Greetings Chapter Members of CNU Illinois:

We are entering a new era in the evolution of the Congress for the New Urbanism; one where the national organization recognizes the growing importance of the Chapters and in particular our ability to reach out and connect at the grassroots level. As of 2009 when you join CNU you automatically become a member of the Illinois Chapter. WELCOME.

While CNU will continue to pursue issues at the national level here at CNU-IL we believe our top priority for 2009 is to educate our community on the Principles of New Urbanism, and frankly we have a lot of work ahead of us. We are currently planning an outreach program that will target local components of organizations such as USBGC, NAHB, ASLA, APA, DuPage Mayors & Managers Conference, Kane County, Lake County and others. Power point programs are in the works which we hope to present at meetings of these organizations. We intend to share this information with you in the very near future.

We need help with all this, here's how you can help. Our Board of Directors consists of 11 members. We currently have three openings, so we are looking for volunteers to serve three year terms beginning immediately. If you are interested please email me at chair@cnuillinois.org. Since we may not know each other please attach your resumé so we can begin a dialog.

We are in the process of expanding our website with the goal of adding a resource bank of Illinois projects. If you have some thoughts on this topic please email me.

Shortly we will announce specifics on "CNU-IL Happy Hour" gatherings designed to get people to meet, greet and talk about new urbanism. There will be more to follow on this soon.

Finally we are planning a Chapter Meet-up at CNU-17 in Denver. The event is scheduled for Friday evening June 12th beginning at 7:30 PM. We have not finalized the details. We will serve heavy hors D'oeuvres so join us and be our guest. There will be a cash bar. We hope to see you in Denver and you should look forward to more regular communications from me about other chapter activities.

Please feel free to share your thoughts with me, the email address is noted above. If you have general questions for other board members try info@cnuillinois.org. Again Welcome to CNU Illinois.

John Peter Barie, AIA, CNU
Chair 2009

E-mail John Barie: (chair@cnuillinois.org)

Download John Peter Barie's curriculum vita

Waukegan Downtown and Lakefront Master Plan; CNU 2003 Charter Award Winner; Image: SOM

The Congress for New Urbanism Illinois Chapter will undertake the following three-part mission:

1. To promote the importance of New Urbanism in regional planning, community building, and place-making.
2. To raise awareness of the benefits of quality planning, urban design, and sustainable development.
3. To promote the New Urbanist best practices amongst architects, planners, landscape architects, and allied professionals.

In the advancement of this mission, and to address issues of importance to CNU Illinois members, CNU Illinois will focus on two areas of specialization:

1. Community Building
This area of specialization will focus on strengthening communities and neighborhoods across the region, with an emphasis on:
       a. Socio-Economic Inclusiveness
       b. Infill Development
       c. Affordable Housing
       d. Transit-Oriented Development
       e. Economic Opportunities
       f. Traditional Neighborhood Development

2. Environment
This area of specialization will focus on the preservation and enhancement of natural and man-made environments, with an emphasis on:
       a. LEED-ND
       b. Farmland Conservation
       c. Sustainable Landscapes

View CNU-Illinois Charter