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Join the 2022-2023 Forefront Fellows to explore new approaches to waste that support our health, climate, and communities.

Sustainable waste systems are essential to healthy neighborhoods. Caring for our public spaces supports community connection and wellbeing. Microhauling and composting businesses can create local jobs. Building design choices can support diversion from the landfill. Collective action and creative strategies can propel New York City towards a circular system.

Following a year of immersive research, Forefront Fellows will present original projects on diverting waste at restaurants; fostering pathways to local circular jobs; investing in decentralized waste infrastructure; and reclaiming underutilized spaces for local community exchanges. Fellows will also debut research on residential waste management, developed in partnership with the Department of Sanitation.

How can New York transform its waste system to clean up our public spaces, promote materials reuse, and support local solutions?

Meet the 2022-23 Fellows

Our 2022-23 Forefront Fellows are an interdisciplinary cohort of designers, community planners, environmental justice advocates, developers and policy experts shaping the future of New York City.

Guest & Safety Policies 

Urban Design Forum promotes conversations between invited civic leaders, designers, developers, and advocates. This event is open to Forum Fellows and their invited guests.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please review the following policies:

• The building entrance, elevators and bathrooms are ADA-accessible.
• If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Face masks are encouraged, but not required. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, a high-quality, well-fitting face covering is required at all times.
• Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances to accommodate guests with allergies or environmental sensitivities.
• If you have other needs, please contact Cat Betances at catherine@urbandesignforum.org. 

About Forefront

Forefront is a year-long leadership development fellowship cultivating emerging talent in urban design, development, policy, and advocacy. Each year, selected Fellows immerse themselves in on-the-ground, collaborative learning on a topic with pressing importance for the future of New York City.  

Our 2022 Fellowship, New Loops, re-envisions how we keep our city clean.

Continuing Education

This program has been approved for AIA CES.

Support Our Work

This program is made possible through the support of our Board of Directors, Director’s Circle, and our Campaign for Courageous Leadership, a fundraising initiative to nurture a new generation of diverse, creative and informed leaders. Join us in supporting the Forum to become New York City’s leading center on the built environment.

To learn more about how you can support, please contact Miranda Bellizia, Director of Member Engagement, miranda@urbandesignforum.org.