Magrath Community Engagement Award Spotlight: Portland State University

In recognition of their extraordinary community outreach initiatives, four APLU member institutions have been selected as regional recipients of the 2016 W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Engagement Scholarship Award. As regional winners, East Carolina University, Pennsylvania State University, Portland State University, and Purdue University will represent and compete for the national C. Peter Magrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award, which will be announced during the APLU Annual Meeting November 13 in Austin, Texas.

To enhance Portland’s livability, preserve its distinct character, and plan for a resilient future, Portland State University (PSU) launched a partnership with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS). The multi-faceted partnership engages students and faculty from a variety of disciplines in education, research, and service to help achieve the program’s aims.

For more than 25 years, Portland State and BPS have engaged in this reciprocal relationship. The partnership demonstrates the passion and commitment BPS and PSU share for innovative urban planning, community engagement, education, and livability.

The products, services, and materials generated by the PSU-BPS alliance have garnered national and international recognition and support. For example, BPS’ innovative waste management practices are frequently cited as national best practices and the “Smart Cities” work has generated a $50 million request for proposal from the U.S. Department of Transportation. If funded, this grant would make Portland a test ground for how smart urban transportation systems can reduce carbon emissions and improve equity outcomes.

Every facet of the PSU-BPS partnership supports the Portland State mission by connecting students and faculty with the larger community in engaged scholarship that leads to applied learning. The PSU-BPS Partnership embodies PSU’s motto “Let Knowledge Serve the City” while exemplifying the unique value of a Portland State education.

So far, the partnership has yielded:

• Collections of longitudinal data that shape citywide waste management policy;
• Climate change research and education that informs the regions’ Climate Action Plan;
• Planning and development activities that promote an “Age Friendly City” agenda;
• “Smart Cities” research and development focused on transit access and livability issues; and,
• Placement of PSU Capstone students and interns in support of neighborhood-level activities which enhance livability for residents.