Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

Jobs And Gender: Does Sex Play A Role In The Region's Recession?, Mary C. King

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Unemployment rates in Oregon have been among the highest in the nation. In a real role reversal, unemployment in the seven counties of the Portland metropolitan area have hovered less than a percentage point below the state level, defying the usual rule that unemployment hits the rural counties far harder than the more diversified economies of the urban areas. Are we experiencing a “he-cession” here in the metroscape? Is the economic downturn hitting men hardest, leaving women relatively unscathed? Has stimulus spending disproportionately benefited men? Does it even make sense to think about an economic downturn having a gendered impact, …

Photovoice As Authentic Civic Engagement: Lessons Learned In One Immigrant Community, Meg Merrick, Angie Mejia

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

It is widely acknowledged that equitable and sustainable public policy can only be achieved when it is informed by the concerns, hopes, and experiences of those who are affected. Public agencies wishing to engage recent immigrants can find this to be challenging, however. Effective public participation and civic engagement can be difficult when community members cannot speak English and/or come from very different cultural and political environments. The Chronic Disease Prevention Program (CDPP) of the Multnomah County Health Department and Metro, two public agencies serving the Portland, Oregon region, have actively sought to learn from the experiences of immigrant community …

Achieving Sustainable, Compact Development In The Portland Metropolitan Area: New Tools And Approaches For Developing Centers And Corridors, Gil Kelley, Sheila A. Martin, Elizabeth Mylott

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

This report represents the work of a group of local public, private and institutional experts in real estate development and finance convened by the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies at Portland State University. This was done at the request of Metro, which wanted outside expert advice on ways to achieve more robust development of centers and corridors in the Portland metropolitan area, an important aspect of implementing the 2040 Growth Concept. Although the expert advisory group (EAG) enthusiastically took on this task, it wanted to first back up a step and deliberate over whether and to what extent center and …

Bike Wars: Hostile Forces -- Drivers And Riders -- Go Wheel To Wheel In The Streets, Kyle Cassidy

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Examines the dynamics of bicycle culture in Portland, Oregon, with special focus on the interactions between cyclists and drivers. The article probes the economic, demographic and history of cycling in Portland, as well as plans for the future.

Business Growth In The Portland Metro Region, Sheila A. Martin, Emily Picha

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Like other articles on the Metropolitan Knowledge Network, we examine our region’s prosperity in comparison to other regions comparable to the Portland MSA and present the data in order of their 2008 population estimates.

Exploring Our Region’S Prosperity, Sheila A. Martin, Emily Picha

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Prosperity refers to the economic success of the regional economy and can be measured using income data. In order to assess regional prosperity in the Portland Metropolitan region, we will consider two measures of income: aggregate regional income (Metropolitan GDP) and income for individuals and households. In addition, we will discuss poverty levels in the Portland Metropolitan region according to the federal poverty standard. To ascertain the significant income variations both within the region and between comparable regions, this paper will compare counties within the Portland Metropolitan region and discuss how Portland measures up to ten "comparator regions" in the …

A Journey To Tolerance: Overcoming The Politics Of Hate, Leanne Claire Serbulo

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

The article examines the history of race relations in Oregon and Portland, as well as the growth of hate groups. It also discusses anti-gay and anti-abortion violence and rhetoric, and what opponents of hate groups did to stem the growth of extremism in Portland. The author argues that the institutional conditions that gave rise to extremism in the 1980s need to be addressed because we are still susceptible to homegrown hate.

Bailout Strategists: Thinking Through Philanthropy In A Time Of Troubles, Vivek Shandas, Marjory Hamman, Mark Holloway

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

As the global economy spirals into the unknown, fiscal certainty remains hard to come by in the region, especially when it comes to issues of social justice and support for the underprivileged. It’s hard to hear marginalized communities over the din of big banks and corporate CEOs. Increasingly, philanthropic organizations are being relied upon to fill the gap between having and needing, but can we expect philanthropy to thrive given predictions of darkening financial gloom? Vivek Shandas recently sat down with the principals from two local foundations outside the mainstream to learn about their strategies for success. Marjory Hamman is …

Spreading The Green And Sharing The Wealth, Rachel White

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Examines the effects and benefits of trees for the urban environment, and looks at recent studies that have attempted to define the benefits of urban trees. Discusses the implications of trees for city planning.

Understanding The Onami Experience: Success Factors And Transferability, Sheila A. Martin

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

A report produced in October 2008 on the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute. It examines what factors have contributed to ONAMI's organizational effectiveness and which of its characteristics might be transferable to other research centers.

