TREC research addresses complex transportation problems by drawing on multiple disciplines, including engineering, planning, economics and design, from across the Portland State University campus. Use the search box at right to search for a specific project.

Research Highlights

Community-based Assessment of Transportation Needs to inform City of Portland Smart Cities Plan

Aaron Golub
The Portland Smart Cities UB Mobile PDX proposal is being transformed into a City of Portland Smart cities plan. The original proposal focused strongly on developing mobility solutions that would serve traditionally underserved populations. As the proposal moves into a plan, we intend to deepen our community engagement work, explore and assess what the transportation needs are in traditionally underserved communities, and explore how new mobility solutions embedded in Mobile PDX can best be… Read More

Is There a "Buy Local" Case for Lower Travel Speeds? Testing Differences in Driver Recognition of Local Versus National Retail at Different Travel Speeds

Jonathan Bean Arlie Adkins , Tara Goddard
City officials and business leaders looking to increase economic performance and attract new residents recognize the benefits of having a strong local retail environment. Money spent at a local retail is more likely to stay in the community (Civic Economics, 2008; Patel and Martin, 2011) and sell goods that are sourced locally (Clark & Banga, 2010). A commissioned study in Grand Rapids, Michigan, found that locally owned restaurants spent 56% their revenues locally, compared to only 37% in the… Read More