The South x New England: Insights from CNU 33

Downtown Providence, Westminster Street facing Northeast

CNU 33 brought the movement for better cities to the historic and walkable streets of Providence, Rhode Island, and CNU Atlanta showed up in full force. From scholarship recipients and volunteers to longtime members and leaders, the chapter was well represented throughout the week of learning, connection, and inspiration.

Four of our student scholarship recipients - Jackie Hampton (Emory University), Martin Landis (Georgia Tech), Adeleine Geitner (Duke University), and Trip (Washington and Lee University) - joined hundreds of urbanists from across the world to explore how design, policy, and community-building can work hand in hand to create more equitable, vibrant places. Their reflections reveal the power of CNU's national gathering to shape ideas, launch careers, and forge lasting relationships.

For Jackie Hampton, who is preparing an honors thesis on affordable housing, this was her first Congress. She shared, “Attending the Congress for New Urbanism this year was such a special experience. I really enjoyed the walkability of Providence and being able to explore a city I had never visited before.” She made a point to attend sessions related to housing and connected with other students who had founded or participated in campus urbanist clubs. “One of my favorite nights was Friday, when I attended two happy hours at local architecture firms. I had some great conversations about my next step—grad school—and got to see some really beautiful work.”

Jackie Hampton's detailed sketch mirrors the grandeur of the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul

Martin Landis returned to the Congress with more confidence and took on a new role as a volunteer. “It was my first time volunteering, which turned out to be a completely enjoyable way to meet many more people than I otherwise would have,” he reflected. “I tried to prioritize presenters over content, but I was mostly drawn to sessions on policy and transportation.” Martin’s engagement extended beyond the conference. In his role as CNU Atlanta’s student liaison, he’s writing a guide to help other students form SNUs across the country. “It’s a privilege to be called upon to fill this sort of role, and I’m very grateful to CNU Atlanta for helping me attend this congress and leading me to this project.”

For Adeleine Geitner, who also attended CNU 32 in Cincinnati, this second Congress confirmed she had found something truly special. “Everyone cares about the same issues, but they approach them from widely different perspectives. No conversation is repetitive, and the conference is a chance to see how a civil engineer, a local developer, an architecture student, a city planner would think about the solution.” Adeleine also highlighted the joy and connection built into the culture of the event. “I worry I am poorly conditioned to attend non-CNU conferences in the future, because I have grown to expect pub crawls and dance parties built into the official schedule. These events were a catalyst for real friends, not just ‘connections.’”

Martin, Trip, and Adeleine enjoy a vibrant evening event with fellow attendees under the city skyline.

Trip, a recent graduate, also returned to CNU after first attending last year in his hometown of Cincinnati. “In Providence, I was fortunate to serve as a volunteer alongside a number of friends I made at last year’s Congress,” he wrote. “One of my favorite sessions was about New Urbanist tenets of block design.” He was especially struck by a question posed by speaker Thomas Dougherty: “What is it to shape the world as a home?” That line resonated deeply given Trip’s passion for using the built environment to improve everyday lives. He’ll soon be moving to Philadelphia to begin work in affordable housing development and said, “I’m excited to bring the new wisdom from CNU 33 to my first full-time job.” He also thanked CNU Atlanta for the scholarship that made the trip possible.

Throughout the week, members of the chapter reconnected during sessions, socials, and a lively CNU Atlanta lunch that brought together new voices and longtime contributors. It was a space to recharge, share lessons, and reaffirm the chapter’s commitment to building great places across Atlanta and the South.

As our student awardees move forward in their journeys, and as we look toward CNU 34 in Arkansas, we’re reminded of what makes this community so powerful. Urbanism is about people first and foremost and using the elevation of the built environment to improve the lives and experiences of us all.

CNU ATL Chapter Luncheon

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Providence and to our members and supporters for investing in the next generation of city-shapers.