We convene civic leaders to confront the defining issues in New York City’s built environment.

Current Initiatives

Community Design

The Local Center
A new community design network in partnership with the Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development
Special Projects

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

New Loops
Our seventh Forefront Fellowship re-envisions how we keep our city clean.
Next New York

Good Form
Our Good Form series is convening design and public health professionals to discuss shaping a healthier city.
Special Projects

New City Critics
Urban Design Forum and The Architectural League announce a new fellowship program for emerging critics.
Next New York

Streets Ahead
We envision a more vibrant, equitable streetscape for New York City.

Upcoming Events

06.08.23

Gowanus Precinct Study

Event Public Works
What lessons can we learn from the Gowanus Neighborhood Plan to inspire future planning initiatives?
06.14.23

East Midtown Greenway Tour

Event Tours
How can innovative coastline corridors address the need for public space and coastal resiliency?
06.15.23

New Loops Capstone

Event New Loops
Join the 2022-2023 Forefront Fellows to explore new approaches to waste that support our health, climate, and communities.
A person sits on a bench in a tranquil public park next to a river as a boat passes by.
06.21.23

Shaping Spaces for Healing

Event Good Form
How can trauma-informed public space design improve the mental health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers?
06.28.23

Critical Directions

Event New City Critics
What is the role of the critic and critical writing in shaping public conversation about the built environment?
06.29.23

Gansevoort Peninsula Tour

Event Tours
How can new waterfront access meet ecological needs and community priorities?
07.25.23

Film Screening: Stories from Neighborhoods Now

Event Neighborhoods Now
Join us for a special film screening and conversation with filmmaker Kate Levy and Neighborhoods Now partners.

News

Features

Fellow Spotlight: Earle Chambers
For this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we spoke with Dr. Earle Chambers, Director of Research and Family and Social Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Posted — April 25, 2023
Forum News

Call for Video Storyteller
We’re seeking an independently contracted video storyteller to document the inaugural projects of the Local Center.
Posted — April 25, 2023
Forum News

Campaign for Courageous Leadership
There has never been a more important moment to nurture a new generation of diverse, creative, and informed leaders.
Posted — October 14, 2022

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.