In his first public presentation at Portland State University (PSU) since returning to Portland, former U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer spoke with an audience of about fifty students, faculty, and community members on May 17 about transportation funding.

Drawing from years of government experience at all levels, Blumenauer outlined the funding challenges faced by transportation agencies in Oregon and beyond.

He started by referring to a saying that for every problem there is often an elegant solution that is wrong. Raising the gas tax, he said, is such an “elegant solution.” The impact of raising the gas tax is less significant now than it was 30 years ago. 

“Paying by gallons is no longer rational with electrification,” he pointed out, instead advocating for a road user charge. Road user charges, he argues, are more elegant, more fair, and can dramat…

Nick Foster graduated from Portland State University (PSU) in 2014 with a Master's of Science in civil engineering. He is now a Principal Planner at Kittelson & Associates in Boise, ID. The photo on the left shows a project Nick worked on in Boise. On the right, Nick and his daughter are watching the PSU’s women’s basketball team play in the Big Sky basketball tournament.

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What do you do in your current role, and what does a typical day look like? 

There’s a wide variety of things I get to do in my current role and no two days are the same! On the technical side, I work on a lot of safety and active transportation focused plans and concept designs. Outside of technical work, I have the opportunity to build relationships with clients and colleagues, develop and execute business strategy (including hiring!), mentor staff, and engage in pro…

The concept of e-bike lending libraries is simple: they allow people to borrow e-bikes – for a few hours or a few months. Borrowing lets people try e-bikes when they're not ready or able to commit to the expense of buying one. By getting people used to riding e-bikes for everyday trips, lending libraries make e-bikes more accessible, reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and advance city and state climate goals.

A new report, "E-bike Lending Libraries: Trends and Practices in The United States," offers a comprehensive scan of e-bike lending libraries across the U.S. Through interviews and surveys, researchers John MacArthur, Joshua Miller, and Isa Swain of Portland State University identified key elements, goals, commonalities and differences among 54 e-bike lending libraries in the United States. The research team also produced an onlin…

Last week, Portland State University (PSU) recognized the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) with its inaugural Public Impact Partner Award, celebrating the power of research to drive transformative change in the community.

The award was accepted by PBOT’s Deputy Director of Planning, Projects and Programs, Art Pearce, at an awards ceremony at PSU on Friday, May 9 in recognition of the agency's commitment to ensuring that Portland's transportation network is designed and maintained using evidence-driven practices. And the partnership continues: A new intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between PSU and PBOT was just signed in May 2025, which will support projects that foster innovation and meet Portland's goals of a livable, equitable and sustainable city.

By basing its plans, policies, and infrastructure designs on data and research findings, PBOT works to enhance safety and mobility for people walking, rolling, bicycling, riding transit, and driving in Por…

Cassie Wilson graduated from Portland State University (PSU) in 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. She is now the Transportation Policy Manager for 1000 Friends Of Oregon.

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What do you do in your current role, and what does a typical day look like? 

I’m the Transportation Policy Manager at 1000 Friends of Oregon. I’m helping lead the Move Oregon Forward coalition to advocate for a state transportation funding package that prioritizes safety, climate, and equity. I meet with legislators, lead on coalition strategy, write sign-on letters, one-pagers, and testimony guides, and build relationships with other transportation stakeholders.

How did your experience at PSU shape your path into the transportation field?

Taking transportation classes at PSU helped me transition from volunteer transportation advocacy to a career in transpo…