We connect and inspire New Yorkers to design, build and care for a better city.

Current Initiatives

Global Exchange

Big Swings
What can New York learn from cities taking “big swings” to confront their housing crises? 

Public Works
Public Works sparks conversations with civic leaders on built environment initiatives shaping the public good.

New City Critics
In our writers fellowship with The Architectural League, we seek to empower a new generation of urban critics.
Forefront

Lifelong
Our ninth Forefront Fellowship imagines a New York City where older adults can thrive with support and dignity.
Community Design

The Local Center
A new community design network in partnership with the Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development
Next New York

Rewire
New York City must reshape its buildings and public spaces as engines for a climate positive city.

Upcoming Events

02.28.25

Make Your Case: Writing & Pitching Op-Eds

Event Public Works
Join us for a two-part op-ed workshop with Danny Pearlstein and John Surico.
03.14.25

Big Swings for New York City Housing

Event Big Swings
Join the 2024-25 Global Exchange Fellows to explore “big swings” to address the housing crisis, inspired by cities across the world.
05.19.25

Study Trip to Copenhagen

Event Big Swings
Join the Global Exchange Study Trip to discover how Copenhagen has become a global benchmark for urban livability through public realm transformation.

News

Forum News

Caring for Our Neighbors: a Letter from Executive Director Dan McPhee
I may never know this country, but I have loved knowing this city for the past fifteen years.
Posted — November 7, 2024
Forum News

Urban Design Forum Selects 48 Leaders as Fellows for Global Exchange Program to Tackle the Housing Crisis
Urban Design Forum is thrilled to announce the 48 Fellows in the inaugural Global Exchange cohort: our new fellowship for mid-career executives who will survey the world to take a big swing at New York City’s housing crisis.
Posted — August 6, 2024
Forum NewsLocal Center

Announcing Connected Corridors: Envisioning the Future of Our Main Streets
Three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx will launch new projects to transform public spaces in under-invested commercial corridors.
Posted — May 6, 2024

Join the Forum

Individual Membership
Our Fellows are developers, architects, planners, builders, public officials, scholars, lawyers, and journalists who are building dynamic, equitable and resilient cities.

Company Memberships
Our 50 company members are leading design, development, law, construction and engineering firms who are leading urban development in New York City and around the world.

Support Us
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of civic leaders and design champions. Whether you are interested in joining our Director’s Circle or making a one-time contribution to support our work, we welcome your support.