Join us at the Strong Towns National Gathering to hear from inspiring speakers, participate in hands-on workshops, and meet with fellow advocates.
Who’s Invited
Everyone is invited! This event is geared toward planning professionals, local government staff, and, most of all, everyday Strong Towns advocates. There will be AICP credits available to professionals.
When
May 30–31 (CNU annual conference continues on June 1–3).
Where
The Westin at 601 S College St., Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ticket Information
A small number of scholarships are available for those with financial need. Please contact rachel@strongtowns.org to discuss.
General Admission: $250
Strong Towns Member: $225
Student: $100
CNU Add-on: $175*
*For those also purchasing a ticket to the Congress for the New Urbanism. Make sure to buy your ticket through the CNU registration form and add the Strong Towns National Gathering at checkout if you wish to receive this discount.
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Register at Westin Foyer
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PechaKucha session (apply to present here)
Cash bar
May 31
Breakouts, Strongest Town 2023 Award Presentation, Keynote Presentation featuring Majora Carter, and CNU Opening Party. Breakfast and lunch provided.
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Welcome breakfast for all attendees (Westin Foyer and Grand Ballroom C)
Friends and sponsors breakfast (Kings)
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How To Start a Strong Towns Local Conversation — John Pattison
How To Use Social Media To Build a Movement and Create Change (Panel) — Tiffany Owens (columnist), John Simmerman (Active Towns), Ray Delahanty (CityNerd), and Alan Fisher (YouTuber). Moderated by Michael Pasternock.
Creating the Ecosystem for Incremental Developers To Succeed — Monte Anderson, Mike Keen, Bernice M. Radle, and Barbara Taylor. Moderated by Gracen Johnson.
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Zoning Broke the City. Here’s How To Fix It. — M. Nolan Gray
Unleashing the Benefits of Parking Reform — Tony Jordan and Jane Wilberding (Parking Reform Network)
How To Fight the Highway in Your Backyard (Panel) — Amy F. Stelly and Danielle Richard. Moderated by Asia Mieleszko.
Changing Minds in Your Community: What Works — Daniel Herriges and Norm Van Eeden Petersman
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Strongest Town 2023 award presentation and remarks
Lunch provided
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Uncovering What’s Wrong With the Property Tax Assessment System and Holding Local Governments Accountable — Joe Minicozzi and Lanier Hagerty (Urban3)
Running for Office as a Strong Towns Advocate (Panel) — Angel Castillo, LeVette Fuller, and David S. Cantu. Moderated by Rachel Quednau.
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Attendees from the Gathering are invited to walk six blocks down Tryon Street (or three stops on the Light Rail) to 7th Street Market for a sample tasting menu from local vendors and enjoy the Victoria Yards beer garden, hosted by CNU, the Local CNU Host Committee, and Charlotte Central City Partners.
A downloadable agenda will be available soon.
More About the Gathering
We know you get fired up by the stories and issues you encounter at Strong Towns. But it’s not always clear what to do next. The work of making your neighborhood stronger can often feel lonely, slow, and even discouraging. But you don’t have to stay stuck in that feeling. We know that effective advocates don’t operate on their own.
That’s why we’re excited to team up with the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) to host a new annual event: the Strong Towns National Gathering, to be held the day before CNU’s annual Congress begins. Come for the Strong Towns Gathering and stay for CNU (with a discounted ticket price)—or just drop in for our Gathering.
Let us introduce you to your allies and kindred spirits from across the country. The Gathering will include inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, and lots of opportunities to meet fellow advocates.
We hope you’ll return home excited, emboldened, and equipped—knowing you are an indispensable part of an energetic, unstoppable movement.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