Planting Prosperity And Harvesting Health: Trade-Offs And Sustainability In The Oregon-Washington Regional Food System, Sheila A. Martin, Tia Henderson, Meg Merrick, Elizabeth Mylott, Kelly Haines, Colin Price, Amy Koski, Rebecca Dann

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

This assessment reveals food system sustainability trends in Oregon and Washington, focusing specifically on the producers in both states and the consumers in the Portland- Vancouver region. We began the assessment by asking a group of food system stakeholders from Oregon and Washington to define broadly supported goals for a sustainable food system. They also helped us identify the data necessary to understand trends in the food system. This information can be used in the future to establish benchmarks and to assess future progress toward food system sustainability goals. Framed by stakeholder concerns, this report will assist program and policy …

Metroscape Rocks: Gem Trails Of The Metroscape, Garret Romaine

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

A description of six different "rock walks" in the Portland Metropolitan Area, with maps, directions and advice for novice rockhounds. Provides information on the types of rocks available as well as the best times to search.

Housing Needs Study For The Portland Metropolitan Area Final Report, George C. Hough Jr., Sheila A. Martin, Gerard C. Mildner, Risa Proehl

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

The purpose of this report is to respond to the recommendations of the Regional Housing Choice Task Force by providing information to guide housing choice policy for the Metro Council. In particular, the objectives of this project were to: Estimate current and future affordable housing need for the Metro region; Describe the distribution of households by income, age, and size across the metro region; Describe the tenure of these households and the type of housing they will choose; Identify and describe those household types that are most likely to struggle to meet the cost of housing based on their income; …

Good Planning, Good Health: An Interview With Rajiv Bhatia, Vivek Shandas

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Rajiv Bhatia, MD, MPH, is the Director of Occupational and Environmental Health for the San Francisco Department of Public Health. He is also a faculty member at both the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine and the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health. He is a founding member of the Health and Social Justice Committee for the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Nationally recognized for leadership in developing the health impact assessment tool, Bhatia thinks poor health resulting from social factors can be combatted by cooperation among health officials, policy makers, and …

The Interpretation Of Dreams : Aspirations And Opportunity In The Region, Janet Hammer

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

The American Dream is a story of opportunity and equity where anyone, regardless of station or starting point, can fulfill his or her potential. It promises that if you work hard and play by the rules, not only will your basic needs be met, but you can advance. Opportunity is about having a shot regardless of gender, race, or class, and equity is about fairness, not about sameness. Equity and opportunity play a pivotal role in the American Dream. Nationally, however, people seem to be working harder but falling behind. Opportunities to succeed are not equally available. What is the …

Dorothy Mccullough Lee: "Do-Good Dottie" Cleans Up, Meryl Lipman

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

This article provides a look back at a pioneering woman in the history of politics in Portland, Oregon: Dorothy McCullough Lee, who became the first female mayor of Portland. Her crusades against crime and vice were instrumental in transforming mid-century Portland. The author draws parallels between McCullough and another trailblazing female politician, Hilary Clinton.

Affordable Housing Needs Study For The Portland Metropolitan Area Draft Final Report, George C. Hough Jr., Sheila A. Martin, Gerard C. Mildner, Risa S. Proehl

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

The purpose of this report is to respond to the recommendations of the Regional Housing Choice Task Force by providing information to guide housing choice policy for the Metro Council. In particular, the objectives of this project were to: estimate current and future affordable housing need for the Metro region; describe the distribution of households by income, age, and size across the metro region; describe the tenure of these households and the type of housing they will choose; identify and describe those household types that are most likely to struggle to meet the cost of housing based on their income; …

The Doctor Is In : Ohsu's New President, Joseph Robertson, M.D., Discusses Pill Hill's Role In The Region And In The State, Merilee Karr

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

An interview with Joseph Robertson, MD, the president of Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon.

O, Give Me A Home: Kids, Stability, & Education, Andrée Tremoulet, Elizabeth Mylott

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Examines the state of homelessness in Oregon, with special focus on special needs for homeless students. Looks at factors affecting housing instability, student stability rates, and what schools should do to best serve homeless students. Calls for a re-examination of homeless stereotypes, in light of the fact that one third of the homeless in Oregon are children.

Periodic Atlas Of The Metroscape: Mapping Measure 37, Take One, Meg Merrick, Erik Rundell, Colin Maher

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

When Oregon voters passed Measure 37 in November 2004, its implications moved from the hypothetical to the actual. This edition of the Metroscape atlas explores how Measure 37 claims might affect Oregon’s future. This atlas describes the geographic distribution of the claims that have been filed so far because location, size, and substance are keys to the measure's effects. Given space constraints, we emphasize maps over explanatory text. Future editions of the atlas will focus in greater detail on a variety of potential impacts of Measure 37.

A Room Of One's Own: Why We Store, Kelle Lawrence

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Examines the storage industry in the Portland Metropolitan Area, and looks at factors influencing its growth and how it has changed. Analyzes the need for storage facilities and offers a statistical snapshot of the storage industry both in Oregon and nationally.

