Research centers and institutes

Center for Urban Studies

320 Urban Center

503-725-5220

The Center for Urban Studies, established in 1966, is a multidisciplinary research unit that promotes and facilitates research and community service for faculty and students on urban and metropolitan issues.  CUS research on urban and regional systems and policy includes issues such as planning and growth management, sustainability, energy, transportation, economic development, and housing and equity.  Center for Urban Studies faculty are frequently engaged with policy-making institutions at the metropolitan, regional, and national levels, and CUS provides an infrastructure for the community to access the expertise and resources of the university.  Faculty scholarship is presented at public CityWise forums and in academic journals and conferences.  Private, public, and nonprofit organizations, as well as the community, can access expertise and services through CUS.

The center houses the Community Environmental Services (CES) Program, the PSU-China Innovations in Urban Studies Program, the Urban Sustainability Accelerator (USA), and the Oregon Planning Forum.

Community Environmental Services (CES) (www.pdx.edu/ces/) provides public and private sector institutions research, technical assistance, and educational outreach in the areas of solid waste minimization, recycling, and community sustainability program evaluation.

The PSU-China Innovations in Urbanization Program (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) is a joint project with PSU's Institute for Sustainable Solutions that supports U.S. cities to implement sustainable development projects through technical assistance and university expertise.

The Oregon Planning Forum provides planners and community leaders with information, insight, and inspiration needed for creating local solutions and statewide innovations, through the provision of timely research, training, convening, and reflection.

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.

Center for Real Estate

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 a Program Manager, 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, 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.