The CNU 19 Call for Input Deadline Has Been Extended!

The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) will be keeping its Call for Input platform for the 19th annual Congress open a few more days. The deadline for submitting ideas — and commenting and voting on them — is 5 p.m. Eastern time on August 25, 2010.

Call for Input

The Call for Input allows CNU members (and those interested in the work of CNU) to share their ideas for next year’s Congress. The annual Congress is the leading venue for new urbanist networking, collaboration, and education. The principles and strategies honed over CNU's 18 previous Congresses have helped establish a new paradigm for efficient, livable, healthy and sustainable communities. And CNU 19 will expand on that knowledge base while exploring cutting-edge new strategies for incorporating urban farming, bicycling, place making and economic revitalization in "Growing Local."

The new interactive forum allows users to submit ideas for people they would like to see, sessions they would like to attend, and goals they would like to see the Congress achieve. The goal of the new platform is to create a transparent and open forum where users share, refine, and receive feedback on ideas. The more detail you can give us about your idea, the better chance it has of being selected. This is your Congress so please don’t hesitate to give us your input!

Some of the current hot ideas include:

[5 votes] Ed Glaeser – Pro-Urban Economist
[7 votes] Shrinking Cities - A New Paradigm for Redevelopment
[11 votes] Andreas Røhl - The Lead Bike Planner in Copenhagen

CNU 19 Call for Input: http://cnu19.ideascale.com
CNU 19 Growing Local Tracks: http://www.cnu.org/cnu19/tracks
The Congress for the New Urbanism: http://www.cnu.org

What is CNU 19?

Drawing on the close relationship Madison has with its agricultural neighbors, CNU 19 will build on the theme, “Growing Local.” The conference will explore linkages that urban communities have with local food production, the food economy and the infrastructure that has developed around this symbiosis. It’s not just about growing food though.

The conference will extend the “Growing Local” theme to include the nurturing of non-agricultural local economies and local connections — from Madison’s burgeoning bicycle industry and bike culture to its commitment to community involvement and participation, and pursuit of growth that reinforces a distinct sense of place. The region’s balance of vibrant urban life, rural charm, and natural beauty make Madison an ideal backdrop for CNU 19.

CNU members will come from far and wide to discuss development practices and public policies, learn from recent innovative work, and advance new initiatives to transform our communities.

Confirmed speakers include author and urban historian William Cronon, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, and US Representative Earl Blumenauer.

Why Madison?

In 1911 John Nolen called Madison a “model city.” The region has precious natural resources including four lakes and the Kettle Moraine forest. The farm country that surrounds Madison has many rural hamlets that are designed efficiently along traditional neighborhood design standards. They embody the concepts of new urbanism on a small scale. While most of these villages were built to serve the agricultural industry, they also have become an important part of the growing tourism industry — especially bicycling tourism. These efficient town centers and main streets provide an aesthetic that attracts tourists throughout the Midwest.

Madison’s natural beauty and rural assets are only part of the story though. The urban center is packed with culture, dining, and a vibrant city life. Madison’s balance of urban and rural life creates an engaging and stimulating context for CNU19, where we will explore new models for an age that will demand and reward more sustainable, efficient and livable regional growth.

Start a conversation or comment on someone else’s ideas!

CNU 19 Call for Input: http://cnu19.ideascale.com