Public Finance : Differences, Similarities, And No Quick Fixes, Steve Novick

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Candidates for office, in every place and at every level of government, often talk as if they think they will be able to revolutionize both government services and the local (or state, or national) economy by, in some way, changing the structure of public finance. They’ll improve funding for basic services by prioritizing government spending. They’ll boost the economy by cutting taxes. They’ll replace an outdated, irrational structure by reforming taxes. They’ll make corporations and the rich pay their fair share. Et cetera. A review of the structure of public finance in the Portland metropolitan region suggests that any and …

Five Questions For The Future, Ethan Seltzer, Sheila A. Martin

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

We suspect that every generation views its times and challenges as tougher and more challenging than any preceding time. Sometimes the issue is money, others it’s that elusive sense of leadership, or even “the vision thing.” Nonetheless, it’s less about what times used to be like that matters, and more about what we’ll do with the hand we’ve been dealt. Fundamentally, it’s about the future. As we reviewed the materials now in your hands, we identified a number of issues, five to be precise, that will distinguish or diminish the prospects for this region in the future. Certainly, other readers …

Critical Issues 2007: Our Region Speaks Its Mind, Sheila A. Martin, Craig Wollner

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

The great historian Richard Hofstadter remarked that the United States was the only country born in perfection and aspiring to progress. Locally, what issues facing the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region (Clackamas, Clark, Washington, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill counties) must we deal with immediately to preserve the vaunted quality of life in one of the most livable regions in the nation? The Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies (IMS) at Portland State University (PSU) in partnership with the PSU Survey Research Laboratory regularly conducts a biennial Critical Issues survey. Consisting of a telephone canvass of regional residents as well as a mail-back …

Mitigating The Impacts Of Measure 37 : Implementing A Statewide Transferable Development Rights Program In Oregon, Mary L. Grothaus

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Nonregulatory land use planning tools can be effective for achieving statewide planning goals, but only in a regulatory context. Measure 37 makes that regulatory context problematic, with planners’ flexibility in making regulatory changes stymied. To conserve wildlife habitat after Measure 37, Oregon’s planners need to turn to these non-regulatory tools. One such tool is transferable development rights (TDRs). TDRs equitably preserve the ecosystem services of rural lands and promote efficient land use patterns. A rural property owner “transfers” her development rights to an urban developer by placing a conservation easement on her property and accepting payment from the developer, who …

Getting From Here To There In The Region, Jennifer Dill

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

This paper examines personal travel by area residents.

Periodic Atlas Of The Metroscape: Geography Of Opportunity: Maps From The Regional Atlas, Meg Merrick, Vivek Shandas

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Of the three pillars of sustainability (ecology, economy, and equality), equality has been largely absent from regional development discussions in part because policy makers lack a shared understanding of what equality means.

This edition of the Periodic Atlas features several maps from the Regional Equality Atlas that begin to tell a story of existing challenges and the highly dynamic nature of the relationships among people, place, and opportunities in the metroscape.

What Is Driving Measure 37 Claims In Oregon?, Sheila A. Martin, Meg Merrick, Erik Rundell, Katie Shriver

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

With over 7,500 claims covering 750,000 acres of farm and forestland, Measure 37 claims harbor the potential to change the landscape in Oregon. The majority of these claims are located in the Willamette Valley, where growth pressures and the value gradient between land for farms and land for residential development is great. This paper explores those relationships by describing and mapping the claims in terms of location, size, and current and proposed use, and then analyzes factors that appear to be driving the claims. At a county level, variables such as population growth, farm income, farm tenure and average age …

Metropolitan Briefing Book, 2007, Craig Wollner, Sheila Martin, George C. Hough Jr, Amy Koski, John Tapogna, Mike Houck, Jim Labbe, Jennifer Dill, Steve Novick, Ethan Seltzer

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

The Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies (IMS) was created to connect the resources of higher education to the needs of the six-county, bit-state Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area (Clackamas, Clark, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill Counties). In this spirit, we offer our 2007 Metropolitan Briefing Book. Our theme is regional variety. Variety has been touted as "the very spice of life" (William Cowper) and as "the mother of enjoyment" (Vivan Grey). Our region enjoys a good deal of variety--in its landscapes, in its economy, and in its people, their cultures, and their attitudes. These differences are important to local vitality and beauty. …

When Worlds Collide: A Report From The Cultural Divide, Meryl Lipman

Institute of Metropolitan Studies Publications

Discusses the cultural clashes generated when communities attempt to assimilate foreign refugees. Focuses on the difficulties refugees have adapting to new cultural milieus, problems finding and maintaining employment, and how religious practices can complicate successful resettlement.