The Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium (PacTrans) and the Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University are thrilled to welcome David Zipper as keynote speaker for the 11th Annual PacTrans Transportation Conference, taking place this fall on the PSU campus in Portland.
Zipper is a Senior Fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and a nationally recognized voice on the intersections of transportation policy, technology, and society. A contributing writer for Vox and Bloomberg CityLab, his work has shed light on critical topics including road safety, oversized vehicles, climate change, and strategies to strengthen transit ridership. His insights draw from extensive experience in city government, venture capital, and startup advising—bringing a unique, pragmatic perspective to how transportation systems can adapt under uncertainty.
This year’s conference theme, “Connecting Communities: Improving Mobility under Uncertainty,” aligns directly with Zipper’s expertise in bridging research, policy, and practice to reimagine mobility for safer, more sustainable communities.
In addition to his writing, Zipper brings experience from inside city government and startup ecosystems. He previously served as Director of Business Development and Strategy for Washington, D.C. under two mayors, guiding the city’s response to ride-hail and supporting its first startup incubators. He co-hosts the podcast "Look Both Ways with David and Wes," where he brings a pragmatic lens to all things transportation.
About the PacTrans Conference
Want to present at the conference? We are now accepting proposals for posters and lighting talks, due August 27!
Now in its 11th year, the PacTrans Transportation Conference is the premier gathering for transportation research, policy, and practice across US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Region 10. This year’s theme, “Connecting Communities: Improving Mobility under Uncertainty,” addresses the pressing challenges facing the Pacific Northwest’s transportation systems, from climate resilience to equity in access and the rapid evolution of new technologies.
The one-day event will feature a rich agenda of technical breakout sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities. Participants include transportation professionals, researchers, faculty, students, and community members, creating a forum for collaboration across disciplines and sectors.
Conference Agenda
The conference will be divided into three tracks: Smart Mobility Analytics; Human-Centered Mobility; and Innovations for Infrastructure Resilience.
Smart Mobility Analytics
This track examines how recent advances in machine learning and sensing systems contribute to new understandings of mobility. Sessions will explore data analytics and autonomous mobility, including using data and analytical tools to achieve Vision Zero.
Human-Centered Mobility
This track explores how users of the transportation system can be engaged in planning, design, implementation, and research, and how to create a transportation system to better support users of all abilities. Sessions will focus on electrification and community engagement.
Innovations for Infrastructure Resilience
This track highlights cutting-edge research and practical solutions aimed at enhancing the resilience of transportation infrastructure in the face of environmental stressors, natural hazards, and extreme weather—especially in cold and remote regions. Presentations will explore advancements in monitoring systems, climate-adaptive materials, AI-informed modeling, and strategies for improving mobility and accessibility under challenging conditions such as earthquakes, permafrost degradation, and freeze-thaw cycles. Attendees will gain insights into scalable innovations that strengthen transportation networks and support long-term reliability and safety across Region 10 and beyond.
Pre-Conference Workshop
On Thursday, October 9, join us for a special workshop on "Human Centered Ai: Ethics, Bias Mitigation, And Cybersecurity." This workshop explores the principles, ethical considerations, and practical applications of Human Centered AI in transportation, with a focus on mitigating bias, ensuring cybersecurity, and fostering responsible AI deployment.
The conference is hosted by PacTrans, the federally designated University Transportation Center for Region 10, and TREC at Portland State University, a national leader in advancing transportation research and education. Partner institutions include the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Idaho, University of Washington, Washington State University, Portland State University, and the Northwest Indian College.
Portland State University's Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) is a multidisciplinary hub for all things transportation. We are home to the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI), the data programs PORTAL and BikePed Portal, the Better Block PSU program, and PSU's membership in PacTrans, the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium. Our continuing goal is to produce impactful research and tools for transportation decision makers, expand the diversity and capacity of the workforce, and engage students and professionals through education, seminars, and participation in research. To get updates about what's happening at TREC, sign up for our monthly newsletter or follow us on social media.
