The IMCL is a unique international peer-to-peer gathering of civic leaders, professionals and scholars dedicated to transitioning to a more livable, humane and ecological generation of cities, towns and suburbs. Once again, we will gather in an instructive and inspiring locale, to share the latest research and case studies on effective new tools and strategies to meet the new generation of urban challenges. 

https://www.imcl.online/2024-newport

Our focus for this conference will be on the tools and strategies to overcome the legacy of exclusionary planning and zoning, and the related damage of fragmented, auto-centric planning. We will explore effective ways to build, protect and enhance thriving public spaces, and the adjacent private spaces and uses that afford well-being, social interaction, quality of life, exercise, health, and economic opportunity, for ALL the residents of cities, towns and suburbs. 

Our venue this year is the beautiful and historic city of Newport, Rhode Island, USA. The city, founded in 1639, has a fascinating and complex history of tolerance as well as exclusion. It is a world sailing capital, and home to the famed Newport Jazz Festival as well as grand old 19th and early 20th century estates. Yet Newport also has its share of familiar challenges: lack of housing affordability and diversity, challenges in improving health and quality of life for all, the need for better walking and biking infrastructure, and, particularly challenging, issues of coastal flooding, urban resilience, and the urgency of climate-friendly planning.  

Our venue will be the historic Bois Doré estate, built in 1927 and made available thanks to the generous sponsorship of Fairfax and Sammons Architects. The estate is centrally located in Newport, and within walking distance of many hotels, restaurants and shops (see information below). There will also be opportunities for tours of landmarks in the area.

Newport is easily accessible by rail, bus or car from New York, Boston, or Providence. Our executive director, Michael Mehaffy, recently made a trip to prepare for the conference, and his video report is above (click on image to view).

INTBAU USA is honored to co-sponsor the 2024 IMCL Conference: Making Cities Livable: Research Into Communication, and ACTION.