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

Get top-rated, practical training

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.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

People biking along beach path with moored ship in San Diego, California.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan

The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

7 hours ago - SD News

Sleeping in Public

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts

Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

May 2 - KSL

Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

May 2 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO

Write for Planetizen