Summer is in full swing, and I hope all of us urbanists are finding time to enjoy the richness of our cities and towns – or maybe in a city or town you have the opportunity to visit. Whether at a farmers market, the playground, a celebratory event, or just observing street life from a park bench, hopefully we can all find time to engage in the amenities that our neighborhoods offer (and not just imagine them digitally with photoshop entourage).
Here in Washington, DC, the pace of change is striking. Just last week, another wave of federal employees—including many architects, engineers, planners, and designers—were released through mass layoffs and reductions in force. These civil servants, often working behind the scenes, have long been champions of design excellence, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and meaningful public engagement in the built environment—locally, nationally, and globally.
Their departure marks a significant loss. Having worked alongside many of them over the past decade, I can attest to their deep expertise and commitment. This moment also presents a rare opportunity for design firms, public-interest practices, and community design centers to welcome this generation of mission-driven professionals into their ranks—people who bring a deep understanding of civic value and public-sector priorities.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to invite you to the 2025 RUDC Symposium: Urban Morphosis – Reimagining Cities through Adaptation, taking place in Dallas, Texas, on October 28–29. Cities are transforming in real time. From shifting work patterns and AI-driven economies to climate-related disruptions and nationwide affordability crises, we are living in a period of accelerated urban change. This year’s symposium asks: What design, policy, and financial innovations can turn today’s volatility into a more durable, inclusive, and resilient urban future?
With a record-setting response to our Call for Speakers, the program features over two dozen leaders across urban design, architecture, planning, public health, and city government—along with a Day 2 full of tours and a deep dive into the real-world complexities of urban transformation in Dallas. AIA, ASLA, and AICP continuing education credits are pending approval. Early bird registration is now open at rudc-symposium.com—join us for what promises to be a timely and energizing two days. (And consider hanging around for a few more days to pair our symposium with TxA25, the Texas Society of Architect’s annual conference and design expo.)
Until then, I hope the rest of your summer is restorative—and that you, like me, find moments to step away from the screen and into the city to observe, participate, and recharge.
Scott Archer, AIA, AICP, LEED AP ND
2025 RUDC Chair