Since 1979, the Urban Design Forum has shaped the conversation about the design of our cities. With over 400 Fellows, our membership comprises leading developers, architects, planners, builders, public officials, scholars, lawyers, and journalists that have demonstrated a commitment to building great cities. Headquartered in New York, Fellows of the Forum hail from over fifty cities across the United States and around the world.

Fellows of the Forum enjoy invitations to conferences, roundtables, tours, and other programs throughout the year; free copies of our proceedings and publications; monthly bulletins featuring the latest urban design news and member updates; and access to the online Fellows Directory.

The Board of Directors invites a select group of distinguished leaders of urban design, planning and development to participate each year. Candidates must be nominated in writing by current Fellows of the organization. Nominating letters should concisely address candidates’ contributions to the fields of urban design, planning, policy and development; promise of future of achievement; standing among his or her peers; and ability to participate actively in Forum programs.

If you are interested in participating but do not have a nominator, we encourage you to submit a statement of interest that describes your professional achievements for review by the Membership Committee.

If you are interested in participating, please submit the following materials to [email protected]:

Forefront – Young Leaders Initiative

Forefront is a new initiative led by the Urban Design Forum dedicated to cultivating emerging leaders in urban design, development and policy.

Each year, the Forum invites 20 individuals under the age of 40 to become Forefront Fellows. Forefront Fellows will be invited to participate in dedicated conversations and site visits in New York City around different themes. Fellows will meet monthly, share projects and receive feedback from their peers and established leaders in the field. Learn more.