About Us
Beginnings
The Next Generation of New Urbanists was founded in the summer of 2003 by Brian Wright. Wright organized a series of informal sessions among emerging professionals and students at CNU XI in Washington DC whose collective energy inspired the composition of the Manifesto of the Next Generation of New Urbanists , written by Wright and released in August of that year. Shortly thereafter, NewUrbanGeneration, the NextGen listserve , was established, quickly growing to over 150 members.
The following year in Chicago, the Next Generation held its first congress meeting a day prior to the start of CNU XII. The day featured expansive brainstorming, stimulating conversation and extensive networking as over 70 attended the first comprehensive gathering of New Urbanist emerging professionals and students. The second congress was held in 2005 in Pasadena with similar success, drawing about 85 participants. The format was of this congress was adjusted to have a set of morning speakers on the subjects of the New Urbanist Process, New Urbanist Communities and Big Scale Visions. See our Congresses section for full details.
2006 has marked new chapter in NextGen history as seasoned members have collaborated to expand the sphere of influence of the group by establishing a firm agenda and burgeoning operating structure. CNU XIV was focused on implementation and development and NextGen3 featured three developers under the age of 35 engaged in development projects. Slides, audio tracks and open space notes can be found on the NextGen3 page .
You can also listen to the recording of the Next Generation's general discussion session during CNU XIV, which gives a great overview of the movement as well as current projects and opportunities.
Today
We are diverse in professional practice, age, geographical origin, interests, experience and background and welcome students, emerging professionals, and newcomers to New Urbanism alike. Regardless of where you find yourself, being a member of the Next Generation is a thing of the spirit - a spirit dedicated to the advancement of a healthy, human centered, built environment.
Membership is open to all parties interested in furthering the goals of the Charter of the New Urbanism. All time and effort to grow and lead the group is donated by individual members. Plans are already underway for NextGen4 in Philadelphia, which will be held the day before CNU XV, May 16th, 2007.
For more information about NextGen itself, see our online form or write to "contact [at] cnunextgen.org".
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