Research centers and institutes

Center for Urban Studies

320 Urban Center

503-725-4068

The Center for Urban Studies, established in 1966, is a multidisciplinary research unit.  The Center’s primary research emphases include:  Urban services, residential energy, sustainable urban practices, housing and equity, transportation, regional economic analysis.  In addition to its research function, the center serves as a resource for community service to units of local government and has sponsored conferences on important urban topics for the interested public.

The center houses the Community Environmental Services (CES) Program, the PSU-China Innovations in Urban Studies Program, and the Urban Sustainability Accelerator (USA). CES provides assistance to local communities, governmental agencies, and private organizations on a contractual basis. The PSU-China Innovations in Urbanization Program (http://www.pdx.edu/innovations-in-urbanization) promotes dialogue and exchanges among professionals, students, and scholars in the U.S. and China.  The Urban Sustainability Accelerator (USA), (www.pdx.edu/sustainability-accelerator) supports U.S. cities in sustainable development.  All programs serve to provide students with the opportunity to develop leadership, practical job skills, and civic responsibility through education, service, and research which addresses urban issues and resource sustainability.

The center also provides support for the Center for Transportation Studies. The CTS facilities and conducts multidisciplinary research on transportation issues, and promotes scholarly development and exchange among students, faculty, and transportation professionals.

Center for Real Estate

631 SW Harrison, Room 270

503-725-5175

In 2004, the Center for Real Estate was formed as a partnership between PSU’s acclaimed Schools of Urban Studies and Planning and Business Administration to manage the real estate programs at Portland State and serve as the vital link between the University and the real estate community.  Consisting of an Executive Director, an Academic Director, and an Assistant Director, the Center staff work with employers to not only meet their internship and employment needs, but also provide them with valuable updates on the real estate industry through the Center’s annual real estate conference.

The Center’s PSU Real Estate Quarterly publication showcases articles on innovation in the real estate industry and trends affecting the real estate market, regional planning and the regional economy.

The Center supports four real estate degree programs at Portland State University:  a Master of Real Estate Development, a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development, an Undergraduate Major in Real Estate Finance, and an Undergraduate Minor in Real Estate Development.  Faculty from both the Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning and the School of Business Administration teach the courses within each program.

Center address:  School of Business Administration, 631 SW Harrison Street, room 270.

Center for Transportation Studies

350 Urban Center

502-725-4024

www.cts.pdx.edu

An equitable and efficient transportation system for people and goods has a significant influence on the well-being of every citizen, impacting quality of life and the economy.  Social, environmental, and technological trends must be anticipated and incorporated into a “smart” transportation system in order to ensure resource preservation and enhancement of the region’s economic productivity.  Toward this end, the Center for Transportation Studies (CTS), a unit within the Center for Urban Studies, strives to stimulate and conduct multidisciplinary research on transportation issues, facilitating the dissemination of information and encouraging the implementation of research results.

CTS holds a weekly, public seminar during the academic year.