Northwest Arkansas to Host 34th Annual Congress for the New Urbanism

Northwest Arkansas has been selected to host the 34th annual Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) in late spring 2026, drawing over 1,500 architects, urban planners, policy experts, and real estate professionals from across the country. This high-profile event is organized by CNU, a nonprofit advocating for walkable, sustainable, and equity-focused urban design. It promises to not only bring an estimated $3 million in economic impact to the region but also to leave a lasting imprint on how Northwest Arkansas navigates its rapid growth.

“Northwest Arkansas is unlike any recent location for our annual Congress,” said Mallory Baches, CNU’s President. “We are incredibly excited to bring our flagship event to a region offering CNU an opportunity to support a connected network of individual cities and towns. We are committed to leaving a lasting impact on the evolution of this fast-growing region, one that will ensure better outcomes for the existing population as well as the thousands of people projected to call Northwest Arkansas home in the coming decades.”

The event will take place in Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, and Springdale and will feature dozens of sessions, multiple workshops, technical assistance projects, and tours designed to give attendees an on-the-ground understanding of the region’s challenges and opportunities. CNU’s annual Congress is known for bringing together experts who are shaping the future of cities, making it an unmatched opportunity for local and regional stakeholders to engage with innovative ideas.

Spotlighting Regional Opportunities

According to Margaret Gattis, Executive Director of CNU, the region’s dynamic growth makes it the perfect location for this event. “When we select a Congress location, we identify major trends and key issues within the local context that we believe our attendees and our broader membership can explore and take important lessons from,” she said. “In Northwest Arkansas, we see a rapidly changing region that can benefit from smart applications of coordinated density and increased connectivity, as well as partners that are eager to work with us – and our attendees. It is a part of the country that is already innovating and growing in ways that we can learn from.”

The Congress’ presence in the area will provide local leaders with access to some of the best minds in urban planning and design. “Each year, the Congress is the chance to learn from the best urban change agents in the country, so we are thrilled that CNU has chosen to bring that knowledge to our community,” said Ward Davis, a co-host for the Congress’ local host committee and a longtime developer in Northwest Arkansas. “This event will be a call to action for our local planning, policy, finance, and implementation industries to think strategically about the quality of life that we will leave for future generations here in Northwest Arkansas.”

Building Connections that Last

One of the Congress's key goals is to foster long-term collaboration between CNU, local organizations, and the community. ULI Northwest Arkansas, the regional chapter of the Urban Land Institute, is already a major player in promoting innovative urbanism in the area. Their annual Place Summit and other partnerships demonstrate that dense, sustainable development is possible in the region. CNU and ULI Northwest Arkansas plan to work together leading up to and following the Congress to ensure a lasting impact on the region’s development.

“This partnership represents a transformative opportunity for our region,” said Wes Craiglow, ULI NWA’s Executive Director. “Together, we will showcase Northwest Arkansas’s dynamic growth and innovation while addressing some of our most pressing land use challenges. By convening the expertise of ULI and CNU members multiple times, we aim to create lasting, impactful solutions that reflect the values and aspirations of our communities.”

About CNU and New Urbanism

Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) is a member-based nonprofit focused on improving the design of cities and towns to benefit communities and their residents. For more than 30 years, CNU has championed better city-building practices, creating opportunities for collaboration among urban planners, developers, architects, and policymakers. Their mission is rooted in making urban design part of the solution to today’s complex societal challenges by promoting sustainability, accessibility, and equity in every community.

Each year, the Congress serves as a platform for attendees to collaborate, educate, and innovate, fostering a world where cities, towns, and neighborhoods are intentionally designed to improve lives, protect natural environments, and build community. With Northwest Arkansas as the next destination, the 2026 Congress will undoubtedly be a milestone for the region and the future of urbanism.

Learn more about the Congress for the New Urbanism HERE.