear message to the Obama Administration to move these ideas forward. Another developer on the panel thought it was too late for such coalitions, and the money is already in play with the recent stimulus package. 

Another current through today's gathering was some frustration in the Obama Administration for what's seen as a lack of movement. There is a lot of hope behind a president who has created an Office of Urban Policy and has spoken out against sprawl, but disappointment that those thoughts haven't been implemented yet in any cohesive way. Meanwhile,"shovel-ready" has become a term of dirision for these folks, which they see as representing a vast amount of money poorly spent and not well-planned. 

On the whole, there's a feeling of excitement and a feeling that New Urbanism is again ascendant and has the answers the world is looking for- if only we can find ways to reach people. As Robin said so firmly, "STOP TALKING ABOUT THE TRANSECT!! People don't know what you're saying!" 

 


Tim Halbur

Tim Halbur is communications director for the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), the leading organization promoting walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions. He was managing editor of Planetizen from 2008 to 2011.

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing