CNU NATIONAL

CNU National

The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) is a member-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit championing better design of cities and towns to improve lives and strengthen communities for all. For over thirty years, CNU has been the leading organization in reforming city-building across the country, gathering the broad spectrum of practitioners and advocates who share our mission.

CNU envisions a world where cities, towns, and neighborhoods are intentionally designed and managed to foster community, preserve the natural environment, and improve the lives of all people.

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OUR CHAPTER

The CNU Atlanta Chapter was founded in 2006 and in 2010 proudly hosted the 18th Annual Congress of the New Urbanism. In the years that followed, the chapter helped shape the regional dialogue on critical issues such as missing middle housing, transit-oriented development, and the revival of town centers. After a period of dormancy, the chapter reactivated in 2022. After years of regaining momentum, the chapter continued its growth with renewed purpose, poised to become a driving force in shaping a more equitable, connected, and inspired urban future for Atlanta and the greater south.

Chapter Principles

CHAPTER PRINCIPLES

TODs: We fully support Denser/Compact development near transit which creates walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that reduce traffic and emissions, expand housing choices, and strengthen access to jobs and services.
Housing Diversity: We fully support policies and developments that provide a diverse mix of home types, sizes, and price points, with an emphasis on Missing Middle Housing—duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, courtyard apartments, and live-work units. These small-scale multi-unit options fit comfortably within single-family neighborhoods, add much-needed housing on the same amount of land, and help keep homes more affordable.
Human-scaled Mixed-Use Development: We fully support Human-scaled mixed-use development that emphasizes buildings, streets, and public spaces that feel comfortable, accessible, and inviting for people—rather than dominated by cars or large, impersonal structures—while integrating different uses like housing, shops, offices, and community spaces in the same area.
Biophilic Design: We fully support Biophilic Design that intentionally connects people with nature. It integrates natural elements—like sunlight, greenery, water features, natural materials, and views of the outdoors—into buildings, streets, and public spaces to improve human well-being, productivity, and environmental quality.
Empowerment Urbanism: We fully support development and planning that advances economic opportunity and social mobility through place. By intentionally designing neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces to be accessible, connected, and inclusive, we can create environments where people have better access to jobs, education, transit, and essential services. Thoughtful urban planning and design can foster entrepreneurship, local business growth, and workforce development while promoting equitable access to housing and community amenities. In this way, the physical layout of our cities and towns becomes a tool not just for movement and shelter, but for expanding opportunity, reducing disparities, and empowering residents to thrive.