Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Walkability • Smart Growth • Environmental Justice

New Urbanism

Term from Urban Planning industry explained for recruiters

New Urbanism is a planning and development approach that creates walkable, people-friendly neighborhoods and cities. It focuses on designing communities where people can live, work, and play within walking distance. Think of traditional small towns with a main street, local shops, and houses nearby – that's the kind of feel New Urbanism tries to create, even in modern developments. This approach is different from typical suburban development that separates homes, shops, and offices into different areas requiring car travel. Similar approaches include Smart Growth and Traditional Neighborhood Development.

Examples in Resumes

Designed multiple communities using New Urbanism principles to create walkable neighborhoods

Led community engagement sessions to implement New Urbanist design strategies

Created master plans incorporating Traditional Neighborhood Development and New Urbanism concepts

Typical job title: "Urban Planners"

Also try searching for:

Urban Designer City Planner Community Development Specialist Town Planner Urban Planning Consultant New Urbanist Designer Neighborhood Development Specialist

Where to Find Urban Planners

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle opposition to a New Urbanist development in a car-dependent community?

Expected Answer: Should discuss community engagement strategies, presenting successful case studies, addressing traffic concerns, and explaining economic benefits of walkable communities. Should demonstrate experience managing stakeholder relationships.

Q: What strategies would you use to retrofit an existing suburban development with New Urbanist principles?

Expected Answer: Should explain practical approaches like creating town centers, adding mixed-use developments, improving walkability, and working with existing infrastructure while considering budget constraints and community needs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key elements you would include in a New Urbanist neighborhood design?

Expected Answer: Should mention walkable streets, mixed housing types, public spaces, local shops and services, and public transportation access. Should demonstrate understanding of how these elements work together.

Q: How do you balance parking requirements with New Urbanist principles?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creative parking solutions like shared parking, underground facilities, and reduced requirements while maintaining accessibility and business viability.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic principles of New Urbanism?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain walkability, mixed-use development, diverse housing options, and community-centered design in simple terms.

Q: How does New Urbanism differ from conventional suburban development?

Expected Answer: Should contrast car-dependent, single-use zoning with walkable, mixed-use communities and explain basic benefits of New Urbanist approach.