The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) and the area host committee for the 2026 Congress are accepting applications for Legacy Projects, a program that provides pro bono urban design and planning services for selected projects in the region.
Four projects will be chosen, according a the CNU.
CNU will host its 34th annual Congress in Northwest Arkansas from May 12-16, 2026. More than 1,500 architects, urban planners and real estate professionals from across the United States are expected to attend. This will be CNU’s first Congress in Arkansas.
According to the release, Legacy Projects connect professionals with cities, towns and neighborhood organizations to address challenges such as revitalizing main streets, improving walkability, expanding housing options or managing growth.
Mary Madden, founder of Fayetteville-based Madden Planning, is part of the Local Host Committee for the 34th annual Congress and is overseeing the selection of the 2026 Legacy Projects. Applications are due Friday (Aug. 29). Cities, towns, community groups and neighborhood organizations across Northwest Arkansas are encouraged to apply. Link here for more information on the request for proposals, which must be emailed to [email protected] and [email protected].
“The CNU Legacy Projects are a great opportunity for Northwest Arkansas communities to tap into the skills, creativity, and experience our members bring to each annual Congress,” Madden said. “Their energy and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as we navigate growth while protecting the character and natural beauty that make this region so special.”
The 2026 program is expected to select four projects “that reflect the diversity of the region, both in geography and in issues addressed,” the release shows. “Each project will receive professional services valued at $100,000 to $125,000 in donated time and expertise, with communities contributing $7,500 toward travel expenses for the design teams.”
Asked when the projects will be announced, Madden said this depends on how many projects are submitted. The first visits from the out-of-state firms are slated for this winter.
“Through our Legacy Program, CNU is able to directly confront real-world challenges happening in Northwest Arkansas, providing invaluable technical assistance that helps communities to design the solutions that support their own vision for the future,” said Mallory Baches, president of the Congress for the New Urbanism.
Link here for past Legacy Projects.
The Congress for the New Urbanism is a member-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit “championing better design of cities and towns to improve lives and strengthen communities for all,” the release shows. For over thirty years, the nonprofit has been a leader in reforming city-building across the United States, bringing together practitioners and advocates who share its mission.