Public Participation & Education

PDC/PSU Class on Urban Renewal and Redevelopment

PDC and Portland State University (PSU) have joined together to offer a class on Urban Renewal and Redevelopment during Spring Term 2010. Download a print-quality flyer providing a course description.

Urban Renewal in Portland...

How is urban renewal performed in Portland? How is it continuing to create new community amenities, open spaces and transportation options, as well as stimulate new jobs and housing opportunities in the City? How is it funded? And how can citizens impact urban renewal policies and projects in their neighborhoods and business districts?

This class explores the history of urban renewal in Oregon and Portland, then brings in the real policy-makers to discuss the basics of how it works and why it is the preferred tool for revitalizing some areas. They will talk about the costs, benefits and trade-offs of urban renewal, and PDC’s continuing role in investing in the projects and programs that help shape our city.

Urban Renewal projectsThe class brings together people to ask the tough questions with those who have to make the tough decisions about spending and project priorities and the trade offs involved. Speakers include elected officials, PDC Commissioners and directors, neighborhood activists, housing advocates, business leaders and land and building developers.

Another class that you might be interested in is the Traffic and Transportation Class sponsored by Portland Department of Transportation and PSU. (Course topics include regional transportation planning, alternative transportation modes, environmental issues and transportation finance and policy.)

Course Details:

Limited space is available for the 10-week class. Should you need more information, you can contact Public Affairs by e-mail.
Syllabus: Class Syllabus - Spring 2010
Course information:

TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • How does urban renewal’s history affect planning and policies today in Portland?
  • How is urban renewal funded in Oregon and Portland? What is tax increment financing?
  • What is PDC’s role in providing affordable and market-rate housing in the city?
  • How is urban renewal performing in our neighborhoods – Interstate, Alberta, Gateway and Lents?
  • How does PDC use community input in its decision making process?
Instructors: The class is facilitated by Vera Katz who served as Portland’s Mayor for over a decade and oversaw many PDC projects and activities.
Guest speakers will include elected officials, PDC Commissioners and directors, neighborhood activists, housing advocates, business leaders and private developers.
Schedule & Information:

Spring term classes will be on Tuesdays, March 30 to June 1, 2010

Class location to be determined
PSU Campus - SW Broadway Street

Fees:
  • FREE for Portland residents and Urban Renewal Advisory Committee members (non-credit).
  • $168.50: Non-credit/audit or one upper division undergraduate credit

  • $319.50: One under-graduate credit. For engineers, planners and out-of-city residents and non-full-time PSU students.

  • Regular Tuition Fees: For full-time PSU students

Registration Information

Registration (for credit): This is a one-credit course for both graduate ($319.50) and undergraduate ($168.50) students. If you are auditing or taking the class for college credit, you must register through Portland State University (PSU). If you are not taking the course for credit, you may qualify for a scholarship (details below).

For paid non-credit/audit or non-admitted one-credit course, you can obtain a 'Quick Entry' application from PSU Admissions Office in Neuberger Hall, or online at www.ess.pdx.edu/adm/quickentryadmission.htm. You can also contact PSU by phone at 503-725-6765.

For full-time PSU students who need to register for credit class, register as you would for any other undergaduate or graduate PSU course.

Registration with PDC Scholarship (non-credit): Twenty-five scholarships will be awarded to Portland neighborhood volunteers and community activists who wish to take the class for non-credit (and free of charge). To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must live in the City of Portland and not be a PDC employee.

To be considered, please submit the scholarship application and registration form to:
(the forms are linked below)

Portland Development Commission
Attn: Kim McFarland
Scholarship Request
222 NW Fifth Ave.
Portland, OR 97209

Scholarship Application and Registration Form

Portland's waterfront




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